RN Sea King ASaC in use over Afghanistan

The Royal Navy's Airborne Surveillance and Control Sea Kings have been in action over Afghanistan, a major change from their original and main role of providing AEW for the RN's carriers. When the helicopters were upgraded with Searchwater 2000 radar their role began to change as the new radar enabled them to track maritime and land targets as well as aerial, a new capability first used in the 2003 Iraq war. Now they are playing a key role over Helmand detecting insurgents and keeping commanders informed about what is going on. The SeaKing ASaC7s were upgraded with new engines, defensive aids and extra armour for Afghanistan and will soon receive improved rotors.