CSTO launches major military drills in Kyrgyzstan Armenia opts to skip

Kyrgyzstan has officially commenced the Interaction-2024 command-staff exercise, along with the Search-2024 and Echelon-2024 special exercises, at the Edelweiss training range.

The opening ceremony marked the start of these significant military drills involving the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Rapid Reaction Force, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Around 1,500 servicemen and up to 300 units of military and special equipment will be engaged in the exercises. This equipment includes various types of aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), combat boats, and air defence systems. Military personnel from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan are participating in the exercises, which are being conducted at the Edelweiss training ground.

The exercises are structured into three stages, each focusing on different aspects of military cooperation and operational readiness. The Interaction-2024 command-staff exercise is designed to practice the preparation and execution of joint operations aimed at resolving armed conflicts in the Central Asian region. This exercise will help participants refine their strategies and coordination in managing complex military scenarios.

The Search-2024 special exercise will focus on reconnaissance operations. It is intended to enhance the capabilities of the CSTO in organizing and conducting effective reconnaissance missions to support collective security objectives.

The Echelon-2024 special exercise will address logistical support, training participants in the organization and management of supply chains and logistical operations crucial for sustaining military activities during crises.

The overall aim of these exercises is to improve interoperability among CSTO member states and to practice the effective use of forces and resources in addressing regional crisis situations. The exercises are organized on a unified operational-strategic background and are scheduled to continue until September 11, 2024.

It has been previously reported that Armenia will not participate in this round of CSTO exercises.