The Strategic Significance Of Bagram Air Base In Afghanistan

Bagram Air Base is located in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan, 11 kilometres southeast of Charikar. It is situated high up in the mountains and was previously the largest US military base in Afghanistan. The base was built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and has two runways, with the main one capable of handling large military aircraft. Bagram Air Base was vacated by the US on July 2, 2021, and turned over to Afghan forces, marking a major milestone in the longest war in US military history.

Bagram Air Base is located in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan

The air base has two concrete runways, the main one measuring 3,602 by 46 metres, capable of handling large military aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy. The second runway measures 2,953 by 26 metres. In addition, the base features at least three large hangars, a control tower, numerous support buildings, and various housing areas. There are also over 13 hectares of ramp space and five aircraft dispersal areas.

Bagram Air Base was originally built by the Soviet Union during the early Cold War period in the 1950s. It played a significant role during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, serving as a hub for Soviet forces' operations and a base for their troops and supplies.

During the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, the base was secured by the United Kingdom's Special Boat Service. It later became the largest US military base in the country, staffed by the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing of the US Air Force, along with rotating units of US and coalition forces. The base was expanded and modernised by the Americans, with the addition of a second runway and various facilities.

In recent years, Bagram Air Base has been the site of several attacks and incidents, including rocket attacks, car bombings, and suicide bombings. In 2021, the US secretly evacuated the base, turning it over to Afghan forces. This marked a significant milestone in the longest war in US military history.

It is 11 kilometres southeast of Charikar

Bagram Air Base is located 11 kilometres southeast of Charikar, in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan. The air base is situated high up in the mountains, with temperatures dropping to −29 °C (−20 °F). It is under the control of the Afghan Ministry of Defence and was formerly the largest US military base in Afghanistan.

The base is 40 kilometres north of Kabul and is about an hour's drive from the Afghan capital. It is accessible by two separate roads from the Kabul International Airport. Bagram Air Base sits on the site of ancient Bagram, at an elevation of 1,492 metres (4,895 ft) above sea level.

The air base has two concrete runways. The main runway is 3,602 by 46 metres (11,819 ft x 151 ft), capable of handling large military aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy. The second runway measures 2,953 by 26 metres (9,687 ft x 85 ft).

Bagram Air Base has a rich history, dating back to the 1950s when it was built by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It played a significant role during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, serving as a hub for Soviet forces and a base for their troops and supplies.

In recent years, the base has been a focal point of the US military presence in Afghanistan, with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing of the US Air Force stationed there. The base was expanded and modernised by the Americans and included various amenities such as dining facilities and a hospital.

In July 2021, the US vacated the Bagram Airfield, turning it over to Afghan forces and marking a significant milestone in the longest war in US military history. The departure sparked controversy, with Afghan officials accusing the US of leaving without proper notification, leaving the base vulnerable to looting.

The air base has two runways

The base was originally built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and was expanded and modernized by the Americans when they took over in 2001. The US spent $68 million on the second runway, which is capable of landing large aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76, An-124, An-225, and the Boeing 747.

The air base was the largest US military base in Afghanistan and was staffed by the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing of the US Air Force, along with rotating units of the US and coalition forces. It was able to house 10,000 troops in 2009 and had numerous dining facilities, including Pizza Hut, Subway, and an Afghan restaurant.

It was formerly the largest US military base in Afghanistan

Bagram Air Base, also known as Bagram Airfield, was the largest US military base in Afghanistan. It was located 11 kilometres southeast of Charikar in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan. It was under the Afghan Ministry of Defense and was built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s.

The base was initially used by the Soviet Union to store aircraft hangars. However, after the September 11 attacks, US forces arrived in Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime. The base was expanded and modernized by the Americans and was able to house 10,000 troops in 2009. It was staffed by the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing of the US Air Force, along with rotating units of the US and coalition forces.

The base featured two concrete runways, three large hangars, a control tower, numerous support buildings, and various housing areas. It also had a hospital with 50 beds, three operating theatres, and a modern dental clinic. In addition, there were commercial shops and dining facilities, including Pizza Hut, Subway, and an Afghan restaurant.

In July 2021, the US vacated the base and turned it over to Afghan forces, marking a major milestone in the longest war in US military history. The departure was not without controversy, as the US was accused of leaving the base secretly overnight without notifying the new commander, leaving the facilities vulnerable to looting.

The US withdrawal from Bagram Air Base took place in July 2021

Bagram Air Base is located 11 kilometres southeast of Charikar in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan. It was the largest US military base in Afghanistan and was under the control of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing of the US Air Force.

The US withdrawal from Bagram Air Base was conducted in secrecy, with US forces shutting off the electricity and leaving in the night without notifying the new Afghan commander, Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani. The departure took place on July 1, 2021, and the base was de facto handed over to the Afghan government on July 2, 2021. The US military spokesman, Col. Sonny Leggett, stated that the handover of the base had been coordinated with Afghan leaders.

The withdrawal left the base vulnerable to looters, who ransacked the facilities before the Afghan troops could regain control. The US left behind approximately 3.5 million items, including vehicles, weapons, and supplies. The departure of US forces from Bagram Air Base signalled the end of America's longest war and was a symbolic victory for the Taliban.

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