CSTO Echelon 2026 exercise features ground robots and UAVs for evacuation and repair

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Units participating in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Echelon 2026 exercise are actively using ground robotic systems to evacuate the wounded and damaged equipment, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"At Russia’s Chebarkul training ground during the Echelon 2026 special exercise involving CSTO logistics forces and assets (collective forces), special attention is being paid to organizing the evacuation and repair of damaged equipment under conditions where enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pose a threat. Units are practicing the delivery of supplies to the front line using modern equipment--ground robotic systems and UAVs – as well as the evacuation of the wounded and damaged equipment," the ministry stated.

In one of the areas, service members used the Bogomol-7 ground robotic system, designed to deliver cargo and evacuate damaged all-terrain vehicles. Protection of the area against enemy UAVs is organized using aerial observation posts and mobile armed units.

The exercise participants also organize workshops at the disabled vehicle collecting point. Based on experience gained during the special military operation, equipment repair and restoration posts and stations were set up in underground fortifications.

At the welding station, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles were fitted with additional protection against enemy UAVs and FPV drones. At the missile and artillery weapons repair section, work is underway to restore a D-30 gun. Repairs of motorcycles, quad bikes, special transport vehicles, and ground robotic systems are also being carried out. Spare parts are being printed, in part, using 3D printers.

Contingents of CSTO forces (collective forces) from the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Tajikistan are participating in the CSTO exercise at the Chebarkul training ground. These include military contingents, special forces’ units of internal affairs bodies, security agencies and special services, authorized bodies in the sphere of emergencies prevention and relief, as well as task groups of the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat.

In total, about 2,000 military personnel and 350 pieces of weaponry, military and specialized equipment are engaged. The maneuvers’ key features include the extensive use of various types of UAVs and robotic systems, as well as combat practice based on experience gained during the special military operation in Ukraine.