Kazakhstan to Host CSTO Joint Military Exercises in 2026

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has announced plans to conduct joint military exercises on the territory of Kazakhstan in 2026. The announcement was made following a strategic meeting of the CSTO member states' Chiefs of Staff, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

During the high-level meeting, military representatives from member states discussed the organization of joint operational and combat training sessions. For the current cycle, these exercises are scheduled to take place across the territories of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

The participants conducted a comprehensive review of the current military-political situation in the region. Key objectives were identified to enhance the organization's military potential, with a specific focus on:

• Strengthening integrated air defense systems;

• Advancing professional military education and personnel training;

• Improving joint force interoperability.

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, emphasized that agreements have been reached to modernize command and control systems within the CSTO framework. These measures are designed to ensure seamless coordination among the joint forces during potential crisis response operations.

The meeting also highlighted Kazakhstan’s extensive experience in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, exploring how these best practices could be integrated into the organization's collective security framework. The outcomes of the session are expected to significantly contribute to the long-term military security and stability of the member states.