Afghanistan - Armed forces

Weapons information dates back to 1992, at which time there were SU-17, MiG21, and Mi-8 combat aircraft in the country. In 1998, defense spending was estimated at $250 million or 14.7% of GDP. In 2002, the US was leading the efforts in creation of a national army. The international community as a whole made commitments to helping Afghanistan build security institutions. In 2002, Afghanistan requested $235 million from the UN for 60,000 men for the land army, 8000 for the airforce, and 12,000 border guards. Most of the army's infrastructure, barracks, and depots were destroyed along with the Taliban.