Turkmenistan grows its arsenal of Chinese air defences as Russia’s role shrinks

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.