Ayni Air Base

Ayni Air Force Base, also known as Gissar Air Base, is a military air base in Tajikistan, just 10 km west of the capital Dushanbe.[1]

Not to be confused with Farkhor Air Base.
Ayni Air Force Base
Rudaki, Tajikistan
Ayni Air Force Base
Coordinates38.51421°N 68.675445°E / 38.51421; 68.675445
TypeAir force base
Site information
Controlled byMilitary of Tajikistan
Site history
MaterialsAsphalt
Garrison information
OccupantsMilitary of Tajikistan

During the Cold War era, Ayni served as a major military base of the Soviet Union. However, following Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the base's infrastructure deteriorated significantly. Between 2002 and 2010, India spent nearly US$70 million to renovate the air base — the runway was extended to 3,200 meters and state-of-the-art navigational and air defense equipment were installed.[2][3] It was speculated by some media outlets that India was keen on establishing a military base in Ayni so as to gain a strategic foothold in Central Asia.[3]

In January 2011, Tajik Foreign Minister, Hamrohan Zarifi, officially launched negotiations with Russia to discuss possible deployment of Russian military at Ayni. Zarifi also ruled out deployment of Indian or American forces at Ayni.[4]

India has now renewed its interest in the Ayni airbase. The scope and scale of India’s military detachment in Ayni is yet a subject of discussion between India, Russia and Tajikistan. Russia patrols the Tajik skies and has a motorised rifle division deployed in Ayni.

Since being admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year and participating in war games with its members, Delhi is enthusiastic to revive the relationship with Tajikistan, now that India-Russian ties are its zenith due to massive defence deals between two nations. Tajikistan is also a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), along with Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It may require a green signal from the CSTO to allow Indian military operations at Ayni.[5]

History

Reports began circulating in early 2000s that India would establish air bases at Ayni and Farkhor in Tajikistan. Both Indian and Tajik officials issued immediate denials, but they did admit that India had been renovating the bases since 2002.

See also

References
  1. Ayni Air Force Base on Google Maps. Retrieved on 8 May 2009
  2. Tajik Military Air Base Completed With Indian Help
  3. India air base grounded in Tajikistan
  4. "Tajiks likely to grant Russia access to Ayni air base, says analyst". Archived from the original on 2012-07-07. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  5. https://eurasiantimes.com/india-ayni-airbase-in-tajikistan-russian/

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