"Today, the military and military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Bishkek isn't deterred in any way," stated Sergey Shoigu at a meeting with the president of Kyrgyzstan. He arrived at a meeting of SCO defense ministers in the capital of the republic.
Yulia Shustraya has further details.
This An-124 Ruslan plane has the new BRDM-2M on board. Nine of these were delivered here, to the Russian Kant Air Base in Kyrgyzstan the day before, as well as two Mi-8MT helicopters. Minister of Defense of Russia Sergey Shoigu handed the equipment over personally.
Sergey Shoigu, Minister of Defense: "This is tried and tested equipment capable of performing a wide range of tasks. In the conditions of mountainous terrain and hard to reach places, in many localities, the helicopters will expand the capabilities for carrying out transport and search and rescue tasks. The combat reconnaissance patrol vehicles will increase the mobility and combat capability of ground forces. Undoubtedly, we regard the development of friendly and allied relations as an important factor in maintaining regional stability".
Border security is a pressing issue for Kyrgyzstan. From Afghanistan and other Middle East countries, trained militants come to Tajikistan and then to all the neighboring countries and Russia. The Mi-8 helicopters and BRDM vehicles given by Russia will make Kyrgyzstan borders less penetrable and, consequently, more secure. The Mi-8 has already proved itself as a patrol helicopter for mountainous terrain. Here, most of the border is in the mountains.
The Mi-8MT helicopters proved themselves as most effective in such conditions. They can withstand strong winds and are capable of flying at greater heights than their closest competitors. The BRDM-2M is an updated version of the vehicle known throughout the world. The version is 1100 pounds lighter than the basic model which means it's more maneuverable. In addition, it has a powerful turbodiesel engine, improved firing angles, and an all-terrain wheeled chassis.
"We will use these machines in the ground reconnaissance units. This is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Its performance characteristics allow using it in mountain conditions".
In the coming days, the crews of the armed forces of Kyrgyzstan will start training on the new vehicles. The first four BRDM will go to the border units for military testing.
Yulia Shustraya, Alexey Kalach, Vesti, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
