Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan conduct joint air defence exercises

The Kazakh Defence Ministry has announced that the "Ashyk Aspan-2024" international operational-tactical command-staff exercises involving military personnel from the air forces and air defence specialists of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is being conducted from September 10 to 14.

The exercises aim to enhance coordination among the military command structures of the participating friendly nations, refine joint air defence operations, and provide commanders with practical experience in managing military units during critical combat duty situations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The drills include the use of frontline helicopters, army and military transport aircraft, as well as air defence forces and assets. During the exercises, Air Force pilots are also conducting flights in the airspace of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The operational-strategic command-staff exercises are being conducted under the direction of Commander of the Air Defence Forces of the Kazakhstan Armed Forces, Lt.-Gen. Dauren Kosanov.

"Such exercises are held regularly. They provide military personnel from allied countries with practical experience in executing joint air defence missions, enhance the coordination of combat teams, and improve the defensive capabilities of our nations," Kosanov noted.

A notable feature of the exercise is the focus on coordinating air defence teams with command posts and control centres of neighbouring countries (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) in scenarios involving breaches of national borders or violations of airspace regulations.