Joint Exercises Held by the CSTO in Belarus
On the 16th, the Collective Security Treaty Organization held the "Unbreakable Brotherhood - 2026" joint exercise in Belarus to test the coordinated action capabilities of member states' forces in a complex security environment.
Currently, the international security situation is complex and ever-changing, with regional conflicts and non-traditional security threats continuing to attract attention. Enhancing the ability of multinational forces to collaboratively address sudden crises has become an important topic for military cooperation. This exercise, held within Belarus, involved over 1,500 soldiers and more than 300 pieces of equipment from the CSTO member states, including approximately 80 various types of drones.
Chief of Staff of the CSTO Joint Staff, Andrei Serdyukov: Given the overall instability of the current political and military situation in the region, peacekeeping operations have been identified as one of the priority areas for ensuring collective security within the CSTO.
During the exercise, the peacekeeping forces focused on practicing relevant subjects for mediating armed conflicts within member states, including isolating conflicting parties, patrolling and guarding important strategic facilities, repelling attacks on checkpoints, and using air defense and electronic warfare equipment to intercept and destroy drones. The most intense phase of the exercise involved a hostage rescue operation utilizing aviation forces.
Reporter from the Central Media, Bayev: To carry out the assault operation, a Mi-8 helicopter took off, successfully transporting combat personnel to the designated area, flying at a very low altitude to allow the personnel to disembark without using parachutes.
The CSTO peacekeeping forces exercise is held annually, covering operational actions to maintain the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, combating terrorist organizations, and responding to cybercrime, among other specialized operations. The CSTO Joint Staff stated that this exercise is part of a routine planned exercise and is not aimed at any third country.
On October 16, 2026, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) conducted a joint military exercise in Belarus, involving over 1500 troops and 300 pieces of equipment, including approximately 80 drones. The exercise focused on enhancing peacekeeping operations and crisis response capabilities among member states. A Mi-8 helicopter was utilized for deploying troops during the exercise, which is part of the CSTO's annual training program.
- CSTO conducted a joint exercise in Belarus on October 16, 2026.
- Over 1500 troops and 300 pieces of equipment participated, including 80 drones.
- The exercise focused on peacekeeping and crisis response capabilities.
- A Mi-8 helicopter was used for troop deployment during the exercise.
- The exercise is part of a routine annual training program.