CSTO to supply weapons to Tajikistan to strengthen Afghan border

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) plans to begin deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Tajikistan by the end of 2026 to strengthen its border with Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan will also take part in the programme. CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov announced this on October 21 during a video bridge with journalists.

According to Masadykov, the first deliveries are expected from four states: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. The first stage of the programme has been completed. The Tajik side has identified suppliers and agreed on order amounts. The second stage, covering weapons, military equipment and border security equipment, has now begun.

Specific types of weapons, delivery volumes and costs have not been disclosed. Masadykov stressed that the programme aims to strengthen security along the organisation's southern frontiers and poses no threat to Afghanistan or its people. The programme was approved by CSTO leaders in November 2024 and will run until the end of 2029.