Air Force officials say the total weight of logistical supplies airdropped in 2008, measured at 8.5 million pounds of goods, has already surpassed the amount in 2007 and is three times the total amount from 2006, the Air Force reported.

The increased use of the tactical airdrop to resupply troops has proven a distinct advantage for U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Officials say the airdrops, which supply units in combat zones with fuel, ammunition and medical goods, among other requirements, has allowed for constant pressure to be applied to insurgents whose supply networks are often strained.

In Afghanistan, the rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure make supply routes nearly impossible. But Air Force officials say that cargo dropped from C-130 and C-17 aircraft on average falls less than 610 feet from its target, allowing for a resupply of troops in almost any circumstance.

"Airdrop capability is indicative of the asymmetric advantages of air power throughout the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility," Lt. Gen. Gary North, Air Force central commander and CENTCOM combined force air component commander, said in a statement.

"Our Air Force and coalition air force's capability to airdrop supplies to our ground forces in isolated environments allows the collective forces to maintain the pressure on the enemy. In many places in Afghanistan, our airdrops are the sole source of resupply to ground forces."

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.