The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has launched its large-scale peacekeeping and special exercises “Indestructible Brotherhood 2025” and “Barrier 2025” at the Fakhrobod training ground in Tajikistan’s Khatlon province. The opening ceremony, held on October 20, brought together top military officials and participants from member states.
Lieutenant-General Bobojon Saidzoda, Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Minister of Defense of Tajikistan, attended the event alongside CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov, and military representatives from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
Saidzoda highlighted the significance of joint preparedness among CSTO countries in responding to modern threats and regional crises, according to the drill’s press center. "In light of the rapidly changing environment and destabilizing factors near our borders, the readiness of our collective forces is of paramount importance," he stated. "These large-scale drills reflect the current regional situation and the necessity of coordinated action to address emerging challenges."
CSTO Secretary General Tasmagambetov noted that the exercises are being conducted against the backdrop of ongoing conflict potential in the Central Asian region and underscored the need for constant readiness of peacekeeping forces to operate both within CSTO's jurisdiction and under UN mandates abroad.
“These exercises will strengthen command coordination, enhance field training, and improve the interoperability of national peacekeeping contingents,” he said. “I am confident the events will be conducted at a high level and contribute to refining the operational framework of the CSTO Collective Peacekeeping Forces.”
New component: “Barrier 2025” special drill
From October 20 to 24, the active phase of “Indestructible Brotherhood 2025” will focus on preparing and executing peacekeeping missions within CSTO member states. For the first time, the peacekeeping drills will include the “Barrier 2025” exercise — a specialized operation involving joint formations for radiological, chemical, and biological (RCB) protection and medical support, operating under the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces command.
The key mission of these units is to ensure biological safety for the coalition’s military groupings during joint operations.
Participating in the exercises are troops from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, along with operational teams from the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat.
Russia’s contribution
The Russian contingent includes units from the 201st Military Base of the Central Military District, featuring mountain infantry, communications, electronic warfare, RCB defense, medical teams, and drone operators.
In total, around 1,500 military personnel and over 200 units of military hardware are involved in the drills. This includes six helicopters and more than 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The active phases of the CSTO exercises are being conducted in coordination with the final stage of the CIS “Commonwealth Anti-Terror 2025” drills — a joint anti-terrorism exercise involving law enforcement and security agencies from CIS member states.
The CSTO is a regional military alliance comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. It aims to coordinate defense policies and joint responses to regional threats.
