More aircraft delivered to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The Afghan air force has received three more G222 aircraft from Alenia North America.

The aircraft delivered were the 12th, 13th and 14th of 20 G222 aircraft ordered by the U.S. Air Force for Afghanistan.

Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Italy's Alenia Aeronautica and part of the Finmeccanica group, said one aircraft deployed to Kabul this month and the second and third will deploy before the end of September.

The G222 is a turboprop military transporter. The aircraft's missions in Afghanistan have included humanitarian aid, MEDEVAC and security. Two of the latest three delivered are in a VIP configuration.

"Alenia North America is looking forward to continuing to be involved in the G222 program in future years," said John Young, chief executive officer of Alenia North America. "The G222 has become the backbone of the country's growing air force and has provided vital support to ongoing missions in Afghanistan."