The Afghan government has chosen an unusual path to rebuild its military capabilities by recycling old Soviet-era weapons. This decision is driven by limited financial resources, political isolation, and the difficulty of accessing the international arms market.
Across old military bases and storage facilities, Afghanistan still has many legacy systems such as rocket launchers, artillery, and military vehicles left behind from the Soviet period. Instead of letting them rust or selling them as scrap metal, the government now sees these weapons as a starting point for rebuilding national defense.
Recycling old weapons is considered far cheaper than developing new systems from scratch. Designing modern weapons requires long research, expensive testing, and skilled human resources that Afghanistan currently lacks.
By using existing platforms, Afghanistan can avoid costly research programs. Many Soviet-era weapons were already proven in real combat conditions, making them practical despite their age.
Soviet military technology is known for being simple, durable, and easy to maintain. These qualities match Afghanistan’s current situation, where industrial infrastructure is still weak and resources are limited.
The process begins by restoring systems that can still function. Old rocket launchers and artillery pieces are repaired and sometimes mounted on newer or semi-modern truck chassis to make them usable again.
Although the results may not match factory-made weapons, the approach is seen as realistic. The focus is not on perfection, but on functionality and availability.
Basic components such as launcher tubes, mechanical frames, and rocket parts are slowly produced in local workshops. This gradual process allows Afghanistan to rebuild capacity step by step.
Local technicians play a key role in this effort. Over time, their skills improve, turning workshops into informal training centers for a new generation of Afghan technical workers.
A more modern method is also being introduced, including 3D scanning of old weapon systems. This technology allows each component to be digitally mapped and stored as a detailed blueprint.
With digital blueprints, Afghanistan can strengthen weak parts, improve inefficient designs, and upgrade systems without replacing the entire platform. This supports long-term development rather than short-term fixes.
This approach creates a continuous learning cycle. Afghanistan is not only using weapons, but also understanding how they work at a basic level. This knowledge is far more valuable than the old metal itself.
Geopolitical realities also force Afghanistan to be pragmatic. Sanctions, diplomatic restrictions, and lack of strong allies make modern weapon imports almost impossible.
In this situation, recycling Soviet-era weapons becomes the only realistic option. These systems are no longer bound by modern licensing rules and can be modified without relying on foreign manufacturers.
The policy also sends a political message. Afghanistan is trying to become more self-reliant in defense matters, showing that it can survive without full dependence on foreign aid.
At the same time, this effort creates domestic jobs. Repair workshops, small factories, and technical centers provide employment opportunities in sectors that previously barely existed.
Critics argue that relying on old technology is backward. However, the government believes effectiveness does not always depend on how modern a system is.
In certain conditions, simple and well-understood weapons can be more useful than advanced systems that are expensive and difficult to maintain.
In the medium term, Afghanistan hopes this recycling program will become a stepping stone. The goal is to gradually improve firepower, accuracy, and reliability.
The government admits this path is slow and full of limits. Still, compared to building a defense industry from zero, recycling old weapons is seen as the most realistic option.
History shows that many developing countries started their military industries in a similar way—by using what they had, learning from it, and improving over time.
Through this strategy, Afghanistan is not just restoring old weapons, but also laying the foundation for future defense knowledge and industrial capability.
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