Window on the World: Rebuilding Kabul International Airport in 2002

Jun 2005, Vol. 150, No. 3
By Steven Abbott

From January to July 2002, the UK in joint and combined operation led the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul. This was a Phase 4 Peace Support Operation designed to set the conditions for an Interim Afghan Authority to establish the base from which it could legitimize itself through a ‘Loya Jurga’1 and ultimately elections from which a future national government could emerge.Within this operation (Operation Fingal), a pivotal enabling activity was the reactivation of Kabul International Airport to facilitate the rapid deployment and sustainment of the 5,000-strong ISAF. In the period from January to July 2002, the airport was rebuilt and operated under UK Royal Air Force command. A total of 6,028 aircraft movements took place (2,453 military) and in support of ISAF alone some 38,000 tonnes of freight and 4,000,000 litres of fuel and 28,000 personnel passed over the air bridge into Kabul. Such statistics argue in favour of a significant tactical success in the delivery of a raft of air power functions. This might be satisfying to those in search of such reassurance. However, the conduct of Operation Fingal in respect of Kabul International more usefully offers an opportunity to bring to life the recently published UK Future Air and Space Operational Concept (FASOC). There are two levels at which this is relevant; first in terms of illustrating the concept of agility, and second in reflecting upon the effect the application of core air and space power roles can have.

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