Helicopters of the 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan trained to cover a convoy. The Mil Mi-8 transport helicopter and Mil Mi-24 helicopters surveyed the route of a convoy, escorted it at minimum safe speeds, trained anti-ambush actions and cooperated with command post and air controllers. The Russian 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is the Russia’s largest military formation outside its borders. It is located in two cities – Dushanbe and Bokhtar. According to the Agreement dated October 2012, the base shall station in Tajikistan until 2042.
The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform. Along with the related, more powerful Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world’s most-produced helicopters, used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, when combined the two helicopters are the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.
The Mil Mi-24 (NATO reporting name: Hind) is a large helicopter gunship, attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for eight passengers. Two mid-mounted stub wings provide weapon hardpoints, each offering three stations, in addition to providing lift. The loadout mix is mission dependent; Mi-24s can be tasked with close air support, anti-tank operations, or aerial combat. The Mi-24 fuselage is armored and can resist impacts from 12.7 mm (0.50 in) rounds from all angles. The cockpit is protected by ballistic-resistant windscreens and a titanium-armored tub.
The Russian 201st Military Base is a Russian military base based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, part of the Central Military District. It was originally raised twice in World War II as part of the Soviet Union’s Red Army and is now part of the Russian Ground Forces. In October 2004, the 201st Motor Rifle Division was renamed the 201st Military Base. About 100 units of new equipment, mostly the BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, as well as more than 10 T-72B1 tanks, have been delivered to the 201st military base in 2016. 14 vehicles, including 8 modernized BMP-2Ms IFVs, were delivered in March 2020 and two Mi-8MTV5-1 combat transport helicopters in September 2020.
