Afghanistan was invaded and occupied by the Soviet Union in 1979. The USSR was forced to withdraw 10 years later by anti-communist mujahidin forces supplied and trained by the US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. Fighting subsequently continued among the various mujahidin factions, but the fundamentalist Islamic Taliban movement has been able to seize most of the country. In addition to the continuing civil strife, the country suffers from enormous poverty, a crumbling infrastructure, and widespread live mines. - US CIA World Factbook

This Renault FT-17 was captured from the British Expeditionary Force in the Anglo-Afghan war of 1919.---FT17 found in a junk yard in Afghanistan!
French Renault FT-17

TANKS has not found any extra data (than shown above) for the service history of the FT17 in Afghanistan.

Fiat-Ansaldo CV 33/II Tankette---CV33 - Photo courtesy of Major Roy Thomas
Fiat-Ansaldo CV 33/II Tankette

An unknown number of CV 35 II were furnished between 1936 and 1939 (possibly 1937).  They were identical to those in Italian service.

Disston Tractor Tank in Afghanistan---Disston Tractor Tank in Afghanistan---Disston Tractor Tank shown in an Afghan museum. - Photo courtesy of Major Roy Thomas
Disston Tractor Tank

Developed in 1933 by the Disston Safe Company. Built on a Caterpiller tractor model 35 or 40. In 1934 an improved model was made mounting a 37mm main gun in an open top. 26 tanks were produced in the USA, 16 going to the USMC and the remainder*+ going to Afghanistan.

*U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles - Fred W. Crismon
+ Tanks of the World 1915-45 - Peter Chamberlain & Chris Ellis reports that they only received 3.

Specifications
Weight 13,600 lbs
Crew 3 - 7 (when required)
Armament 37mm, .30 MG
Performance 4.6 mph
Armor 1/4 - 5/16"

Afghanistan - Bren Gun Carrier - Photo courtesy of Major Roy Thomas
Bren Gun Carrier

This could possibly be a Windsor Bren gun carrier or only be a Bren Gun Carrier with shields.

Afganistan - SU76 - Photo courtesy of Major Roy Thomas
Soviet SU-76

(no details)

(No Picture)
Soviet T-26

(no details)

(no photo possible)
LT vz 35

Ten Czech LT vz 35 were ordered in 1938. The order was cancelled after the German occupation and breakup of Czechoslovakia. After the end of the war, Afghanistan again showed interest in the purchase of these tanks. What became of it is unknown.

(no photo)
Soviet BA-6
(no data)

This area is contested. It is possible that the Afghans owned BA-3 instead or in addition to the BA-6. If you have any information, please email me.

Afghanistan - Photo courtesy of Major Roy Thomas
Armored Carrier, Wheeled, Indian Pattern, Mk IV

(no details)

Captured BM13 - Photo thanks to Daniella Carlsson.
Russian BM13

Also known as "Stalin's Organ". The caption on this picture stated that the vehicle was captured from the Russians by the Mujahedin. This statement is, however, doubted. This vehicle is much too old and low tech. It is understood that the USSR deployed much more modern equipment in Afghanistan. Further the identification on the door is not Soviet. However, it is also possible that the vehicle was given to USSR friendly Afghan forces and captured from them. There is further evidence that the Taliban used this particular vehicle during their time in power. The Afghans were known to have owned 50 of these units - most likely purchased or given as a gift prior to the civil war or given to the communist friendly government at the start of the civil war.
People who helped make this page possible

Katya & Monkey
Katya Kuersteiner

Mario Paesani

Kristjan Tedre

Daniella
Daniella Carlsson

Major Roy Thomas in Afganistan (1989)
Major Roy Thomas

S. Egorov

Mario Doherr

Ralph Ricco, thanks to his book and personal input, was a major contributor to this section.
Ralph Ricco

Hanno Spoelstra

Jakub Marszalkiewicz
Jakub Marszalkiewicz
author of
JAKUB MARSZALKIEWICZ - moja strona / my page

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Last Update: Tuesday, July 08, 2003

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