Further supplementary memorandum from
the Ministry of Defence
ANA EQPT
ANA is equipped primarily as a light infantry
force, though the newly-enhanced ($5.9 billion over the next 18
months) programme of support form the US will provide them with
enhanced protection (armoured humvees), firepower (light and medium
machine guns and mortars and Mi-35 attack helicopters) and mobility
(Mi-i 7 support helicopters) as set out below. The US is also
helping the ANA create six Commando battalions within the ANA,
the first of which is currently undergoing training in Jordan.
These will have enhanced infantry skills and will be equipped
to almost the same standard as US Ranger battalions.
ANA soldiers are individually equipped with:
— Personal weapon, currently AK 47
but in due course M16 and M-4 (smaller, lighter version of M-16);
and
— Uniform, boots, webbing, helmet and
body armor (supplied from India).
Their units are equipped with:
— A range of soviet-made light and
medium mortars and machine guns (such as Dushkas and 80mm mortars),
though these will progressively be replaced with NATO-standard
weapons; and
— Ford Ranger pickups and medium and
heavy US-supplied trucks for troop mobility and logistical resupply.
The Ford Rangers used by combat units in the south are progressively
being replaced with armoured humvees, which will give them greater
protection.
ln addition:
One ANA battalion, based in Kabul, is equipped
with T-72 tanks and M-1 13s (US 1960s armoured personnel carriers)
[they are unable to deploy outside the city].
The ANA Air Corps currently possesses a small
number (15-20) of former soviet attack (Mi-35) and support (Mi-17)
helicopters and AN-32 transport aircraft. These will be augmented
with additional purchases but plans are not yet mature.
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