Russian Center-2019 military exercises will make the West think
Russia is preparing for the large-scale military exercises Center-2019. The maneuvers scheduled for mid-September 2019 will bring together not only Russian troops, but also soldiers and officers from a number of Asian countries.
As it became known, in addition to Russian units and formations, the armed forces of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as non-CIS countries — China, India and Pakistan — will take part in the Center-2019 command and staff exercises.
Everything is clear with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - these countries are parties to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which has existed since the 2002 of the year and solves common tasks in the direction of ensuring security and peace in the post-Soviet space.
China is increasingly conducting joint military exercises with the Russian Federation. So, even a joint air patrol was recently conducted by the Russian Air Force and the Chinese Air Force, which caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States, Japan and South Korea.
For China, Russia is currently an important economic and military-political partner, especially since the tasks in both Central Asia and the Pacific are approximately the same - it is opposing terrorism and religious radicalism in Central Asia and opposing the plans of the United States and its allies (Japan and South Korea) in the Pacific Ocean.
India has always been one of the largest military trade partners of the Russian Federation, acquiring the most diverse weapons and military equipment from our country. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Indian military will take part in the exercises. Although India, unlike China, has very good relations with the United States and Great Britain, partnership with Russia and the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia is also important for it.
Participation in joint military exercises for India is a great opportunity to observe the combat use of new models of Russian-made military equipment, since the country is one of the key buyers of our weapons and is interested in exploring its capabilities.
In recent years, Pakistan has significantly changed its foreign policy vector. Previously, Pakistan was seen as a clear ally of the United States in South and Central Asia, but now the situation has changed. The Donald Trump administration is very unhappy with Pakistan’s policies, believing that Islamabad indulges Islamic radicals. Against the background of deteriorating relations with the United States, Pakistan is increasingly interacting with China and Russia. The participation of the Pakistani army in the upcoming military exercises is further evidence of this.
The Russian leadership claims that the main purpose of the exercises is to test the combat readiness of units and formations of the Russian army, and these exercises do not in any way threaten foreign states. Interestingly, the exercises will be held in the Central Military District and in the Arctic. Moscow expects to work out the actions of the Russian troops to ensure security and combat the terrorist threat in Central Asia.
Accordingly, the armies of those states for which security in the Central Asian region is also on the list of the most important national interests are also involved. The Russian military training grounds Chebarkulsky, Yurginsky, Aleysky, Totsky, Donguz, Adanak, and the ranges of the air forces and air defense forces Ashuluk and Safakulevo were chosen as places for the exercises.
A number of maneuvers are planned in the Arctic, over a vast territory from the Novosibirsk Islands to Novaya Zemlya. Russian paratroopers are going to hold the largest landing in 38 years in the framework of the upcoming exercises.
Up to 128 thousand people will take part in the exercises. In the practical actions of the troops that will be practiced at the Totsky, Adanak and Donguz training grounds, 12 thousand 950 people will be involved, including 10 thousand 700 military personnel of the Russian army and up to 2 thousand 250 military personnel of foreign armies. Also planned for approximately 250 tanks450 armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, up to 200 artillery shells and multiple launch rocket systems, 15 ships and auxiliary vessels, 600 aircraft, various auxiliary equipment.
On the part of the Russian Federation, military command and control bodies and troops of the Central Military District, the Caspian Military will participate flotilla Southern Military District, units and formations of the forces of the Eastern Military District, Russian Airborne Forces, long-range and military transport aviation Aerospace Forces of Russia. The direct management of maneuvers will be carried out by the head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Army General Valery Gerasimov.
By the way, the Center-2015 exercises, which had a certain similarity and took place four years ago, were characterized by the participation of a much smaller number of military personnel — not 128 thousand, but 95 thousand people. In addition, only Kazakhstan took part in the Center-2015 exercises from foreign countries, but the military power of Kazakhstan and its influence on the political situation in Asia are much less than the similar characteristics of China, India and Pakistan. So the 2019 teachings of the year are distinguished by a disproportionately large military-political significance, and not only by large scales.
