Russian Helicopter Pilots in Tajikistan Conducted Aerial Reconnaissance of Pamir Mountain Gorges

Crews of Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mil Mi-8MTV5-1 transport and combat helicopters of the Russian military base in Tajikistan have carried out training flights involving aerial reconnaissance and air navigation of the Pamir mountain gorges, the Russian Defence Ministry’s website reports.

The pairs of Mil Mi-8MTV5-1 crews performed sorties to the specified area, where they practised landing of paratroopers with Mil Mi-24 fire support.

In addition, the servicemen practised flying at extremely low altitudes, as well interaction with the flight control team in the conditions of limited radio communication.

The engineering staff organized preparation of helicopters for re-flight and refuelling, and ground services carried out a complex task to maintain stable radio communication and radar control of aircraft flights on specified routes, as well as to prepare the runway.

As you may recall, the 201st military base in Tajikistan is Russia’s largest military facility outside its borders. It is located in two cities, Dushanbe and Bokhtar. It includes motorized rifle, tank, artillery, reconnaissance, air defence, communications, radiation, chemical and biological defence units.