Afghan Defense Delegation Engages in Russian Military Exercises Amid Strategic Partnerships

A delegation from the Afghan Ministry of Defense, led by Nasibullah Madani, participated in the Center 2026 military exercises in Russia, which included 47,000 military personnel from seven countries.

Nasibullah Madani Represents Afghanistan in Russian Military Exercises

A high-ranking delegation from the caretaker government’s Ministry of Defense, headed by Nasibullah Madani, participated in the large-scale military exercises known as Center 2026, officially hosted by Russia. These drills took place from October 6 to 11 in various regions of Russia and the Caspian Sea basin.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Defense, the Afghan delegation, while overseeing the different stages of these exercises, also focused on the demonstration of advanced military equipment and weaponry, including heavy vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), long-range missiles, and robotic systems.

Afghan Defense Delegation Engages in Experience Exchange at Russian Maneuvers

On the sidelines of these drills, representatives from the Afghan Ministry of Defense engaged in discussions with military officials from China, India, North Korea, Vietnam, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other countries to enhance bilateral relations and exchange combat experiences.

Russia Hosts Joint Military Exercises with Various Countries

The participation of the Afghan military delegation in these exercises coincides with the visit of Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the acting Minister of Defense, to Moscow in June, where he signed a technical-military cooperation agreement with Sergey Shoigu. This agreement is viewed as a step towards strengthening relations between Kabul and Moscow.

While full details of the agreement have not been disclosed, the acting Minister of Defense announced upon returning to Kabul that this document does not constitute a defense or security pact, but rather provides a framework for technical and military interactions between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of enhancing Afghanistan’s defensive capabilities and responding to violations of the country’s airspace by Pakistan.