CSTO forces begin joint military exercises in Russia

Military forces from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have commenced joint exercises in Russia. The maneuvers are being held at the Chebarkulsky training ground.

The training program includes three specific operations: the command-and-staff exercise ‘Interaction 2026’, the reconnaissance-focused ‘Search 2026’, and the logistics-oriented ‘Echelon 2026’.

CSTO Joint Staff Chief Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov and Deputy Secretary General Mirlan Turgunbekov attended the opening ceremony. Serdyukov stated that the exercises are necessitated by a complex global military-political situation and the approach of instability zones toward the borders of member states. Key priorities during Russia's chairmanship of the CSTO include increasing the combat potential of collective forces and equipping them with modern technology, including unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and improved air defense organization.