903 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW)
At present the RAF has some 950 personnel deployed in Afghanistan, primarily at Khandahar but also at CampBastion, Kabul and Lashkar Gah.
In 2009 the Tornado GR4 replaced the Harrier GR7/9 as fast jet Close Air Support assets based at Kandahar Airfield as part of 904 EAW.
In Dec 2009 904EAW was formaly re-badged to 903EAW. 903 EAW was stood down in May this year in Basra following the end of Operation Telic but reformed following the strategic decision to boost operations in the Helmand region.
The Tornado GR4 has benefited from some significant upgrades in preparation for service on OP HERRICK, both in terms of hardware and software. Two new types of weapons have been brought to theatre, these are the Paveway IV GPS and laser guided bomb and the DMS Brimstone laser guided missile. These, along with the 27mm cannon and LIII designating pod, are modern weapons that significantly increase the capability and flexibility of the Tornado GR4 in supporting our troops on the ground as well as markedly reducing collateral issues. In the important role of ISTAR the Tornado GR4 utilises the RAPTOR pod which, in conjunction with Tactical Imagery Wing (TIW) has produced some excellent results.
In the Tactical Support and Transport role, 903 EAW employs Hercules C130 J aircraft. The aircraft is capable of airborne delivery of personnel or stores by Airdrop, and this, along with its ability to operate off unprepared or semi prepared surfaces makes it ideal for the environment of Afghanistan. The C130 frequently operates in support of ground forces by airdropping supplies to patrol bases, or by landing on Tactical Landing Zones such as riverbeds.
903 EAW Kandahar contributes to the follow-on operations against Al Qaeda, Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin and the Taliban by supporting Coalition Forces and ISAF missions.
KAF is situated approx 18km SE of Kandahar, the second largest city in Afghanistan with an estimated population of around 1.2 million. KAF is currently used as an operating base for US Combined Task Force (CTF), operating in the surrounding regions, and is home to US combat and support personnel as well as a number of different allied elements, including 904 EAW. The allied forces operate a variety of air assets.
Mission of 903:
To promote the most effective and efficient employment of Royal Air Force air power in Afghanistan JOA – within a coalition context – in support of the political and military intent of COMISAF and the national chain of command.
