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UK provides military support to Kazakhstan's airmobile forces

The Opening of the 11th Exercise STEPPE EAGLE took place on 10th August at the Illisky Training Area near Almaty

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Representatives of all the National Contingents assemble with the First Deputy Minister, Colonel General Zhasuzakov after the Opening Ceremony

UK has participated in the Exercise since its inception and this year there are also contributions from Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuanian and Tajikistan and USA. The USA and UK are in close partnership in assisting KAZBAT with this year’s specific objective of NATO evaluation, and UK is providing a team of 20 trainers, mentors and advisers from London District based on the Welsh Guards Infantry Battalion. The Commander Lieutenant Colonel Dino Bossi said:

“It is great privilege to have the task of assisting KAZBAT on Exercise STEPPE EAGLE this year and my team of experts stand ready to help in any way they can to further the Peacekeeping aspirations of the Kazakh Airmobile Forces.”

The Exercise was opened by the First Deputy Minister and Chief of the General Staff, Colonel General Zhasuzakov.

Photos from the Opening Ceremony, 10 August 2013

Published 12 August 2013