Kyrgyzstan - Armed forces

Active armed forces were estimated at 10,900 personnel in 2002, with 57,000 reserves. The army had 8,500 personnel and was equipped with 233 main battle tanks. An air force of 2,400 operates 52 combat aircraft and nine attack helicopters. There is also a paramilitary force of 5,000 border guards. Kyrgyzstan provides two observers in Sierra Leone. The United States, France, Spain, and South Korea provide support to Kyrgyzstan through Operation Enduring Freedom. Defense expenditures were estimated at $19.2 million in 2001 or 1.4% of GDP.