Abdul Basir Saberi, head of the logistics department of the Taliban's Ministry of Defence has stated that the group needs Russian air defence systems.

Saberi said that in the future, they intend to purchase Russian-made equipment to enhance their air defence capabilities.

In an interview with TASS, the Russian state news agency, he mentioned that they need equipment for air defence and airspace control.

Saberi described Russia as an advanced country in technology and said that whenever conditions permit, the Taliban will purchase Russian-made equipment.

The head of the logistics department of the Taliban's Ministry of Defence mentioned that the group currently possesses ground military equipment.

This Taliban official was referring to US military equipment left in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal in August 2021.

Saberi said that the Taliban is currently using the weapons and equipment left behind by the US "to protect the borders."

He mentioned that with the US equipment, "everything is fine”.

Regarding the capability of these weapons, he said, "We can fully protect the borders; we have all the weapons necessary for this."

Mutual Support

Like other countries, Russia has not yet officially recognised the Taliban, but it has extensive political relations with the group.

However, Saberi claimed that Russia had "almost" recognised the Taliban and emphasized the need for mutual support until the end.

The head of the logistics department of the Taliban's Ministry of Defence added that they have no problems with any country and are ready to establish relations and be friends with everyone on the international level.

At the same time, he acknowledged that Western countries view the Taliban as "bad people" and that because they are on the blacklists of these countries, they cannot progress or form friendships with them.