Video: Special Techniques, Helicopters, Special Forces. The CSTO 'GROM-2021' Exercises Held in Armenia

From September 24 to 28, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held a joint special anti-drug operation named 'GROM-2021' in the Republic of Armenia as part of a plan for the operational and combat readiness of the forces and means of the collective security system. This was reported by the Armenian police.

The active phase of the operation took place on September 28 at the Ministry of Defense's 'Marshal Baghramyan' training ground. The exercises were conducted with the participation and cooperation of the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat.

The aim of the exercises was to carry out anti-drug operations in mountainous terrain and to enhance the readiness of special forces units. Participants included the police of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, and special units from the Drug Control Agency of Tajikistan. The exercise also involved the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the border guard units of the National Security Service of Armenia, utilizing aviation, military vehicles, and special equipment.

Present at the exercises were CSTO Deputy Secretary General Valery Semerikov, Chief of the Armenian Police Vahe Ghazaryan, Secretary of the National Security Council Armen Grigoryan, Chief of the General Staff Artak Davtyan, Minister of Emergency Situations Andranik Piloyan, Director of the National Security Service Armen Abazyan, as well as unit leaders and commanders.

According to the scenario, a large criminal group infiltrated Armenia, intending to smuggle over one ton of drugs through the country to another state. The relevant units from the CSTO member states undertook measures to neutralize, disarm, and arrest the members of the criminal group.

Approximately 350 personnel from CSTO member states participated in the exercises, along with 49 units of equipment, 3 helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

At the conclusion of the 'GROM-2021' operation, final remarks were made by CSTO Deputy Secretary General Valery Semerikov and Armenian Police Chief, Major General Vahe Ghazaryan.

‘Dear Valery Anatolyevich, esteemed generals, colonels, sergeants. Today, we observed the joint special anti-terrorist exercise 'GROM-2121,' aimed at strengthening cooperation among special forces units of CSTO member states and enhancing combat readiness. Our special forces operated harmoniously and at a high professional level; fighters achieved their objectives in a matter of minutes, neutralizing criminal groups and cutting off drug trafficking routes. This exercise further confirmed that we are capable of developing and implementing coordinated tactics and strategies to fight crime effectively.’

Police Chief Vahe Ghazaryan expressed gratitude to the special forces officers, sergeants, and awarded participants from member states, confident that collaboration would continue and deepen in the future.

‘Dear Vahe Robertovich and esteemed participants of the exercise: The operations conducted in line with the set objectives deserve high praise. I want to highlight that the professionalism of special forces units and the organization of cooperation during strategic actions amongst CSTO collective forces improve from exercise to exercise year after year, which is an important indicator that we possess all necessary forces and means to resolve the assigned tasks,’ Valery Semerikov stated during his speech.

At the end of the exercises, outstanding servicemen were awarded medals, insignias, and certificates. Winners of tactical shooting competitions held during 'GROM-2021' were also recognized, aimed at identifying the best shooters from participating countries and enhancing the firearms and tactical preparedness of the personnel while improving safety skills in handling weapons during their duties.