Turkmenistan grows its arsenal of Chinese air defences as Russia’s role shrinks
Amid regional instability, Central Asian nations look beyond Moscow for arms as the war in Ukraine drains Russian stocks
Turkmenistan has added the FK-2000 missile-and-gun system to its growing arsenal of Chinese-made air defences, highlighting Beijing’s expanding role in the Central Asian weapons market once dominated by Russia.
At least 10 FK-2000 vehicles – along with an array of other Chinese-made military equipment – could be seen in footage of Turkmenistan’s Independence Day parade in Ashgabat on September 27.
Developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the FK-2000 is a mobile air defence system combining missiles and twin 30mm (1.1 inches) cannons with on-board radar and electro-optical sensors.
The system is designed to counter aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, drones and precision-guided weapons.
