Members of the upper house of Parliament visited the National Guard aviation base to assess the capabilities of the law enforcement aviation service, evaluate the training level of flight crews, and inspect the equipment used in operational and service tasks, DKnews.kz reports.
The Commander of the aviation base, Dmitry Baster, provided a detailed briefing on the combat readiness of the aviation unit, the operational specifics of aircraft, and the future development prospects of the aviation division.
During the visit, senators were introduced to the multi-role Mi-171E helicopter, capable of performing search and rescue, medical, and transport operations in challenging weather conditions and at night. The highly experienced helicopter crew has successfully conducted complex missions under extreme conditions.
For instance, during last year’s devastating floods in Kazakhstan, the National Guard’s aircraft played a crucial role in transporting essential supplies and providing assistance to remote and inaccessible areas. National Guard pilots operated around the clock, flying to emergency zones, evacuating people, and delivering medical aid, food, and essential supplies to flood-affected regions.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs – Commander of the National Guard, Ansagan Baltabekov, emphasized the strategic importance of aviation:
"The National Guard’s aviation plays a key role in ensuring rapid response to crisis situations. We continue to modernize our fleet and focus on enhancing the qualifications of our flight personnel."
As part of the visit, senators also toured the military unit’s museum, familiarized themselves with the service conditions of aviation engineers and flight crews, and discussed logistical support and future aviation development plans.
Senator Andrey Lukin highlighted the importance of military aviation service, stating:
"The National Guard personnel demonstrate exceptional professionalism in executing critical missions. The Senate will continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the aviation component of the National Guard."
It is worth noting that the National Guard’s aviation has already proven its effectiveness in international exercises, counter-crime operations, and humanitarian missions worldwide.
