New Mi-17V-5 for Kyrgyzstan

The Kirgiz Respublikasi Asker-aba küçtörü (Kyrgyz Air Force) received two new helicopters from the Russian Federation in the third week of June 2023.

The aircraft were officially handed over at Frunze-1 airport, north of Bishkek, which is the homebase of military unit 23565. The unit operates a handful of older Mi-8MT and Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters, which have seen some attrition in the past decade. The Russian Federation has delivered additional helicopters over the years. One of these, serial 108 black, was seen under maintenance in neighbouring Uzbekistan in August 2021.

Thus, the new helicopters will enhance the capabilities of the Kyrgyz Armed Forces, which operate in geographically challenging conditions. The air force heavily relies on support from the Russian Federation, which operates from Kant air base near Bishkek. This base is also used by the Kyrgyz Air Force fixed wing fleet, consisting of L-39C jet trainers, as well as a couple of An-26 transports.

At least two Mi-17 variants have been handed over so far, a Mi-17V-5 with serial 201 red (c/n 417M01) and unknown subtype with serial 205 red.

Photo via Kyrgyz Ministry of Defence