Azerbaijan completely takes over Gabala RLS from Russia

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS: The Azerbaijani Armed Forces has completely taken over Gabala Radiolocation Station from Russia, Commander of Azerbaijani Air Forces, General Major Altay Mehdiyev told the Azerbaijani APA, as reported by Armenpress. The General stated that there is no Russian serviceman at the station, they left for Russia with their families: “The station is completely under our control”.

Russia suspended the station’s exploitation in December 2012, because Azerbaijan increased the lease payment. Azerbaijan demanded $300 million lease payment from Russia for the station.

The agreement on “The status, principles and terms of Gabala RLS between the Azerbaijani Government and Russian Government” was signed in 2002. Russia suspended the station’s exploitation on December 10, 2012. Gabala RLS, established in 1984 as a missile defense system of the USSR, possesses the ability to take launch of ballistic missiles over the Indian Ocean - 6000 km radius under its control. Azerbaijan received USD 7m tenancy payment from Russia for the exploitation of this station.