The news of Russia conducting large-scale military exercises, and even involving armies of other states, was met with great concern by the leadership of the United States and its allies in the North Atlantic Alliance.
Firstly, military exercises are distinguished by their scale - they involve both ground forces and aviation, the navy, and air defense. The number of servicemen who will be involved in the exercises is also impressive. Russia is demonstrating to the West that it has great military power and is capable of conducting grandiose operations involving a wide variety of military branches.
Secondly, the West is concerned about the orientation of the exercises in the Arctic and Central Asia - it is no secret that these regions have recently become the focus of attention of American military analysts. The United States is going to compete with Russia in the Arctic, and Central Asia is viewed from the point of destabilizing the political situation in the post-Soviet republics, activating terrorist groups, including those operating from the territory of neighboring Afghanistan.
Thirdly, the West is very worried about the international nature of the exercises. Of course, Americans are concerned about the participation of the Kyrgyz or Tajik military - they already know that Russia plays a key role in training military personnel for the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia. Much more interesting is the participation in the military exercises of China, India and Pakistan.
For the West, the military alliance of Russia and China is a real nightmare. And no less a nightmare is a military partnership with India and Pakistan. Indeed, cooperation with the largest and most militarily strong Asian states creates enormous obstacles to the implementation of American plans for domination in the Asia-Pacific region and in Central Asia.
After all, the Americans are accustomed to regard Pakistan itself as its permanent and loyal ally, and now Islamabad is drifting more and more towards China and Russia, which cannot but cause concern among the American military and political leadership. Of course, it is not possible to talk about turning Pakistan into an ally of Russia, but joint military exercises are a rather alarming signal.
Military exercises allow the Russian army to work out possible actions in the most diverse climatic and geographical conditions. Our military will gain invaluable experience - for example, paratroopers will not know until the last about where they have to land. This will increase the adaptive capabilities of Russian troops to act in unforeseen situations, in unfamiliar areas.
In addition, the foundation is laid for joint action with the armed forces of other states. This is very important, for example, for practicing actions against terrorist groups. The activation of terrorists in the Near and Middle East causes great concern among the states of Central Asia, but since Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are unlikely to cope with large-scale challenges on their own, their armed forces are learning to act together with the Russian and Chinese armies.
The Russian army has extensive experience in real hostilities in local wars gained during the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus, the armed conflict with Georgia and, most importantly, the long-term Syrian civil war. And this experience can be extremely interesting for foreign military. On the other hand, one should not forget about the fact that Pakistani and Indian military have specific experience in the fight against terrorism, which can also transfer certain knowledge to officers and soldiers of the armies of other states participating in military exercises.
But it is worth noting that military exercises for modern Russia are not only applied, but also symbolic. Moscow is just as interested in demonstrating to the West not only its power capabilities, but also established relations with the three nuclear powers of Asia.
Through joint exercises, Russia shows that Kazakhstan and Pakistan, India and China are ready to act together. This is a kind of warning to the West - in the East, full-fledged military cooperation is also possible, and they really want to cooperate with Russia there.
Finally, military exercises provide wonderful opportunities for the presentation of Russian military equipment. The command of the armies of the countries participating in the exercises is given the opportunity to observe the new Russian military equipment, to study its real advantages. It is possible that after such exercises, in the foreseeable future, Russia will conclude some kind of arms supply agreements. Moreover, India and China traditionally buy Russian weapon, and Pakistan recently also makes large military orders.
The Indian, Chinese and Pakistani senior officers taking part in the military exercises will be interested in acquiring the best practices of the Russian military and getting to know the organization of military service in the Russian army. It is likely that the exercises will open a new page in the cooperation of our countries in the field of military education: for example, cadets from India, Pakistan and China will go to Russia to receive military specialties.
Finally, do not forget about the diplomatic significance of the exercises. The same India and Pakistan are traditional military-political opponents who fought with each other more than once and are now in very difficult relations, especially after the Indian government liquidated the real autonomy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
But at the Center-2019 exercises, the Indian and Pakistani military will act as partners in joint training. And this opportunity provides them with Russia, interested in peaceful and good relations with both India and Pakistan.
