VITEBSK DISTRICT, 6 September (BelTA) – The closing ceremony of the joint exercises with the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) took place in Vitebsk District on 6 September, BelTA has learned.
On the final day of the exercises at the Losvido training ground, practical drills were conducted to rehearse tactical combat and special operations scenarios involving the assembled collective forces. A battalion tactical group was formed to eliminate a simulated illegal armed group (IAG). Three scenarios were enacted: blocking the IAG camp using reconnaissance and engaging the simulated enemy, storming the camp, and conducting evacuation and resupply of equipment. The drills involved the use of attack aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and destruction of the simulated enemy.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin noted that, overall, the objective of the exercise has been achieved, although it was too early to draw conclusions. “We conducted three exercises: Interaction, Poisk [Search], and Eshelon [Echelon]. While each of these had its own specific focus, the overall operational background was the same. The concept was based on one possible scenario for the development of the situation in the CSTO’s Eastern European area of responsibility: when a potential adversary, after failing to achieve its goal of changing the government through armed conflict, transitions to the active stage of a special operation, while simultaneously preparing to deploy military forces in the region. Against this operational background, command bodies and troops carried out tasks to locate and destroy reconnaissance groups and illegal armed formations, ensured the redeployment of the regional grouping of forces onto our territory, and took part in a joint operation to stabilize the situation. It is too early to draw final conclusions, as we still need to conduct a thorough analysis of our achievements and remaining challenges. But overall, I can say that the objectives of the exercises have been met,” he said.
Viktor Khrenin also emphasized that the exercises served as valuable practice for the command structure. “Most importantly, the command bodies gained experience in preparing and directing troops, while the CSTO contingent, which included over 2,000 personnel, carried out tasks against this operational background,” he said.
Speaking about the operational interoperability of the contingents, the defense minister noted that a high level of coordination has been demonstrated. “The operational interoperability of the contingents is at a very high level, but there is still room for further enhancement and improvement,” Viktor Khrenin remarked.
He added that such cooperation has a strong foundation: similar exercises have been held since 2009 in CSTO member states. In Belarus, they are taking place for the 13th time.
“I can say that there are visible results. First, we have achieved a systematic approach to conducting exercises. This is primarily reflected in the fact that the drills are held against a unified operational background and involve all CSTO components, both combat and support units. Second, we have achieved unity in standards, which is very important for command, intelligence, and comprehensive support. Third, the issues of strategic deterrence remain relevant. We are demonstrating unity of views, the ability and readiness to respond to various threats in the organization’s areas of responsibility,” Viktor Khrenin stated.
The minister also stated that the current generation has inherited from their great‑grandfathers the traditions of international friendship and mutual understanding among peoples who once lived in a single country. “It is very important that we have not lost this continuity, and that it is being maintained and carried forward by the younger generation,” he noted.
“Traditionally, all joint exercises on the territory of the Republic of Belarus are held at the highest level and with quality. I am confident that these exercises will also form the basis for the further development of the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces,” CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov pointed out.
The exercises, held in Vitebsk Oblast, involved contingents of the CSTO Collective Forces from the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Tajikistan.
Photos by Aleksandr Khitrov
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