September 20, 2006
Press Release: AN-2 Aircraft Transfer Ceremony at Frunze 1 Airbase

On 20 September, 2006, the United States Government provided four Antonov-2 transport aircraft to the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic.  The aircraft were supplied as part of the Aviation Interdiction Project (AIP) of the Export Control and Related Border Security Assistance (EXBS) office.  

AIP/EXBS has been working in the Kyrgyz Republic since 2000, and they have provided over $20 million USD.  This includes MI-8 helicopters, AN-2 aircraft, fuel facilities, aviation spare parts, aviation equipment, and building and infrastructure support.  The United States Government is also providing additional MI-8 helicopters, aviation parts and equipment, and training, in the near future. 

Kyrgyzstan is a valued partner in the Global War on Terrorism, and these substantial investments demonstrate continued U.S. efforts to increase armed forces aviation capabilities to perform counter terrorism and counter narcotics missions.