Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Danger For Strategic Airlift in Central Asia
Aviation Week and Space Technology ^ | 2/8/2010 | David A. Fulghum

Posted on 02/08/2011 6:46:56 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld

The chief of U.S. transportation command says he is worried daily that advanced, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles will show up on the battlefield in Afghanistan or along the routes to fly there that could threaten strategic airlift.

In particular, classified State Dept. cables have voiced concerns about Chinese weapons and trainers having connections with the Taliban.

“Today [that threat] could change,” says Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb. “I want us to stay ahead of it, with all of our international partners, [by being aware] these things might happen. We don’t talk a lot about it, we readjust. Even though it’s not a threat today, it could be tonight or tomorrow.”

Leaked State Department cables and comments by allied analysts contend that Chinese specialists were seen training Taliban fighters in the use of surface-to-air missiles. The most prominent missile mentioned was the QW-1 Vanguard, an all-aspect, 35-lb. launch tube and missile that is reverse-engineered from the U.S. Stinger and the Russian SA-16 Gimlet (9K38 Igla). The QW-1M incorporates technology from the even more advanced SA-18 Grouse (9K38 Igla).

(Excerpt) Read more at aviationweek.com ...


TOPICS: Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: aerospace; afghanistan; airlift; antiaircraft; centralasia; china; fim92; manpads; sa18; taliban; transcom; ustranscom

1 posted on 02/08/2011 6:46:59 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: ErnstStavroBlofeld

Wouldn’t it really be a wonderful ting to catch one of the Chicom MFr’s training the Taliban to kill our boys there in Afghanistan.

Then we could send his ass to Gitmo before we put him up against a wall, and then put the video up on YouTube so those A-holes in China will know what to expect if the keep it up?


2 posted on 02/08/2011 6:49:58 PM PST by R0CK3T
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: R0CK3T

it would even be better to immediately ban imports of all Chinese goods.


3 posted on 02/08/2011 6:55:23 PM PST by Soul of the South (When times are tough the tough get going.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: ErnstStavroBlofeld

McNabb is still infesting Scott AFB? I’ve got letters from him dating back to the 1980’s. It’s too late-—friend of mine got hit on a C-5 coming out of Baghdad back in ‘04. At least the Army caught the SOB who launched the manpad. It took out the number 3 engine. Guy named Zeiner (a screw up who later became squadron commander) just tear dropped and landed opposite direction after they did the bold face for the engine fire. MWS system is a farce. My pal said it warned of the flying telephone pole just as it exploded.


4 posted on 02/08/2011 7:06:34 PM PST by Tea Party Reveler
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ErnstStavroBlofeld

Russian Spetsnaz have also been helping the Taliban out from time to time.


5 posted on 02/08/2011 7:13:31 PM PST by Thunder90 (Fighting for truth and the American way... http://citizensfortruthandtheamericanway.blogspot.com/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson