CSTO Steps Up Preparedness for Emerging Threats in Central Asia
World
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) plans to adapt its collective security system to emerging challenges, ranging from drones and cyber threats to the spread of synthetic drugs. Secretary-General Taalatbek Masadykov also outlined progress on a programme to strengthen the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border and commented on the organisation’s relations with Armenia.
One priority is adapting to changes in modern warfare. According to Masadykov, reconnaissance and attack drones, targeting systems and space-based intelligence are playing an increasingly important role. The CSTO is therefore focusing on military experience-sharing, unmanned technologies and electronic warfare capabilities.
The Rubezh-2026 exercise at Kazakhstan’s Koktal training ground involved tasks for the Central Asian Regional Collective Rapid Deployment Forces. At the Interaction-2026 exercise in Russia, participants used various unmanned and robotic systems. Masadykov said the experience of contemporary conflicts requires military training methods to be continually reassessed. Cybersecurity remains another priority, with responses to digital threats requiring ongoing adaptation.
The secretary-general also addressed Armenia’s relationship with the CSTO. Armenia remains a formal member but has not attended the organisation’s governing meetings or paid membership contributions for several years. Masadykov did not rule out a change in Yerevan’s position, noting that decisions concerning a country’s participation should be made by the leaders of CSTO member states.
The spread of synthetic drugs is another concern for Central Asia. Although opiate production in Afghanistan has declined, methamphetamine remains a significant challenge. The CSTO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) use joint mechanisms to combat drug trafficking, including the Channel and Web operations. Masadykov also identified disputes over water resources as a potential regional security risk, expressing hope that disagreements could be resolved peacefully.
Strengthening the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border remains a practical priority. The CSTO programme provides for deliveries of border surveillance equipment, military hardware and weapons to Tajikistan, with assistance from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus. Masadykov said the first deliveries were expected by the end of 2026, while the programme is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. He stressed that the measures are intended to strengthen border security, not to target Afghanistan.
The Rubezh-2026 exercise at Kazakhstan’s Koktal training ground involved tasks for the Central Asian Regional Collective Rapid Deployment Forces. At the Interaction-2026 exercise in Russia, participants used various unmanned and robotic systems. Masadykov said the experience of contemporary conflicts requires military training methods to be continually reassessed. Cybersecurity remains another priority, with responses to digital threats requiring ongoing adaptation.
The secretary-general also addressed Armenia’s relationship with the CSTO. Armenia remains a formal member but has not attended the organisation’s governing meetings or paid membership contributions for several years. Masadykov did not rule out a change in Yerevan’s position, noting that decisions concerning a country’s participation should be made by the leaders of CSTO member states.
The spread of synthetic drugs is another concern for Central Asia. Although opiate production in Afghanistan has declined, methamphetamine remains a significant challenge. The CSTO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) use joint mechanisms to combat drug trafficking, including the Channel and Web operations. Masadykov also identified disputes over water resources as a potential regional security risk, expressing hope that disagreements could be resolved peacefully.
Strengthening the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border remains a practical priority. The CSTO programme provides for deliveries of border surveillance equipment, military hardware and weapons to Tajikistan, with assistance from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus. Masadykov said the first deliveries were expected by the end of 2026, while the programme is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. He stressed that the measures are intended to strengthen border security, not to target Afghanistan.
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