DUSHANBE, Tajikistan –
Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division conducted an unmanned air systems exchange with the Republic of Tajikistan Jan. 13-17, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The exchange was conducted in support of the Department of Defense‘s State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003.
Led by Master Sgt. James Lashley, four VNG Soldiers led the exchange, which focused on several aspects of UAS operations, including UAS employment, air space management and UAS maintenance. Other topics included UAS classifications and the pros and cons of different models, counter-UAS operations and sentinel operations supporting UAS operations.
The exchange included Tajik participants from four different security and military components, including the Ministry of Defense, Border Patrol, National Guard and Ministry of Interior. Participants shared ideas and tactical solutions on the employment of UASs and the challenges they face due to weather and the mountainous terrain in Tajikistan.
“Master Sgt. Lashley was the noncommissioned officer in charge of the team,” said Maj. Isaac Rivera, the VNG’s SPP director. “He observed that these collaborative environments continue to foster mutual growth and understanding, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.”
Rivera added the exchange was instrumental in discussing interoperability among the different Tajikistan military services and helping them understand the technical capabilities available to overcome challenges in their current infrastructure.
“Staff Sgt. Malcolm Knight, a UAS operator for the 29th, shared lessons learned from past deployments and major military exercises with the exchange participants and members from the Tajikistan military shared their experiences of flying UASs along their border,” said Rivera.
In July 2023, the VNG and Tajikistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their formal partnership in the State Partnership Program, which itself just celebrated its 30-year anniversary. The relationship has benefitted all parties, from sharing subject matter expertise throughout 200 military-to-military engagements that help counter terrorism, deter violent extremism, expand emergency response capabilities, develop professionalism among leaders and staffs and promote shared values in national sovereignty and security.
Read more about the VNG’s partnership with Tajikistan at https://vngpao.info/4k3xhwfv.