Afghanistan looks to future armoured vehicle fleet requirements post-2014

Afghanistan sits at a cross-road for armoured vehicle procurement, IHS Jane's was told at the Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference on 6 February.

"We must be prepared to fight alone," said an Afghan National Army (ANA) source, indicating that a national armoured strategy may be needed to properly equip the ANA after the end of combat operations in 2014 by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

"We need the right mix of light infantry, mobile infantry, and armour," he added.

The ANA procured 440 M1117 medium armoured security vehicles from Textron Marine and Land Systems in 2011, with initial deliveries of 240 vehicles taking place last year and an option on another 200 for delivery by 2014. Variants covered in the order included armoured personnel carrier (APC), command and control, engineer, maintenance, mortar carrier, and reconnaissance models.

In 2005, 173 M113A2 APCs also entered service with the ANA, alongside 16 M577 command post vehicles, to equip a mechanised battalion.

However, support vehicles such as mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, APCs, infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and main battle tanks (MBTs) are currently lacking from the ANA's fielded inventory.