January 31, 2011, a patrol of French fighter planes stationed in Kandahar has intervened in support of French troops and Afghan engaged in Operation Lightning Storm in Kapisa valley, 50 kilometers east of Kabul.
The joint patrol consisting of two Mirage 2000D and F1CR, ready to deploy when a request for support to the center operation. Strapped into their cockpits,
pilots learn that change rapidly and land to the center of operations. They now have to take off without delay to provide support to troops engaged in Kapisa, about 40 minutes of flight. All plans are reviewed and updated in-flight refueling to the new time zone on the presence requested.
Tagab Valley appears calm on arrival patrol in the area. The coverage area is continuing, thanks to supplies made in flight on an American plane positioned vertically to the patrol. But soon, the situation becomes more tense friendly troops engaged insurgents and a French soldier was wounded during the fracas. A first demonstration of power, a show of force (passage of intimidation at very low altitude and high speed), is carried by the Mirage 2000D. Mirage F1CR returns from refueling and repeats the maneuver by ejecting flares over the enemy's position. A intimidation by firing the cannon Mirage F1CR is even decided. But Afghan and French elements are embedded with the insurgents. The pilot aborted the procedure, the risk of fratricide is too high. The show of force produced its effect, the insurgents scattered. The air patrol is now engaged for nearly three hours. Two helicopters arrived from the Tigris Forward Operating Base (FOB) Morales Frazier to take over, eye contact and radio reports on the position is made. Airmen call the course to Kandahar.
The complementarity of the two aircraft (2000 and F1CR) clearly respond to requests from ground troops. The Mirage 2000D offers a capacity adequate surveillance and intelligence. With its laser designation pod, it can transmit real time images from the field to the air traffic controller, allowing precise identification of some designated targets. Mirage F1CR brings his ability to fire cannon (30mm) and laser-guided weapons, and also makes possible the recognition of opportunity.
Since 2002, the detachment of Kandahar is implementing six fighter aircraft, achieving more than thirty weekly outings to provide fire support missions and reconnaissance, day or night, to benefit the entire coalition.
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