Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 47 Issue 7
SpecialEurasia OSINT Unit
Executive Summary
This report investigates the CSTO “Rubezh-2024” military exercise occurred in Tajikistan, focusing on its implications for Moscowʼs regional military and foreign policies in Central Asia. The exercise facilitates the transfer of combat experience from Russian military personnel, drawn from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This analysis frames within the broader context of military collaboration among the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
The report utilises Russian official sources, local media articles, and previous SpecialEurasia reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the exerciseʼs significance in reinforcing Russiaʼs influence in the region.
Background Information
On October 21st, 2024, CSTO concluded the active phase of the “Rubezh-2024” joint training exercise in Tajikistan, whose primary focus was on enhancing the capabilities of the Collective Rapid Deployment Forces of the Central Asian Region (CAR CRDF) to counter threats from illegal armed groups.
The exercise simulated a scenario in which an invading enemy breached the national border and took civilians hostage, prompting units from the internal troops and elite OMON “Alpha” to launch a coordinated offensive to liberate the settlement. During the military exercise, artillery and air support played a critical role in stopping the enemy advance and establishing defensive positions.
At the closing ceremony, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, Minister of Defence of Tajikistan, emphasised the ongoing threat posed by extremist organisations active in the region. Emphasising the need for military readiness in CSTO forces, he highlighted that the changing nature of threats requires a strong and flexible response strategy.
Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov, Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff, affirmed that the participating forces from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan successfully achieved the training objectives, showcasing high levels of professionalism.
According to CSTO sources, this exercise marked a significant step in enhancing member states’ collective capabilities to confront modern security threats and reaffirmed the critical importance of united efforts in achieving regional stability.
The CSTO is a military alliance established in 1992, comprising several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia. Its primary aim is to ensure mutual defence and promote stability in the region.
The 201st military base, located in Tajikistan, is a key Russian military installation that plays a significant role in the CSTOʼs operational readiness and capabilities. Russia strategically positioned this base near the Tajik capital Dushanbe and not so far from the Afghan border to maintain a presence in Central Asia and respond to regional security challenges.
Why Does This Matter?
The Kremlin often views central Asia as part of its blizhnee zarubezhe (near abroad) and lebensraum (living space), where Moscow seeks to enhance its military footprint through CSTO drills and defence collaboration and, furthermore, thanks to trade cooperation promoted by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Tajikistan, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has increasingly sought Russian support to ensure stability and control over its borders, especially after the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent rise of the Taliban. This collaboration aims to mitigate the risks of jihadist propaganda and terrorism infiltrating the region.
Through military exercises and defence partnerships, Russia aims to consolidate its influence in Central Asia and counter other actors, particularly the Peopleʼs Republic of China. Indeed, Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative has garnered significant attention among the Central Asian republics because of its financial investments in local economies. The Russian military presence not only reinforces its strategic objectives but also serves as a counterbalance to Western influence and initiatives from Washington and Brussels in Central Asia.
In summary, the Rubezh-2024 exercise contributes to military readiness among CSTO countries and highlights Russiaʼs role in regional security affairs, particularly considering the evolving geopolitical landscape.
For further information, reports, and risk assessments on the CSTO and Russian involvement in Central Asia, contact us at info@specialeurasia.com and request our monitoring reports or consulting services.
