Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the government’s proposal to sign an agreement on formation of common regional air defense network with Kazakhstan.

The project is expected to be ready by the end of 2012.

Russia hopes to complete talks soon with Kazakhstan on establishing a common air defense network by yearend, Russian Deputy Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Pavel Kurachenko said in early July.

An agreement with Kazakhstan would be followed by a similar pact with Armenia, with the network to bear a status of a joint system due to the lack of Russian-Armenian common border.

Joint air defense network creation agreements are planned to be reached with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.