Who will take part in military exercises
As it became known, in addition to Russian units and formations, the armed forces of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as non-CIS countries — China, India and Pakistan — will take part in the Center-2019 command and staff exercises.
Everything is clear with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - these countries are parties to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which has existed since the 2002 of the year and solves common tasks in the direction of ensuring security and peace in the post-Soviet space.
China is increasingly conducting joint military exercises with the Russian Federation. So, even a joint air patrol was recently conducted by the Russian Air Force and the Chinese Air Force, which caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States, Japan and South Korea.
For China, Russia is currently an important economic and military-political partner, especially since the tasks in both Central Asia and the Pacific are approximately the same - it is opposing terrorism and religious radicalism in Central Asia and opposing the plans of the United States and its allies (Japan and South Korea) in the Pacific Ocean.
India has always been one of the largest military trade partners of the Russian Federation, acquiring the most diverse weapons and military equipment from our country. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Indian military will take part in the exercises. Although India, unlike China, has very good relations with the United States and Great Britain, partnership with Russia and the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia is also important for it.
Participation in joint military exercises for India is a great opportunity to observe the combat use of new models of Russian-made military equipment, since the country is one of the key buyers of our weapons and is interested in exploring its capabilities.
In recent years, Pakistan has significantly changed its foreign policy vector. Previously, Pakistan was seen as a clear ally of the United States in South and Central Asia, but now the situation has changed. The Donald Trump administration is very unhappy with Pakistan’s policies, believing that Islamabad indulges Islamic radicals. Against the background of deteriorating relations with the United States, Pakistan is increasingly interacting with China and Russia. The participation of the Pakistani army in the upcoming military exercises is further evidence of this.
The Russian leadership claims that the main purpose of the exercises is to test the combat readiness of units and formations of the Russian army, and these exercises do not in any way threaten foreign states. Interestingly, the exercises will be held in the Central Military District and in the Arctic. Moscow expects to work out the actions of the Russian troops to ensure security and combat the terrorist threat in Central Asia.
Accordingly, the armies of those states for which security in the Central Asian region is also on the list of the most important national interests are also involved. The Russian military training grounds Chebarkulsky, Yurginsky, Aleysky, Totsky, Donguz, Adanak, and the ranges of the air forces and air defense forces Ashuluk and Safakulevo were chosen as places for the exercises.
A number of maneuvers are planned in the Arctic, over a vast territory from the Novosibirsk Islands to Novaya Zemlya. Russian paratroopers are going to hold the largest landing in 38 years in the framework of the upcoming exercises.
Up to 128 thousand people will take part in the exercises. In the practical actions of the troops that will be practiced at the Totsky, Adanak and Donguz training grounds, 12 thousand 950 people will be involved, including 10 thousand 700 military personnel of the Russian army and up to 2 thousand 250 military personnel of foreign armies. Also planned for approximately 250 tanks450 armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, up to 200 artillery shells and multiple launch rocket systems, 15 ships and auxiliary vessels, 600 aircraft, various auxiliary equipment.
On the part of the Russian Federation, military command and control bodies and troops of the Central Military District, the Caspian Military will participate flotilla Southern Military District, units and formations of the forces of the Eastern Military District, Russian Airborne Forces, long-range and military transport aviation Aerospace Forces of Russia. The direct management of maneuvers will be carried out by the head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Army General Valery Gerasimov.
By the way, the Center-2015 exercises, which had a certain similarity and took place four years ago, were characterized by the participation of a much smaller number of military personnel — not 128 thousand, but 95 thousand people. In addition, only Kazakhstan took part in the Center-2015 exercises from foreign countries, but the military power of Kazakhstan and its influence on the political situation in Asia are much less than the similar characteristics of China, India and Pakistan. So the 2019 teachings of the year are distinguished by a disproportionately large military-political significance, and not only by large scales.
West cautiously reacted to exercises
The news of Russia conducting large-scale military exercises, and even involving armies of other states, was met with great concern by the leadership of the United States and its allies in the North Atlantic Alliance.
