The military institution noted, “The delegations from the General Staffs of the CSTO member countries paid special attention to the organization of joint operational and combat training exercises, taking into account the peculiarities of engagements in modern armed conflicts.”

The release also specified that this year’s exercises aim to improve collective air defense and the training of military personnel.

Russia holds the rotating presidency of the CSTO since January 1 of this year.

The alliance, founded in 1992, was originally composed of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.

Armenia suspended its CSTO membership in 2024.

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