Russian attack aircraft to join military drills in Kyrgyzstan

11:50 | 25/ 04/ 2009

BISHKEK, April 25 (RIA Novosti) – Russian Su-25 Frogfoot close air
support aircraft will take part on Saturday in the active phase of the
military exercises conducted by Kyrgyzstan’s Armed Forces, the Kyrgyz
Defense Ministry said.

Kyrgyzstan is holding Security-2009 tactical exercises in the south of
the country, which involve over 500 servicemen, armored vehicles
self-propelled artillery and aircraft. The exercises with live-firing
drills are aimed at practicing counterterrorism operations.

"A flight of Su-25 attack aircraft from the Kant airbase and Kyrgyz Air
Force Mi-24 helicopters will provide aerial fire support during the
drills, the ministry said in a statement.

The Russian base in Kant, about 20 miles west of the Kyrgyz capital,
Bishkek, was established in October 2003, and currently deploys about
400 troops, including 250 officers and NCOs and 150 conscripts, as well
as several Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft and Su-27 Flanker fighters,
two Mi-8 combat transport helicopters, and four L-39 combat trainers.

The 2003 bilateral agreement between Russia and Kyrgyzstan stipulates
the presence of the Kant air base in the Central Asian republic for 15
years with an automatic extension every five years after the expiration
of the original term.

The Kant base is intended to provide air cover for possible operations
by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) joint forces in
Central Asia.

The CSTO comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Earlier this year, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev issued a decree
to close the only U.S. base in Central Asia, located at Manas
international airport near the capital, Bishkek, following talks in
Moscow when he reportedly secured more than $2 billion in aid and
loans.

Both Russia and Kyrgyzstan have denied any link between the aid deal
and the closure of the U.S. base.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress