Top Gun, Kabul-style

(MoD)

Pilots of the embryonic Afghan Air Force have begun training in Britain as part of the Western exit strategy from the country.

The aircrew are attending lessons on jets and helicopters at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire as part of a two-year course.

One of the pilots, Sayeed, who did not want his full name published for security reasons, said: "I want stability in my country, and I want peace in my country, because we are anti-terrorist.

"We are against those people who are against our country. So if those people are against us, so I am against them, this is for sure. That's why I am training."

The Afghan Air Force at present mainly flies helicopters and transport planes but it is expected to acquire fast jets as part of an upgrading programme.