The Afghan Taliban’s armed capability is declining, driven in part by a reduced ability to operate foreign equipment the group seized when it returned to power in 2021, and by a lack of international recognition that has hindered military modernisation. The force is estimated at about 172,000 active personnel and the group has announced plans to expand to 200,000, but its overall readiness and technological edge remain limited compared with neighbouring Pakistan.
The Taliban retain a range of armoured fighting vehicles, including Soviet‑era main battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers, and are reported to possess autonomous underwater vehicles; however, exact inventories and operational status are unknown. Similarly, they hold artillery of at least three different types, but the number of pieces is not publicly documented.
Afghanistan effectively has no fighter-jet fleet or a conventional air force. It is known to possess at least six fixed‑wing aircraft-some dating to the Soviet period-and 23 helicopters, though how many of these are airworthy is unclear. Unlike Pakistan, Afghanistan does not have a nuclear arsenal.
A lack of formal recognition for the Taliban administration has been cited as a factor limiting access to repair parts, training and equipment upgrades, complicating efforts to maintain and modernise the seized hardware. —Reuters
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/afghanistan-pakistan-clash-tension-border-the-hindu-live-updates/article70681565.ece
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Publish Date: 2026-02-27 16:58:00