Firstly, military exercises are distinguished by their scale - they involve both ground forces and aviation, the navy, and air defense. The number of servicemen who will be involved in the exercises is also impressive. Russia is demonstrating to the West that it has great military power and is capable of conducting grandiose operations involving a wide variety of military branches.
Secondly, the West is concerned about the orientation of the exercises in the Arctic and Central Asia - it is no secret that these regions have recently become the focus of attention of American military analysts. The United States is going to compete with Russia in the Arctic, and Central Asia is viewed from the point of destabilizing the political situation in the post-Soviet republics, activating terrorist groups, including those operating from the territory of neighboring Afghanistan.
Thirdly, the West is very worried about the international nature of the exercises. Of course, Americans are concerned about the participation of the Kyrgyz or Tajik military - they already know that Russia plays a key role in training military personnel for the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia. Much more interesting is the participation in the military exercises of China, India and Pakistan.
For the West, the military alliance of Russia and China is a real nightmare. And no less a nightmare is a military partnership with India and Pakistan. Indeed, cooperation with the largest and most militarily strong Asian states creates enormous obstacles to the implementation of American plans for domination in the Asia-Pacific region and in Central Asia.
After all, the Americans are accustomed to regard Pakistan itself as its permanent and loyal ally, and now Islamabad is drifting more and more towards China and Russia, which cannot but cause concern among the American military and political leadership. Of course, it is not possible to talk about turning Pakistan into an ally of Russia, but joint military exercises are a rather alarming signal.
Why are Center-2019 exercises so important for Russia
Military exercises allow the Russian army to work out possible actions in the most diverse climatic and geographical conditions. Our military will gain invaluable experience - for example, paratroopers will not know until the last about where they have to land. This will increase the adaptive capabilities of Russian troops to act in unforeseen situations, in unfamiliar areas.
In addition, the foundation is laid for joint action with the armed forces of other states. This is very important, for example, for practicing actions against terrorist groups. The activation of terrorists in the Near and Middle East causes great concern among the states of Central Asia, but since Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are unlikely to cope with large-scale challenges on their own, their armed forces are learning to act together with the Russian and Chinese armies.
The Russian army has extensive experience in real hostilities in local wars gained during the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus, the armed conflict with Georgia and, most importantly, the long-term Syrian civil war. And this experience can be extremely interesting for foreign military. On the other hand, one should not forget about the fact that Pakistani and Indian military have specific experience in the fight against terrorism, which can also transfer certain knowledge to officers and soldiers of the armies of other states participating in military exercises.
But it is worth noting that military exercises for modern Russia are not only applied, but also symbolic. Moscow is just as interested in demonstrating to the West not only its power capabilities, but also established relations with the three nuclear powers of Asia.
Through joint exercises, Russia shows that Kazakhstan and Pakistan, India and China are ready to act together. This is a kind of warning to the West - in the East, full-fledged military cooperation is also possible, and they really want to cooperate with Russia there.
Finally, military exercises provide wonderful opportunities for the presentation of Russian military equipment. The command of the armies of the countries participating in the exercises is given the opportunity to observe the new Russian military equipment, to study its real advantages. It is possible that after such exercises, in the foreseeable future, Russia will conclude some kind of arms supply agreements. Moreover, India and China traditionally buy Russian weapon, and Pakistan recently also makes large military orders.
The Indian, Chinese and Pakistani senior officers taking part in the military exercises will be interested in acquiring the best practices of the Russian military and getting to know the organization of military service in the Russian army. It is likely that the exercises will open a new page in the cooperation of our countries in the field of military education: for example, cadets from India, Pakistan and China will go to Russia to receive military specialties.
Finally, do not forget about the diplomatic significance of the exercises. The same India and Pakistan are traditional military-political opponents who fought with each other more than once and are now in very difficult relations, especially after the Indian government liquidated the real autonomy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
But at the Center-2019 exercises, the Indian and Pakistani military will act as partners in joint training. And this opportunity provides them with Russia, interested in peaceful and good relations with both India and Pakistan.
Information