Russian military base in Tajikistan remains a cornerstone of security in Central Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on October 9.
Russian media reports say Putin emphasized Russia’s active role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. He noted that Moscow continues to work closely with Dushanbe on defense cooperation, military-technical collaboration, and efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
“The 201st Russian military base stationed in Tajikistan is a guarantor of security both for the republic and the wider region,” Putin stated, as quoted by TASS. He also expressed readiness to expand strategic cooperation with Tajikistan across multiple sectors.
Military reinforcements underway
On October 8, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov visited Russian military facilities in Tajikistan. According to reports by Kommersant, Belousov reiterated that the strategic partnership between Russia and Tajikistan plays a critical role in maintaining stability in Central Asia, where the security situation remains volatile.
On December 6, the 201st military base received a significant boost in firepower with the delivery of 30 modernized T-72B3M tanks. These upgraded units are equipped with advanced engines, protective systems, “Akveduk” communications, and “Sosna-U” thermal imaging sights.
The base's air defense unit was also reinforced with “Verba” missile systems, “Kornet” anti-tank missiles, “Kord” sniper rifles, AK-12 assault rifles, and extended-range infantry flamethrowers. Troops also carried out drills to repel an aerial attack using the S-300PS surface-to-air missile system.
General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov noted that Russia has accelerated arms deliveries to Central Asian allies in response to escalating threats and the need to improve counterterrorism readiness. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu previously confirmed that the Tajik base could be mobilized in the event of aggression from neighboring Afghanistan, currently under the control of the Taliban — a group banned in Russia.
Russia’s largest foreign military installation
The Russian military base deployed in Tajikistan is subordinate to the Central Military District. It is Russia's largest non-naval military facility outside the country.
It was officially opened in Tajikistan in 2004 under a previous agreement, which was signed in 1993, and hosts Russia’s largest military contingent deployed abroad. A total of some 7,000 Russian troops are now stationed at two military facilities collectively known as the 201st military base - in Dushanbe and Bokhtar (formerly Qurghon Teppa), some 100 kilometers from Dushanbe.
It houses intelligence units, chemical and biological defense forces, communications, motor rifle and tank battalions, artillery, and air defense systems.
Looking ahead, Tajikistan will host the Indestructible Brotherhood 2025 peacekeeping drills under the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Scheduled for October at the Fakhrobod training ground, the exercises will involve over 5,000 troops and around 1,000 pieces of military equipment.
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