Published September 29, 2025
v303 FG Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIR BASE, AFGHANISTAN (v303 FG PA) – On October 1, the Virtual 303rd Fighter Group will return to Kandahar Air Base to begin Phase 2 air missions of Operation Prevailing Liberty.
- The 303rd Fighter Squadron “KC Hawgs” bring back their A10C Thunderbolt II aircraft. Mission is to provide close air support, strike Taliban, Afghan Army and PLA strongholds, additionally protecting friendly forces on the ground.
- Alongside them are the 93rd Fighter Squadron “Makos” with F16C Vipers. The Makos are prepared to deliver precision strikes, conduct suppression of enemy air defenses, and defend coalition airspace against hostile threats.
MQ-9 "WHISPER" and "GHOST"
International Reactions
NATO partners have voiced their support for the mission. Leaders called it critical to prevent further destabilization and to protect Afghanistan’s fragile democratic elements.The Chinese government condemned the return of the 303rd. They called it unprovoked aggression. Coalition intelligence confirms that the People’s Liberation Army have provided funding, logistics, advanced radar, missile systems, and J11B fighter aircraft to Taliban aligned Northern Security Front forces inside Afghanistan.
Phase 2 Campaign Objectives
- Neutralize NSF threats and associated PLA systems. Since the 2021 withdrawal the NSF has entrenched across key provinces and targeted former partners and aid operations. A10C and F16C forces will attack command and control nodes, destroy advanced air defense platforms, and cut supply and logistics lines.
- Secure Bagram and degrade the integrated air defense network. PLA provided radars and air defense elements have created an IADS style grid in the northeast. Disabling those sensors and launchers and securing Bagram will restore coalition freedom of movement in the air and make logistic choke points usable for follow on operations.