Yekaterinburg. August 3. INTERFAX-A Russian military base in Tajikistan has received upgraded BMP-2M weapons, the press service of the Central Military District reported on Tuesday.
"A batch of 17 modernized infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-2M) has entered service at the 201st Russian military base stationed in Tajikistan. The new combat vehicles are designed to replace outdated models of equipment of motorized rifle units, " the report says.
The BMP-2M has an automatic fire control system that allows the commander and the gunner to act as a single unit during the day and at night. The vehicles are also equipped with panoramic aiming and observation devices and a new radio station R-168 "Aqueduct", capable of stable operation in conditions of electronic influence from the enemy.
The BMP-2M is designed to transport military personnel to the front edge, increase their mobility, armament and security.
Earlier it was reported that the Russian military base in Tajikistan is being reinforced with armored vehicles against the background of the aggravation of the situation in Afghanistan.
"By the end of July this year, motorized rifle units of the 201st military base will receive 17 modern infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-2), which will significantly increase their combat capabilities when performing tasks in any situation," Alexander Lapin, commander of the Central Military District, said.
The United States and its allies must withdraw their troops from Afghanistan by September 11 this year. The withdrawal of troops takes place against the background of the activation of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan (a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation). Since May, the Taliban have been conducting a large-scale offensive and pushing back government forces.
According to media reports, the Taliban control more than 100 districts of Afghanistan.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Tajik-Afghan border was guarded by Russian border guards. In 2005, the border protection was completely transferred to the responsibility of the State Border Protection Committee of Tajikistan, Russian border guards were withdrawn from Tajikistan. The border department of the FSB of the Russian Federation in Tajikistan was transformed into an operational border group without a military component.
The 201st Russian military base operates in Tajikistan. This is the largest military facility in Russia (part of the Central Military District) outside of its borders.
Against the background of the aggravation of the situation in Afghanistan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will hold a joint exercise in the Khatlon region from August 5 to 10. It will involve more than 2.5 thousand military personnel and about 500 units of weapons and military equipment,including modernized BMP-2M. At the same time, the Russian group at the exercise has been increased to 1.8 thousand people, and the number of equipment has doubled. The basis of the Russian contingent at the exercise will be the units of the 201st military base (part of the Central Military District).
