President Emomali Rahmon has attended celebrations dedicated to the 25th anniversary of anniversary of the formation of Tajikistan’s Armed Force. 

A solemn meeting and a festive concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of anniversary of the formation of Tajik National Army took place at the Kokhi Borbad State Complex in Dushanbe on February 23.

Speaking at the meeting, Tajik leader, in particular, noted that more than 5,000 Tajik nationals had graduated from higher military schools in Tajikistan and abroad so far.

“To-date, more than 600 officers have graduated from military academies of foreign countries,” the president said.   

Besides, various contests, sports activities and meetings were organized in MoD military units on February 23 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Tajik National Army Day.

A number of defense industry facilities and apartment buildings for officers were put in commission on the same day.  

Tajik National Army Day has been marked on February 23 since 1993.

Tajikistan’s National Army now consists of Air and Air Defense Forces, Land Forces and Mobile Forces.  The Mobile Force of Tajik Army was founded in 2005 without increase in a total strength of the country’s armed forces.  Air and Air-Defense Forces were also united in 2005.  Tajikistan’s armed forces also include National Guard and Security Forces (internal and border troops).

Unlike the other former Soviet states of Central Asia, Tajikistan did not form armed forces based upon former Soviet units on its territory.  Instead, the Russian Ministry of Defense took control of the Dushanbe-based 201st Motor Rifle Division; actually control simply shifted from the former district headquarters in Tashkent, which was in now-independent Uzbekistan, to Moscow.