The Italian Air Force has sent a six-member team to Shindand, Afghanistan, to develop an advisory programme similar to Nato’s combined air power transition force (CAPTF) in Kabul.

The Italian Air Force team will provide airfield management at Shindand and provide operational and maintenance assistance for the Mi-17 helicopter and fixed wing aircraft.

Shindand will be the first fully-owned and operated Afghan military airfield when it becomes fully operational.