The active phase of the drills with the participation of 2.5 thousand military personnel from Uzbekistan, Russia and Tajikistan started at the Harb-Maidon training ground, 20 km from the border with Afghanistan, the press service of the Central Military District of the Russian Federation reported.

“The crews of the army aviation of Russia and Tajikistan used the “helicopter roundabout” method of fire support for the advancing ground units, destroying the fortified area of ​​the illegal armed unit. Acting as part of the flight units, the crews of the Mi-24 combat helicopters, lined up in a "circle" battle formation, inflicted continuous fire damage on communications, command posts and communication routes of the area occupied by the enemy. For this, the pilots used S-8 unguided air-to-surface missiles, the press service added.

In order to clear the area and destroy the surviving "militants," the crews of the Mi-8 airborne transport helicopters reportedly landed tactical airborne assault forces, providing fire support to the motorized riflemen from the air. “The pilots also worked out methods of bypassing enemy air defense systems at extremely low altitudes given the mountainous terrain. In total, as a result of the air strike, the helicopter crews hit more than 100 ground targets, ”the district said.

Russian Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mi-8 transport and combat helicopters of various modifications are taking part in the exercise.

In total, 2.5 thousand servicemen are being involved in the drills of the three countries, of which 1.8 thousand are from Russia, and about 500 units of weapons and military equipment. The basis of the Russian military contingent in the exercises is made up of the units of the 201st military base. The Central Military District noted that the exercises are being conducted against the background of the destabilization of the situation in neighboring Afghanistan in order to work out the issues of repelling possible threats and practical interaction to ensure security and maintain stability in the Central Asian region.

Earlier, Russia military personnel departed from Uzbekistan after the drill near the Afghan border at the Termez training ground.