Afghan Air Force has planes but no state
The rugged Mi-8/Mi-17 made up the backbone of the former AAF fleet. (US DoD)
The Afghan Air Force no longer exists within Afghanistan, but many of its personnel and aircraft scattered to neighbouring countries after defeat at the hands of the Taliban.
Afghan forces collapsed spectacularly like a row of dominoes this month as political leaders such as President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Towards the end, many Afghan Air Force (AAF) aircraft took to the air to find refuge in neighbouring countries.
By no means did all helicopters and aircraft escape the clutches of the Taliban, however, as they overran air bases such as Bagram, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar and Mazar-i-Sharif before achieving its almost nationwide victory on 15 August.
In an inventory assessment dated 16 August, the Oryx blogsite analysed what AAF airframes had in fact been captured. Its compilers
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare]()
With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare
The modern battlefield is evolving rapidly — threats range from stealthy cruise missiles to coordinated drone swarms. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is meeting these challenges head-on with a series of transformative upgrades to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and maritime SeaGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft.
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
