Afghanistan’s Taliban government has received a pledge from Russia to supply advanced air defense systems and other military assistance, according to a source cited by the BBC. The agreement was reportedly signed in Moscow, with Russian National Security Adviser Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid present. The deal includes air defense equipment, ground military hardware, and training for Taliban forces, though it remains unclear whether offensive systems such as drones are part of the package.

The source indicated that discussions between Moscow and the Taliban had taken place earlier, and the agreement formalizes their defense cooperation. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have maintained cordial relations with Russia, which kept its embassy open in Kabul and signed an economic deal in 2022 to supply oil, gas, and wheat. Mujahid emphasized the importance of expanding ties with Russia during his Moscow visit.

The agreement follows recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan that exposed Kabul’s air defense weaknesses. This marks the first formal military and technical cooperation deal signed by the Taliban defense minister with a regional power.