On October 9, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and other cities. These attacks targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sites. The Taliban government has not yet released an official statement, but questions are emerging – does the Taliban have any air defense? What are they doing with weapons abandoned by the US? Could Pakistan still attack if India provides air defense?
No, the Taliban lacks modern fighter jets or missiles. In 2025, Afghanistan's military ranked 118th in the Global Firepower index – extremely weak. Some old MiG-21s and Su-22 fighter bombers from the 1990s are around, but most are in poor condition and cannot be maintained.
Missile systems are also basic – lacking advanced ballistic or air-to-air missiles. The Taliban mainly relies on ground forces, with very limited aerial power. They're seeking Russian Tor-M2-like air defense systems, but have not yet received any.
Source: aajtak
The Taliban has remained silent. This was the first Pakistani attack on Kabul during Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi's Delhi visit. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned the Taliban – do not shelter TTP. The Taliban may retaliate, as they did in 2024.
Then, the Taliban launched attacks in multiple regions of Pakistan. However, responding to airstrikes is tough due to their weak air force. They might opt for ground attacks or diplomacy. Experts suggest this will intensify Af-Pak tensions, but the Taliban is not one to surrender easily.
Source: aajtak
The Taliban's air defense is very weak. They possess old ZPU anti-aircraft cannons from the 1960s. These can deter small drones or helicopters but not Pakistani jets or missiles. The lack of radar or modern systems prevents them from stopping attacks.
Since 2023, the Taliban has been trying to bolster its anti-aircraft capabilities, but has not received aid from Russia or Iran. By 2025, the problem persists, allowing Pakistani jets easy access to Kabul.
In 2021, the US left behind $7 billion in military assets – helicopters, Humvees, M4 rifles, grenade launchers. The Taliban uses these, but maintenance is a challenge. By 2025, over half are defunct or were sold. Five hundred thousand weapons are missing, sold to rebel groups.
President Trump requested a return of these assets, but the Taliban refused. They employ them within their forces – patrolling in Humvees, transporting with helicopters. However, they're insufficient for air defense or jets.
Source: aajtak
So far, India hasn't announced any plan to aid. But if India supplies systems like the S-400 or Akash, it would complicate Pakistani assaults. While India keeps its distance from the Taliban, it desires stability in Afghanistan. The Moscow Format (India-Russia-China) opposes US's Bagram Air Base return.
With Indian assistance, stopping Pakistan's JF-17 jets or drones becomes easier. However, Pakistan's strength could mean attacks won't be completely thwarted. This move may reduce Af-Pak tensions, but India must tread cautiously.
