Six British Harrier jump-jets will be deployed in Afghanistan to assist coalition forces ahead of the country's election this fall, officials said Wednesday. The Royal Air Force's GR7 jets will be based in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, in southern Afghanistan, defense chiefs said in a statement. It will be the first time that Britain has deployed combat aircraft in Afghanistan, despite its heavy involvement in the U.S.-led coalition that toppled Taliban.
The decision to send the jump jets, famous for their vertical takeoffs and landings, comes as Afghanistan faces a tense period in the run-up to October's election. The Harriers are expected to spend nine months in Kandahar, providing close air support and reconnaissance for coalition troops. Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon said their deployment underlined Britain's commitment to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. "The Royal Air Force crews will provide a highly capable and credible force which will contribute to improving the security environment in the region," he said. Initially, 315 army and air force soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan along with the warplane, but that deployment will later be reduced to 230, officials said. The first group of British soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan on Thursday, including engineers who will prepare Kandahar airfield for the Harriers, officials said. The soldiers also will prepare for the arrival of the main British deployment, which is to be operational by the end of September ahead of Afghanistan's national election on Oct. 9.
| Now let's see if the French and Germans will increase their NATO commitment to Afghanistan. |
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