Tajikistan

Brief history
The Tajik Air Force and Air Defence was formed in 2005 after the merger of the air force and the air defence forces. The force is small in size and consists of about two dozen helicopters and a few jet training aircraft, all by Russia or inherited from the former Soviet Union. Tajikistan still relies on Russia for defending its airspace. Gissar/Ayni west of the capital Dushanbe is the main base, which is also used by Russian air force helicopters base in the country. Detachments are kept in other parts of the country. The air force has playes role in fighting rebels and patrolling the Afghan border area.

As in many republics the former Soviet Union, the Voluntary Society of Assistance to the Army and Air Force is still an existing organization in Tajikistan. With its headquarters in Dushanbe, the DOSAAF (or abbreviated to TChMM ChT in Tajik) is an active organisation and provides youngsters with the opportunity to obtain their driver's license, and engage in sports and flying activities. Two bases for aviation activities exist, one can be found in the capital region at Fakhrobod (Fakhrabad) and a second one in northern Sughd region at Chkalov.

The Border Troops of Tajikistan are based on the old Soviet structures. Soon after its independence, it appeared borders with neighbouring Uzbekistan and in particular Kyrgyzstan were not probably marked, which contributed to the foundation of the Border Troops in 1994. The Border Troops are functioning under the State Committee for National Security and are part of the Armed Forces and are trained by the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE). Border areas with Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan prove high maintenance to prevent armed groups from crossing into Tajik territory. The aviation component used Mi-8MTV helicopters which are deployed to various helipads along the country’s borders.

The National Guard of the Republic of Tajikistan is a special unit directly subordinate to the President and responsible for particular state duties. In 1995, it was founded as the Presidential Guard and during the early years of independence it actively participated in maintaining public order, ensuring security and strengthening the state independence. In 2004, its name was changed to National Guard of the Republic of Tajikistan. Its aviation unit, military unit 051053, is equipped with helicopters to support the activities of the National Guard.