Putin Awards Honorary Title "Guard" to Military Base

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting the honorary title "Guard" to Air Base No. 999 in Kant, Kyrgyzstan—the first Russian military base on foreign soil following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The document, published on the official legal information site of the Kremlin, states that the title was awarded to the base for the collective heroism, courage, resilience, and manliness demonstrated by its personnel during combat operations to protect the homeland and the state’s interests amid armed conflicts. The decree takes effect from the date of signing. Air Base No. 999 was inaugurated on October 23, 2003, and became the first Russian military facility established on foreign territory after the Soviet Union's dissolution. Kyrgyz Armed Forces air force units are also stationed at the same airport. The aforementioned airbase is part of the Collective Rapid Reaction Force in Central Asia under the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The decision to establish the base was made by the Collective Security Council of the CSTO on May 25, 2001.