In response to the USA’s attempts of pressing Russia in the Central Asia Moscow is strengthening its positions in the region. Russia is ready to spend $1,1 billion on rearming of Kirghiz army and $200 million – for satisfaction of Tajikistan’s army needs, Kommersant reports.

In response to the USA’s attempts of entrenching itself in Uzbekistan Russia is strengthening military-technical cooperation with Kirghizia and Tajikistan. According to some sources close to the Russia- Kirghizia intergovernmental commission, Moscow have promised Bishkek $1,1 billion for rearming of its army.
The corresponding agreements have been reached during visits to Bishkek made by prime-minister Igor Shuvalov in August and President Vladimir Putin in September. This will be one of the most important questions in the network of the visit of the president of Kirghizia Almazbek Atambaev to Moscow on November 14th – 15th.
This refers to a military support, not a credit. According to a source from the General Staff, Russian Ministry of Defense should come to an agreement with Bishkek by March 2013 on product range involved in the project. According to a source close to Russian government, the first batches of Russian weapons may be delivered to Kirghizia in summer 2013.
The army of Kirghizia is measurably falling behind armies of the country’s neighbors. Atambaev has confirmed recently that only 25th Special Forces brigade “Scorpion” meets the modern requirements. NATO took part in the training of this brigade. At the same time Kirghiz artillery are still using 122-mm and 152-mm M-30 and D-1 howitzers manufactured in 1938 and 1943 respectively.
Bishkek also needs all kinds of small arms. It also hopes to acquire new infantry combat vehicles, combat reconnaissance patrol vehicles, helicopters, field and permanent hospitals. The Ministry of Defense of Kirghizia also needs light motor vehicles, man-portable mortars and satellite equipment in order to conduct operations in the mountains. This also refers to expansion of training of Kirghiz personnel in Russian higher education institutions.
The program of military support of Tajikistan is more decent – Russia is ready to allocate $200 million for these purposes. These funds will be used for upgrading Tajikistan’s air defense and repairing military equipment.