New satellite images show that the runway at the Tajik military airfield in Farkhor has been reconstructed after years of inactivity. Photo: Internet It is reported that the airfield’s runway was reconstructed in early October this year, and the project was likely financed by India. If the Farkhor airfield is fully operational, it will be […]
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New satellite images show that the runway at the Tajik military airfield in Farkhor has been reconstructed after years of inactivity.
Photo: Internet
It is reported that the airfield’s runway was reconstructed in early October this year, and the project was likely financed by India.
If the Farkhor airfield is fully operational, it will be the second in Tajikistan under the control of Indian troops. Previously, in 2006, the Ayni airfield, located 15 kilometers from Dushanbe, was reconstructed, with the project costing $70 million also financed by India.
The Ayni and Farkhor airfields are the only secret Indian bases outside the country. So far, neither Tajikistan nor India has provided official information about the presence of troops, weapons, and ammunition at these bases.
In previous years, independent media in India, citing sources in the country’s armed forces, reported on the establishment of an Indian airbase in Tajikistan, but Tajik authorities have always denied such reports.
Earlier, media reported on reconstruction projects for the military hospital in Farkhor, where Ahmad Shah Masoud was treated, and the reconstruction of the Farkhor airfield runway with Indian investments. In 2011, the Times of India reported that Indian military was ready to reconstruct and extend its runway.
Experts believe that India’s efforts to deploy troops in Tajikistan aim to prevent the expansion of influence from Pakistan and China, the spread of religious extremism in the region, and to strengthen its position following the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan.
According to some experts, India’s request to establish military bases in Tajikistan was granted with Moscow’s consent. Previously, Moscow opposed India’s military presence in Tajikistan, but an agreement was reached after a contract was signed between Moscow and India for the sale of S-400 systems.
The Farkhor airbase is strategically important for India, as it is located very close to Pakistan. Pakistan has always considered India to be a significant threat to the country. For this reason, all of Pakistan’s military forces are concentrated along the extensive border with India.
In the event of a military conflict between Pakistan and India, the latter could catch Pakistan off guard. This airbase would facilitate India’s attack on Pakistani cities such as Chitral, Peshawar, Islamabad, and others.
According to some unconfirmed reports, several Mi-17 helicopters have been stationed at the Farkhor airbase. It is reported that India is already using some of the aircraft leased from Russia at the Ayni airbase and is using Farkhor as a forward operational base.
It is also reported that the Ayni and Farkhor bases are jointly controlled by Russia and India.
Tajikistan has also provided military bases to China, in addition to Russia and India, which has a political conflict with India.
Farkhor Airport was built in the early 1980s and later in the 1990s was used by Ahmad Shah Masoud’s forces to assist the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan.
Photo: Internet