Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The international operational-tactical command-staff exercise "Ashyk Aspan-2024" is taking place from 10 to 14 September, involving personnel from the air forces and air defense specialists of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The exercise is organized by the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan.

The aim of the exercise is to enhance coordination among military management bodies of the allied countries, practice the joint application of air defense forces and resources, and provide commanders with practical skills in troop management under combat readiness conditions.

The exercise involves front-line aviation helicopters, army and military transport aircraft, as well as air defense forces and resources. Pilots from the air forces are also conducting flights over the airspace of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

The exercise is conducted under the leadership of Lieutenant General Dauren Kosanov, Commander of the Air Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan.

"Such exercises are held regularly and allow the personnel of allied countries to gain practical experience in performing joint air defense tasks, improve combat crew coordination, and enhance the defense capabilities of our states," noted General Kosanov.

A key feature of the exercise is the practice of interaction between air defense combat crews and command posts of neighboring states (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) in the event of violations of state borders or airspace usage rules.

Additionally, the exercise includes training forces to repel enemy air strikes within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s integrated air defense system.