Kyrgyzstan plans to purchase Mi-17 helicopters in order to increase its defense capability, President of the Republic Sadyr Japarov said at a meeting of the Security Council, Ednews reports citing Oreanda News Agency.
"Taking into account the global processes, it is important to take measures to strengthen the national security of the country. For this purpose, military equipment and weapons were previously purchased, these are not only Bayraktars and Pechora, but also completely new weapons. We also plan to purchase Mi-17 helicopters," he said.
According to him, international terrorist groups pose a threat to all Central Asian countries and demand an increase in the country's defense capability.
Japarov added that in order to improve the state of the armed forces, comprehensive work is being carried out jointly with the Russian side, within the framework of which "we have created a regional air defense system jointly with the Russian Federation."
"When armed aggression is committed against us, our citizens are killed, our homes and other infrastructure are destroyed and burned, we cannot just sit and watch. We are ready to respond to any aggressor," Japarov said.
According to him, the country's authorities are working tirelessly to improve the state's defense capability.