CSTO exercise Rubezh 2022 eliminated simulated terrorists with aircraft, a rampart fire and an outflanking manoeuvre

Exercise of the CSTO Collective Rapid Response Forces of the Central Asian Region (CRRF CAR) Rubezh 2022 concluded on October 21 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in the Republic of Tajikistan.
According to the joint press centre of the exercise devoted to Preparation and Conduct of Combat Operations by the CRRF CAR to Destroy Illegal Armed Formations That Have Invaded the Territory of a CSTO Member State, the final stage opened with Russian Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft that were transferred to Tajikistan from an airfield in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The crews, operating at extremely low altitudes, practiced missile strikes against the “militants’” forward detachments using unguided NAR-S-24 aircraft missiles. L-39 reconnaissance aircraft of the Republic of Tajikistan’s Air Force provided reconnaissance of targets.
A joint artillery group of units of the Central Military District and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan stopped the advance of the main forces of the “militants” into the territory of a CSTO Member State.
The self-propelled howitzers Gvozdika and Acacia and multiple rocket launchers Grad delivered a massive fire attack on the “enemy” with concentrated fire. From closed firing positions, units armed with 120 mm 2B11 mortars and high-explosive fragmentation mines destroyed clusters of the “enemy’s” manpower hiding in the folds of the terrain at a range of over 2,000 metres.
A group of army aviation of the Central Military District and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan supported the counterattack of the CRRF CAR main forces. Two flights of helicopters of army aviation of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan supported the engagement of the main CRRF CAR forces.
The crews of the Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters ensured continuous missile strikes against the concentration of militants. Acting at low altitude, they entered the attack course in pairs and launched unguided C 8 missiles in a horizontal flight.
Also, units of engineering troops in cooperation with units of radiation, chemical and biological protection detonated a 500-metre-long fire rampart to delay the advance of the “militants” and put psychological pressure on their combat formations.
The stage was completed by the CRRF CAR special forces carrying out an operation to liberate a settlement captured by the “militants.”
An outflanking detachment comprising tactical groups from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan advanced on the left flank to block the enemy units and attack them. Airborne assault units of the Republic of Tajikistan arrived at the blocked settlement to conduct an assault.
The CRRF CAR commander delivered an ultimatum to the “militants” holding the village, calling on them to lay down their arms and surrender. In response to their refusal, the command set a mission to destroy the enemy.
Tactical airborne troops of the Central Military District and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan were sent to prevent the enemy from reaching the rear of the advancing units. Mil Mi-24 helicopters provided air cover for the landing.
The outflanking detachment of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Tajikistan overcame the enemy with fire from combat vehicles, small arms and grenade launchers. Having accomplished the task and capturing surrendered and wounded “militants,” the detachment consolidated its position.
The detachment leader reported on the completion of the task and the elimination of the group of “militants.”
Military contingents of member states of the Central Asian region and task forces of the Joint Staff and the CSTO Secretariat took part in practical operations at the Kharbmaidon training ground. The total number of participants was about 1,000 people and more than 300 pieces of military and special equipment, including aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. The core of the Russian contingent consisted of servicemen of the Central Military District from the 201st military base.