What is the CSTO. Assistance of the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces in Kazakhstan – January 6, 2022 | NHS

In addition, there is a general, Collective Rapid Reaction Force. Their number – by state – is 18 thousand people. According to the data released by the official media, the CRRF includes from Russia – 98th guards airborne division and 31st separate guards airborne assault brigade. Where they are located and what their composition is, according to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, it is prohibited to publish in the media.

However, it should be noted that 98th the division took part in the Chechen war and in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, and some of its fighters are officially recognized by the top leadership of the Russian Federation – mentioned in the incident in the Donetsk region in 2014.

31st the brigade was noted for escorting convoys in Sarajevo, of course, also in the Chechen war and in the events in South Ossetia. Official website of the RF Ministry of Defense reported thatthat at the end of 2017 this brigade was recognized as the best among the airborne assault formations of the Russian Airborne Forces.

In addition to two Russian military units, the KROR includes a Kazakh 37th airborne assault brigade of the Airmobile Forces and one operational battalion, from Belarus – 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, and from Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – one battalion each, as well as the Collective Aviation Forces, which consist of military transport (transport) and special aviation of the military forces and national guards, as well as bodies authorized in the field prevention and elimination of the consequences of emergency situations. Also – if necessary – in the operations of the CSTO can (but not necessarily) take part Russian OMON and SOBR detachments and the EMERCOM Leader detachment.