Soviet–Afghan War
A Soviet decade in Afghanistan, the proving ground for the AK-74 and the whole Russian mech-infantry doctrine.
Context and course
The USSR intervened in December 1979. For the first time the AK-74 in 5.45×39 was used at large scale: a light, high-velocity cartridge with a very destabilizing wound (the famous 'poison bullet' of mujahideen propaganda). Spetsnaz special forces tested the shortened AKS-74U.
The mujahideen initially fought with old Lee-Enfields and Mosin-Nagants. From 1986 they received Stinger anti-aircraft missiles from the U.S. (Operation Cyclone) and AK rifles via Pakistan. The conflict closed in 1989 with the Soviet withdrawal and became foundational for U.S. proxy-warfare doctrine.
Belligerents
Red Army, Afghan communist government
Backed by USA, Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia
Iconic weapons of the conflict
- AK-74 / AKS-74
New Soviet rifle in 5.45×39.
- AKS-74U
Compact carbine for crews and Spetsnaz.
- PKM
7.62×54R general-purpose machine gun.
- RPG-7
Universal anti-armor rocket launcher on both sides.
- Stinger
U.S. MANPADS that changed the air-war balance.
In the ARSENALIS catalog (3)
Doctrinal legacy
Confirmed at scale the effectiveness of small-caliber high-velocity intermediate rounds (5.45, 5.56) and marked the rise of the modern MANPADS as a strategic asset.