End of ‘Ranger’ Era: Taliban Overhauls Security Fleet

DID Press: Taliban government’s Ministry of Interior has announced that “Ranger” vehicles will be phased out from the group’s security forces, to be replaced with new vehicles. The ministry’s spokesperson said the decision aims to enhance operational capacity and improve the quality of security equipment.

Abdul Matin Qane, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, confirmed that in the ministry’s recent leadership meeting, the process of replacing Ranger vehicles with newer models was formally placed on the agenda.

He stated, “The purpose of this decision is to modernize equipment and increase the operational capability of security forces across the country.” According to Qane, the replacement program will be implemented in stages, and technical details will be announced once finalized.

For the past two decades, Ranger vehicles have served as a core part of the country’s security fleet. However, issues such as wear and tear, limited protection, and the need for more advanced equipment have made the renewal of the fleet increasingly necessary.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior has not yet specified the type, number, or deployment schedule of the new vehicles, though unofficial sources suggest that several upgraded models with enhanced protection, speed, and adaptability to Afghanistan’s terrain are under consideration.

This change comes as Taliban security forces continue to face multiple challenges in maintaining internal security, controlling borders, and confronting armed groups — a situation that experts believe could significantly improve through modernization of their equipment.