Left Behind: The Story Of Night Vision Devices In Afghanistan

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 left the country with a significant amount of military equipment, including night-vision goggles. While the exact number of night-vision goggles left behind is not known, it is estimated that the US provided at least 16,000 such devices to Afghan forces between 2003 and 2017. The total cost for these night-vision devices is estimated to be as high as $80 million.

The US also left behind a large quantity of other equipment, including vehicles, aircraft, weapons, and ammunition. This has raised concerns about the potential use of this equipment by the Taliban and other militant groups, as well as the possibility of it falling into the hands of rival states.

The US provided 16,000 night-vision goggles to Afghanistan

The US provided 16,000 night-vision goggle devices to Afghanistan, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. The night-vision devices were part of an estimated $83 billion worth of equipment and training provided to Afghan security forces since 2001.

The US has been heavily criticised for the chaotic and hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, which has resulted in billions of dollars' worth of military equipment being left behind in the country. This includes night-vision goggles, which have been described as a "real game-changer" by a congressional aide.

The Taliban has since seized most of the equipment left behind by US and Afghan forces, including night-vision goggles. This has raised concerns that the Taliban will use the equipment to kill civilians or that it will be handed over to rival states or militant groups.

The US Department of Defense has stated that it has no plans to return to Afghanistan to retrieve or destroy the equipment. However, the Pentagon is aware of the problem and is considering various options to address it.

The situation has highlighted the need for better monitoring of equipment given to allies and has led to calls for a full count of US military equipment left in Afghanistan.

The Taliban now has access to these goggles

The Taliban now has access to night-vision goggles left behind by the US in Afghanistan. The exact number of night-vision goggles that have been left behind is unclear, but estimates range from several hundred thousand to 16,000. These night-vision goggles are a significant addition to the Taliban's arsenal and could have a significant impact on their capabilities.

The Taliban's seizure of US-made night-vision goggles is particularly concerning for several reasons. Firstly, night-vision technology provides a significant advantage in combat situations, allowing users to operate effectively in low-light conditions. This can enable the Taliban to launch attacks or conduct operations under the cover of darkness, making it more difficult for their targets to detect and respond to their activities.

Secondly, the presence of US-made night-vision goggles in the hands of the Taliban underscores the extent of the military equipment and technology left behind during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. In addition to the night-vision goggles, the Taliban has also acquired US-made weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and other advanced gear. This includes rifles, Humvees, drones, and even helicopters. The total value of the equipment left behind is estimated to be in the billions of dollars.

The consequences of this influx of US-made weaponry are significant. For one, it has emboldened the Taliban and strengthened their position in Afghanistan. They have been able to use these weapons to consolidate their power and exert control over the country. Additionally, there are concerns that the Taliban could transfer some of this military equipment to rival states or terrorist organizations, further destabilizing the region and potentially threatening US interests.

Finally, the presence of US-made night-vision goggles and other advanced equipment in the hands of the Taliban highlights the challenges of providing military aid to allies in unstable regions. While the US intended for this equipment to support the Afghan National Army, the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the subsequent seizure of these assets by the Taliban underscore the risks associated with such endeavors. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of US efforts to monitor and account for the equipment provided to allies, as well as the potential consequences for US national security when such equipment falls into the wrong hands.

The Taliban's new US-made war chest

The US Department of Defense has stated that it has no plans to retrieve or destroy the equipment left behind, which includes aircraft, air-to-ground munitions, military vehicles, weapons, communications equipment, and other materials. The Taliban's seizure of US-made weapons has raised concerns among US officials, who fear that they could be used to kill civilians or fall into the hands of rival states or militant groups.

Among the equipment left behind are night-vision goggles, with the US providing at least 16,000 such devices to Afghan forces since 2003. These night-vision goggles are a particular cause for concern as they provide a "real game-changer" in terms of the ability to operate at night.

In addition to the night-vision goggles, the Taliban now have access to a large number of US-supplied weapons and equipment. This includes an estimated 600,000 infantry weapons, such as M16 rifles, 162,000 pieces of communication gear, and a variety of military vehicles and aircraft. The Taliban's acquisition of these weapons has significantly enhanced their capabilities and poses a threat to the United States and its allies.

The US had provided an estimated $83 billion worth of training and equipment to Afghan security forces since 2001, with $3 billion in military aid alone in 2021. The chaotic and hasty withdrawal of US and NATO forces has led to criticism from lawmakers and raised questions about the lack of accountability in the distribution of military equipment to allies.

Concerns about the Taliban using US equipment

The Taliban's seizure of US-made military equipment in Afghanistan has raised concerns about their potential use against civilians and US interests in the region. There are fears that the Taliban could employ these weapons against civilians or that they could be seized by other militant groups, such as the Islamic State, to target US interests. Additionally, there is a possibility that the equipment might be handed over to rival states, such as China or Russia.

The US has provided the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) with approximately $18.6 billion worth of equipment since 2005, including aircraft, vehicles, weapons, and communication devices. This includes an estimated 600,000 infantry weapons, 162,000 pieces of communication equipment, and 16,000 night-vision goggle devices. The Taliban now controls over 2,000 armored vehicles and up to 40 aircraft, according to current intelligence assessments.

The ease of use and maintenance of the seized equipment is a significant concern. Smaller arms, such as machine guns and mortars, as well as night-vision goggles, are more readily usable by the Taliban and could provide them with an advantage in suppressing internal dissent or fighting rival groups. However, more complex equipment, such as aircraft, may require frequent maintenance and extensive training to operate, which the Taliban may struggle to provide.

There is also a risk that the Taliban could sell off equipment they cannot use to other countries interested in acquiring US technology. This could include avionics, communications equipment, and sophisticated electro-optics.

The situation has brought to light the need for improved monitoring of equipment provided to US allies. While the US has asserted that much of the equipment was destroyed or rendered inoperable before the withdrawal, the fact remains that a significant amount of weaponry and equipment was left behind, contributing to the Taliban's arsenal.

The cost of the night-vision goggles

The cost of night-vision goggles varies widely depending on their specifications and intended use. Generally, prices range from as little as $20 to upwards of $10,000.

The US military frequently commissions large orders of night-vision goggles, which are often of military grade and fall within the higher end of the price spectrum. These goggles can cost several thousand dollars per unit, with some models priced at over $3,000.

Several factors influence the cost of night-vision goggles, including generation, magnification, battery life, angle of view, weight, and water resistance.

Generation

Night-vision goggles are categorized into four generations, indicating the quality and capabilities of the technology. Generation 1 goggles are the most affordable, while Generation 4 goggles are the most expensive. The higher the generation, the better the image quality, battery life, and viewing range tend to be.

Magnification

Night-vision goggles with magnification capabilities typically carry a higher price tag. Goggles without magnification provide a normal range of sight, enhanced by the ability to see in low-light conditions.

Battery Life

Longer battery life is often associated with higher-end night-vision goggles. Generation 4 devices, intended for professional applications, can have a battery life of over 60 hours, while Generation 1 devices may only last for 20 hours or less.

Angle of View

The angle of view, or field of view, refers to the observable area that can be seen through the goggles. A wider field of view typically comes at a higher cost.

Weight

Lighter goggles are generally more comfortable to wear and easier to transport, making them more expensive. Heavier goggles may require additional accessories, such as neck straps, helmets, or mounts, to be used comfortably.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is an important consideration, especially for outdoor activities. Some night-vision goggles offer water resistance to varying degrees, which can add to their cost.

In summary, the cost of night-vision goggles depends on a multitude of factors, and prices can vary significantly based on the specifications and intended use. Whether for casual stargazing or professional military operations, there is a wide range of options available to suit different budgets and requirements.

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