Zhetygen

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ICAO Code /
Last Validated May 2012
City Zhetygen
Position 46°11'27"N 080°49'50"E
Runway(s) 09/27
Elevation 1274 ft

General

This is one of Kazakhstan's primary fighter bases. Situated north of Almaty.

Layout

The single runway has a north-south orientation. The build-up area is on the west side, as well as all the dispersals and shelters. The southwest ramp belongs to the border guard. On the large north western ramp, many aircraft can be found. The northern group is presumed stored, the operational aircraft use the southern part.

Getting There

The exit road of Almaty Intl airport leads to a big roundabout, take the first exit onto Lavrenyov street. Follow this road through the suburbs. In the beginning there are many cross roads and traffic lights, but this thins out. After 40km you will reach the small village of Zhetygen and north of that is the base. Actually, the road just leads past it and leads nowhere basically.

Around the Airport

1South side approach

Just before reaching the base, a road forks to the left towards the gate. After that the fence start en before that point you try to dicretely park your car and enter the shrubs on the left and keep a low profile. This is the approach used for northerly landings.

2South east side ramp view

Continue north, and behold, there is the ramp visible through the bushes on the left hand side!. Stop the car a couple of times, walk to the fence and have a closer look with your bins. You need favourable weather, eg no heath waves. Also, beware of the small country road on the opposite side, it is used quite regularly. Also, you are opposite the tower so stay subdued and dress accordingly.

3North east side ramp view

Still further north, just before the end of the fence line, you can see the northwest ramp from another angle. No cover of bushes here, so do not linger although southerly landings need to be watched from here.

4West side border guards ramp

For this spot, take the road leading under the approach and towards the gate. After it bends right you under pass an arch. From there you can read the aircraft on the border guards ramp with your bare eyes.

Spot 2, 2012

Based Operators

600 AviabasaMiG-29A, MiG-29UB
Su-24, Su-24MR
КНБ (Border guards)An-26

Other Airfields

Almaty - Pervomaiskiy (Almaty North)  
Zhetygen  

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