The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Russia’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Sergey Vakunov, said the Russian air base in Kant has sufficient capacity and capabilities to respond to security threats from the southern flank, particularly those linked to Afghanistan, and that there is no need for its expansion.
According to Kyrgyz news website 24.kg, Vakunov said the current operational parameters of the air base are adequate to counter existing security threats facing member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization from the south.
He added that Russian military personnel stationed in Kyrgyzstan are effectively carrying out their duties, including cooperation with the country’s security agencies in combating extremism, terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime. He also noted coordination with units from other CSTO member states during joint operations.
Vakunov said Russian forces actively participated in the preparation and conduct of the “Rubezh-2025” command-and-staff exercise held in the Issyk-Kul region in September last year.
The ambassador stressed that Moscow will continue equipping the Kant air base with advanced weapons systems, modern hardware and military equipment.
He noted that Russia’s allied air bases in Kant and Karakol were established at the request of Kyrgyz leadership during a difficult period following international terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory.
According to the report, the base has played a key role over the past two decades in ensuring Kyrgyzstan’s security and providing air support to CSTO rapid reaction forces in the region.
