Russia has started deliveries of small arms and ammunition to Afghanistan under a military assistance program.
The first of 16 Il-76 cargo planes landed on Tuesday in Kabul carrying weaponry for the Afghan police forces to assist the legitimate government in the fight against crime, drug-trafficking and Taliban militants.
"The delivery of small arms donations to Afghanistan will help to strengthen national police to strengthen security and the rule of law in this country," said Andrei Avetisyan, the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan.
Soviet-era Kalashnikov assault rifles and machine guns are already widely used by the Afghan police force.
Other Russian contributions to the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan include the supply of Mi-17 helicopters and crews to train Afghan pilots, possible Russian assistance in training Afghan national security forces, increased co-operation on counter-narcotics and border security, and improved transit and supply routes for NATO forces.
KABUL, November 2 (RIA Novosti)