KABUL (SW) – Experts call for stringent air space monitoring years since the de-facto government of the Islamic Emirate took power, but its forces have not yet been able to demonstrate full control over the airspace.
The lack of control over Afghanistan’s airspace has led to repeated drone patrols over Afghanistan.
Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, the acting defense minister of the de-facto government, has lately said efforts are underway to take control of Afghanistan’s airspace.
Experts, however, consider the control over Afghanistan’s airspace by the government as a necessity and call for the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in this regard.
“The ministry of national defense should train its air force properly and regularly, especially what is related to the air and there is a threat from there, they should defend it in the air,” said Aziz Stanekzai, a military expert.
According to experts, the de-facto government must make more efforts to activate air radar to track violations of Afghan airspace and equip the air defense sector to prevent airspace violations.
The experts cite the unfavorable economic situation in Afghanistan, political challenges caused by the lack of recognition of the Islamic Emirate by the world, as well as, the lack of constructive programs to professionalize the air force. “We don’t have jets,” said Taher Yarghal, a military expert. “We don’t have fighter jets. These are basic necessities. We don’t have strong radar. These require a strong budget.”
Abdul Wahid Taqat, another military expert, said: “A country needs to have higher F-18, F-24 and F-35 jets to maintain its airspace, and more importantly, we need to have a strong radar.”
The openness of Afghanistan’s airspace has allowed foreign drones to patrol over Afghanistan from time to time, which in some cases has been confirmed by the de-facto government.
