Detailed List of US Military Equipment Trump Seeks to Recover from Afghanistan.

According to information published by VOA on January 20, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited the debate over the consequences of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal by calling for the return of military equipment left behind and now controlled by the Taliban. Speaking at a rally in Washington on January 19, Trump criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal and vowed to make future financial assistance to Afghanistan contingent upon the retrieval of the lost arsenal.
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Taliban fighters showcase captured U.S. military, highlighting the billions of dollars worth of advanced weaponry left behind after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. (Picture source: Afghan MoD)

A 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) revealed the scale of military resources abandoned in Afghanistan. Approximately $7 billion worth of equipment—originally supplied to the now-defunct Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF)—was left behind during the withdrawal. Much of this advanced hardware was subsequently seized by the Taliban, who showcased the captured arsenal during “victory parades” and in propaganda materials.

The abandoned equipment included military aircraft, armored vehicles, light tactical vehicles, small arms, munitions, and specialized communications equipment. Critics have argued that this weaponry has bolstered the Taliban’s combat capabilities, while others worry that some of the technology may find its way to adversarial states or non-state actors.

Key U.S. Military Equipment Seized by the Taliban

The M1117 ASV is a four-wheeled armored vehicle designed for convoy protection, reconnaissance, and patrolling. It is equipped with advanced armor to resist small arms fire, grenades, and IED attacks. The vehicle’s speed and maneuverability in both urban and rural environments make it a versatile addition to any military force. The Taliban’s possession of this vehicle enhances their ability to conduct secure and mobile ground operations.

The M113 APC is a tracked vehicle used for transporting troops and supplies while offering protection against small arms fire and artillery fragments. Its modular design allows it to be adapted for a variety of roles, including command posts and medical evacuation. In the hands of the Taliban, the M113 significantly boosts their ability to transport forces and supplies in safety.

The UH-60A Black Hawk is a utility helicopter used for troop transport, medical evacuation, and close support missions. It is a cornerstone of modern military operations due to its reliability, survivability, and advanced avionics. The Taliban’s possession of these helicopters raises concerns about their ability to project power over greater distances, though their operational readiness remains questionable due to the need for trained pilots and maintenance crews.

The MD 530F is a light, agile helicopter designed for reconnaissance and light attack roles. Its speed and maneuverability are particularly useful in urban or mountainous combat scenarios. The Taliban’s use of these helicopters could enhance their surveillance and ground support capabilities.

The ScanEagle is a small, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Its capture gives the Taliban the potential to monitor enemy activity and plan operations with advanced situational awareness. There is also concern about the possibility of reverse-engineering this technology for use or sale to other groups.

The M1151 and M1152 are variants of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), or Humvee, known for their adaptability and durability. The M1151 is armored for troop transport, while the M1152 is designed for cargo. Thousands of these vehicles were left behind, providing the Taliban with substantial mobility and logistical support for operations.

The MaxxPro MRAP is a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle designed to protect occupants from IED blasts and small-arms fire. Its advanced V-shaped hull deflects explosions, making it an invaluable asset for safe travel in hostile environments. The Taliban’s acquisition of these vehicles enhances their survivability in asymmetric warfare.

Light and medium tactical vehicles such as the Ford Ranger and Navistar 7000 series were used extensively by U.S. and Afghan forces for logistical support. Their reliability and mobility enable the Taliban to efficiently transport troops, supplies, and equipment across Afghanistan’s challenging terrain.

The Taliban’s possession of U.S. military equipment poses significant risks to both regional and global security. These assets have increased their operational capabilities, allowing them to solidify control over Afghanistan and project power more effectively. The advanced equipment could also be used to intimidate neighboring countries or be sold to adversarial nations, further destabilizing the region.

Experts warn that some of the captured technology, including UAVs and communications equipment, may be shared with state actors like China or Russia, who could study and reverse-engineer the systems to counter U.S. military technology. There is also the concern that militant groups outside Afghanistan could gain access to this weaponry, potentially fueling terrorism worldwide.

Trump’s remarks have added a new dimension to the debate about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Critics of the Biden administration view the loss of military equipment as a blunder that undermines U.S. credibility and strengthens adversaries. Trump’s call to withhold financial aid until the equipment is returned highlights his "America First" policy stance.

The loss of $7 billion worth of U.S. military equipment to the Taliban remains a stark reminder of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.