Russian media reports say the collective forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) could include combat aircraft. The CSTO Joint Staff Chief Anatoly Sidorov reportedly said this o April 28.
“In order to ensure an adequate and effective response to modern challenges and threats, work is underway to incorporate new troop compositions," Sidorov was cited as saying
According to TASS news agency, he noted that together with defense agencies and basic research organizations, a proposal is being prepared for the top leadership about radically improving the aviation component, which provides for the inclusion of combat aviation in the collective aviation forces and the corresponding fine-tuning of the structure, required composition, tasks, organization and management and comprehensive support.
"Thus, in 2022, in connection with the emergence of threats to biological safety, by the decision of the heads of state, a joint unit was established for radiation, chemical, biological protection and medical support," the CSTO Joint Staff chief said.
Created in 1992, the Collective Security Treaty Organization is a Russia-led military alliance grouping the six former Soviet republics of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.
The CSTO Collective Air Force currently consists of military formations of the military transport (transport) and special aviation of the armed forces, internal affairs bodies (police), national guard, security and special services, as well as bodies authorized in the field of prevention and liquidation of emergency situations.