Dutch Apaches fly 5,000 hours in Afghanistan
The Apaches of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have passed the milestone 5,000 operational flying hours in Afghanistan.
Five AH-64D Apaches from 301 Squadron, normally based at Gilze-Rijen have been in Afghanistan flying on operations for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since 2006.
The aircraft are based at Camp Holland at Tarin Kowt and are mainly used to provide air support for Dutch but also other Coalition forces.
The Apaches are also used in the convoy escort role as well as the escort of Dutch transport helicopters such as the Cougars.
Currently there are approximately 1500-1800 Dutch troops stationed in Afghanistan, mainly as ground forces. The RNLAF also has as six F-16 fighter aircraft in the country.
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