Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s defense minister, has announced that practical implementation of the recently signed military and technical cooperation agreement between the Taliban and Russia will begin in the coming days.
Speaking at Kabul International Airport after returning from Moscow, Mujahid said the agreement should not be viewed as a defense or security alliance and should not cause concern among neighboring countries.
According to the Taliban defense minister, the primary focus of the agreement is the reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of Russian-made military equipment currently in Afghanistan.
He stated that Afghanistan possesses a large number of Russian-built helicopters, aircraft, and other military assets that require maintenance and technical support.
“There are many Russian-made weapons systems, helicopters, and aircraft in Afghanistan that need repairs, and cooperation with the manufacturing countries is necessary for their effective use,” Mujahid said.
He also suggested that similar agreements could eventually be signed with the United States, noting that American-made military equipment remains in Afghanistan as well.
Mujahid further emphasized that Afghanistan requires an air defense system and said the Taliban would make future decisions regarding the purchase and acquisition of such capabilities.
Commenting on recent tensions with Pakistan, the defense minister claimed that the agreement with Russia had generated concern in Islamabad.
He added that the Taliban intend to strengthen their capabilities to a level where, in his words, Pakistan would no longer dare to launch attacks on Afghan territory.
The remarks come amid growing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan over border clashes, airstrikes, and mutual security accusations.
The military cooperation agreement signed in Moscow has attracted regional attention, although detailed provisions of the document have not yet been publicly released.
