Two MI-8MTV5-1 helicopters will be delivered to the Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan.

By the end of June 2020, the air base will receive two modernized MI-8MTV5-1 helicopters equipped with onboard defense systems. In addition, the cockpit is equipped with lighting devices adapted for the use of night vision goggles which enable  to carry out night flights at low and extremely low altitudes, as well as perform takeoffs and landings on non-designated places.

The MI-8 helicopter pilots have completed theoretical and practical training at the center for combat training and retraining of army aviation crews in the Tver Region.

The new helicopters will replace older operational models at the base.

The Russian military base in Kant is an aviation element of The Collective Rapid Reaction Force of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The base operates the SU-25 attack aircraft and MI-8 helicopters.