
The Russian Zarya laser system successfully hit unmanned aerial vehicles at a distance of up to 6 kilometers during the Center-2026 strategic exercise at the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk region.
AI-generated summary
Exercises "Center-2026" are the final stage of training of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation this year.
The Russian Zarya laser complex destroyed targets at ranges of up to 6 kilometers during the Center-2026 command and staff exercises, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported.
The main stage of the strategic command and staff exercise "Center-2026" takes place on October 2 at the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk region. The exercise is the final stage of training for the Russian Armed Forces this year.
“Medium and heavy unmanned aerial vehicles at ranges of up to six kilometers were destroyed by the Zarya laser complex,” the department said in a statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with military attaches from 51 countries at the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk region, where international exercises took place. He noted the usefulness and interest of their joint work.

The Russian Ministry of Defense published video materials from the strategic command and staff exercise "Center-2026", which took place on October 2, 2026 at the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk region. The footage shows ground robotic kits, drones, artillery strikes, the movement of attack aircraft on motorcycles and ATVs, the work of assault units and various modifications of tanks, including the T-14 Armata and an unmanned tank.

The head of the observer delegation from Laos, Major General Ophat Khomatan, highly appreciated the organization, master classes and demonstration of equipment at the Center-2026 exercises in the Chelyabinsk region, expressing hope for continued cooperation between Russia and Laos.

During the strategic command and staff exercise "Center-2026" at the Chebarkulsky training ground, more than 20 crews of counter-UAV platoons destroyed mock enemy drones using the "ramming" method, and crews of attack FPV drones hit ground control stations and enemy repeater antennas. More than 6 thousand military personnel and 600 pieces of equipment are involved in the training ground.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has been appointed head of the strategic command and staff exercise "Center-2026", which takes place from September 28 to October 3 at the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk region. The exercise involves more than 47 thousand people and 2 thousand weapons, including more than 600 pieces of equipment, 55 airplanes and helicopters, more than 500 UAVs and more than 50 robotic systems. The arrival of foreign military contingents of the CSTO to prepare for the exercise from September 18 is also noted.

Video footage of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Chebarkulsky training ground has been published, where he observed the strategic command and staff exercises Center-2026, coupled with the CSTO exercises Interaction-2026, and listened to the report of Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.