Ekaterinburg. September 11. INTERFAX-The Russian Defense Ministry has handed over a batch of combat reconnaissance vehicles (BRDM) to the armed forces of Tajikistan, the Russian military department reported on Saturday.
"The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has handed over to the armed forces of the Republic of Tajikistan 12 modernized armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicles BRDM-2M with sets of spare parts for them, small arms, melee weapons and radiation, chemical and biological protection equipment," the report says.
The Russian military said that the weapons were delivered in accordance with the agreements between the presidents of the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.
"Against the background of growing instability near the southern border of Tajikistan, we jointly ensure the security of our states. This is a reliable and proven equipment that will increase the combat potential of the armed forces of the Republic of Tajikistan and will become another weighty argument in ensuring the country's defense," said Deputy Commander of the troops (CVO) Yevgeny Tsindyakin at the ceremony of handing over weapons in Dushanbe.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that the transfer of military products is carried out within the framework of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia is helping to modernize the armies of Central Asian countries, they should be able to respond to new threats.
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is the largest military facility of Russia outside its borders (it is part of the Central Military District). It is located in two cities - Dushanbe and Bokhtar. It consists of motorized rifle, tank, artillery, reconnaissance units, air defense units, RCB protection and communications.
In the summer of this year and in early September, the Russian military reported on strengthening the base with new weapons and military equipment.
In addition, according to the head of the armored vehicle service of the Central Military District, Hanif Beglov, the Russian military base in Tajikistan will receive 30 modern tanks by the end of the year. They will replace the combat vehicles of earlier modifications of the tank battalion of the base.