Afghan Air Force received five MD-530 Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopters from USA.

The Afghan Air Force received five MD-530 Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopters on November 22.

MD-530 Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopter (Picture source: MD Helicopters)

MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is an armed variant of the OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter built by MD Helicopters. It is designed to enhance scout attack, armed escort and close air attack capabilities of the air forces.

The multi-purpose armed helicopter can be deployed in tactical, reconnaissance and transport operations. It can also carry out airborne law enforcement, executive and personnel transport, air medical services, search-and-rescue (SAR), firefighting and other public safety missions.

The helicopters were delivered to Kandahar via a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft on October 27 and were reassembled for active service within ten days, according to a statement by the US-based defense contractor MD Helicopters Inc.

The five helicopters are part of a total delivery of 30 helicopters ordered by the US Army under a wider $1.4 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract issued in September 2017.

The 2017 contract entails the “procurement of an estimated quantity of 150 MD 530F aircraft and required production support services to include program management, delivery support, pilot training and maintenance” to be implemented by September 2022, according to the US Department of Defense (DoD).

With the latest shipment, the number of MD 530F training and combat aircraft delivered to the Afghan Air Force has reached 60.

With the latest shipment, the number of MD 530F training and combat aircraft delivered to the Afghan Air Force has reached 60 (Picture source: MD Helicopters)