Defense News reports that “Afghanistan is not a country known for its aeronautical industry, but at least one top-ranking US official believes that could change.”  

“’The aviation industry in Afghanistan is an opportunity for that country,’ Gen. Mark Welsh, US Air Force chief of staff, said Wednesday. ‘It’s an industry that could be incredibly successful and meaningful for them in that region, but it hasn’t been robust in the past. Their Air Force will lead that effort, their airmen will lead that effort.’”  

“Welsh, speaking at a breakfast lecture hosted by the National Press Club, warned that any industrial development would be endangered by a 2014 withdrawal of US forces.”