Turkmenistan publicly showcased the Chinese FK-2000 anti-aircraft missile and artillery system for the first time at a military parade on September 27 in Ashgabat. Official Turkmen materials report that the FK-2000 has been adopted by the country and passed in the parade column following the FM-90, KS-1A, and FD-2000 systems.
The new system itself is interesting not only for its characteristics: its appearance demonstrates the increasing role of Chinese equipment in Turkmenistan's air defense. Military Watch Magazine notes that Chinese systems already form the basis of the country's air defense.
Just a few years ago, the picture looked different. At the 2016 parade, Turkmenistan demonstrated Soviet and modernized Soviet systems such as Osa, Pechora-2M, 2BM, and S-200V simultaneously with Chinese FM-90, FD-2000, and KS-1A.
In subsequent years, Chinese equipment began to occupy an increasingly prominent place in the country's air defense. At the current parade, FM-90, KS-1A, and FD-2000 were again shown, followed by the new FK-2000, which has been officially declared adopted into service.
The FK-2000 belongs to short-range air defense systems and differs from the long-range S-200 in its purpose. It is a mobile system on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, integrating radar and optoelectronic means, 12 anti-aircraft missiles, and two six-barreled 30mm automatic cannons.
According to published characteristics, FK-2000 missiles are designed to engage aerial targets at a range of up to 25 km, and cruise missiles and high-precision weapons at up to 10 km. Therefore, this system is not a direct technical analogue of the S-200: it is intended for a different echelon of air defense.
It is particularly indicative that the modernization of the ground component of air defense is taking place against the backdrop of the preservation of Soviet combat aviation. According to current open estimates, the Turkmen Air Force still operates approximately 24 MiG-29s and 25 Su-25s.
Military Watch Magazine suggests that the next stage of modernization could be the replacement of MiG-29s with Chinese fighters, but there is no confirmed data on concluded contracts for such a replacement. The publication itself formulates this as a possible scenario, rather than an accomplished decision.