The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation announced the holding of the Center-2026 exercises with the participation of almost 60 states

Strategic command and staff exercises "Center-2026" have been held since September 28.

The exercises involve troops of the Central Military District, formations and military units of various military branches, as well as forces of the Caspian Flotilla.

Representatives of almost 60 states are taking part in the maneuvers, seven countries sent their military contingents, and 51 states are represented by observers.

CHELYABINSK REGION, October 2 - RIA Novosti. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that starting September 28, in accordance with the training plan for the Russian Armed Forces, the strategic command and staff exercises "Center-2026" are being held.

“The event involves troops of the Central Military District, formations and military units of the Aerospace Forces, Airborne Forces, formations and military units of central subordination, as well as forces of the Caspian Flotilla,” Belousov said in a report to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the final stage of the Center-2026 exercises.

The minister said that representatives of almost 60 states, forces and means of the CSTO collective security system are taking part in the exercises. Seven countries sent their military contingents. The Congolese defense department is represented by an operational group, 51 states are observers, Belousov clarified.

“The total number of troops at the Chebarkulsky training ground is about 6 thousand military personnel. About 700 units of equipment, more than 600 unmanned aerial vehicles of various modifications and over 60 robotic systems are involved,” the minister said.

Training tasks are being carried out as part of the operation of a group of troops in the Central Asian strategic direction, he added.