The Hindu : Russia deploys aircraft in C. Asia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 02, 2002

International

International

Russia deploys aircraft in C. Asia

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW DEC. 1. Russia has begun deploying its military aircraft in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, in what appears to be an effort to balance American military presence in the region.

Two SU-25 ground attack jets and two Il-76 transport planes landed at the Kvant military airfield 20 km from the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on Saturday, the Interfax news wire reported. The aircraft will be part of an air force base being set up in Kyrgyzstan under the Collective Security Treaty, which unites Russia and five other post-Soviet states.

Another two fighter jets, SU-27, were expected to arrive at the base later on Saturday. When fully deployed the airbase will comprise an impressive array of five SU-27 fighters, five SU-25 attack planes, two IL-76 and two AN-26 military transports, two MI-8 helicopter gunships and five L-39 trainers, Interfax said.

The base will also have a staff of 700 military and civilian personnel. Ten days ago, the Defence Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty decided to beef up a 3,000-strong rapid deployment force for Central Asia that was set up last year.

The move is seen as a Russian effort to reinforce its presence in Central Asia to offset the deployment of U.S. troops and aircraft in Uzbekistan and in Kyrgyzstan, for the anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan.

Until now Russian military presence in the region was confined to Tajikistan, to protect its border with Afghanistan.

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