Moscow: Russia has deployed its assault jets at an airbase near Kyrghyzstan's capital Bishkek, capable of hitting targets even in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in less than 20 minutes flying time, a report said on December 2.

In all, 20 planes including five long-range Sukhoi Su-27 fighter-bombers would be deployed at Kant airbase, 20 km from Bishkek providing the Russian Air Force capability to hit terrorist camps and infrastructure along Afghan-Pak border and beyond till PoK, the "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" reported.

President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Bishkek, the new Russian base in Central Asia, on his way back from India on December 5.

According to Russian Defence experts from Kant base, Su-27 fighter-bombers can deliver strikes at designated targets in PoK in less then 20 minutes of flying time.

By deploying its frontline aviation in Central Asia, Russia is also sending a signal to the US and other NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) countries, which already have a military base in Bishkek's Manas international airport for ongoing anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan, the report said.

The first batch of two Su-25 ground attack jets and 2 Il-7 6 cargo aircraft arrived at the Kant military airfield on November 30 and the deployment would be complete by December 4, it said.

In all, five Su-27 fighter-bombers, five Su-25 jets, two AN-26 cargo aircraft, five L-39 trainer-cum-combat jets, two Mi-8 helicopters and two Il-76 cargo aircraft, would be deployed at Kant airbase and about 700 servicemen and civilian personnel will be stationed there.

PTI