S-300 air defense system. Photo via rbc.ru
Kyrgyzstan has received S-300 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, Security Council Secretary Marat Imankulov told Izvestia.
“We operate a unified air defense system. Elements of this system—specifically the S-300—have now arrived in Kyrgyzstan,” Imankulov said.
The number of systems delivered has not been disclosed.
The agreement on the S-300 deliveries was reached in 2021 during Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s visit to Moscow. In November 2023, a pact establishing a Unified Regional Air Defense System (ORAD) with Kyrgyzstan officially entered into force. Under the agreement, Russia coordinates the actions of joint air defense forces within the collective security zone, while Kyrgyzstan manages their operations. For the deployment of troops and equipment, Kyrgyz authorities allocated a five-hectare site near Russia’s Kant military base, located about 20 kilometers from Bishkek.
Imankulov expressed hope that the S-300 systems would be showcased during the May 8 parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The participation of the S-300 in the parade had also been previously announced by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense.
“For the first time, the Ala-Too Square parade will feature Tor-M2KM, Pechora-2BM, and S-300PS missile systems,” the ministry said.
Imankulov also emphasized that Bishkek continues to strengthen military cooperation with Moscow under the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). While Kyrgyzstan pursues a multivector foreign policy and cooperates with NATO, the primary responsibility for regional security lies with the CSTO, he noted.
Plans to create a Unified Regional Air Defense System between Russia and Kyrgyzstan were first announced in July 2022. The agreement was signed on August 16, 2022, in Moscow, with the goal of enhancing air defense capabilities in the region.
