Russia could deploy attack helicopters Mi-28N Iskander-M missile in South-Ossetia Abkhazia 2309112

Defense News - Russia

Russia could deploy attack helicopters Mi-28N and Iskander-M tactical missiles in Abkhazia and South Ossetia if Georgia continues to increase its military potential in the region, announced to RIA Novosti Igor Korotchenko, a member of social Council for the Russian Ministry of Defense

Link to Data Sheet and pictures Russian tactical missile Iskander SS-26

"If Georgia continues to increase its military potential, it is possible that the Russian bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia are equipped with Mi-28N and Iskander-M missiles," he said.

Russia currently has two bases in those republics who have declared their independence after the attack of Tbilisi against the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, in August 2008. This is the fourth military base in South Ossetia and the seventh in Abkhazia. Both have T-90C tanks, multiple rocket launchers Smerch, artillery, tactical missiles Tochka-U (SS-21) and air defence systems S-300 and Buk.

Korotchenko says, Moscow could also help Abkhazia and South Ossetia to improve operational efficiency of their armed forces and provide them with Russian military equipment and weapons.

"It would also be wise to deploy missile patrol vessel Molniya class (NATO code: Tarantul) in the Abkhaz port of Ochamchira to protect maritime borders of the republic and to neutralize, if necessary, against hostile action of Georgian Navy, "said the expert.

He stressed that the Russian bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia "filled missions purely defensive and not directed against third countries".