Vladimir Putin observed large-scale military war games simulating major conflict, warning that Russian forces are actively sharpening their capabilities to counter foreign threats. The Russian leader visited a sprawling training range to inspect the active phase of strategic command exercises, accompanied by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and senior military officers.
Putin's Warning on External Aggression
Addressing commanders during the operational briefing, Putin said: "The main objective of the drills is to improve the skills of staff commanders at all levels in commanding troops while repelling external aggression."
Holding a black umbrella against the rain, Putin inspected a display of newly developed tactical hardware laid out beneath camouflage nets. The lethal technology on show included advanced delta-wing loitering munitions, automated reconnaissance systems, and strike drones adapted for modern frontline combat.
Live-Fire Exercises and New Tactics
Live-fire phases of the exercise transformed the training grounds into a mock battlefield. Rockets and artillery fire streaked across the sky, setting off explosions around a simulated village fortified with barbed-wire barriers and concrete anti-tank obstacles.
Russian assault infantry were pictured storming buildings, supported by camouflaged buggies and troops riding motorbikes across muddy terrain to test high-speed raid tactics drawn from the war in Ukraine. Inside a field command centre, a grim-faced Putin listened as generals detailed multi-domain assault plans and the coordination of drone swarms alongside ground forces.
Scale of the Centre-2026 Drills
Putin went on: "The Centre-2026 command post exercise is being held under the Armed Forces training plan, in conjunction with the Interaction-2026 exercise scheduled as part of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s plan.
"The drill involves over 47,000 troops who are carrying out missions at 11 training areas as well as in the Caspian Sea. The main objective of the exercise is to improve the skills of commanders at all levels in repelling external aggression. The participants are practising the use of new weapons and military equipment, and all missions are being carried out based on the experience gained during the special military operation.
"Today, here at the Chebarkul training ground, we are witnessing the final stage of the Centre-2026 and Interaction-2026 exercises. The active phase involves practical operations by more than 6,000 military personnel from Russia and other countries, as well as units of the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Force.
"I would like to highlight that delegations from 55 foreign countries have arrived in Russia for these exercises. I would also like to extend a special welcome to the heads and representatives of the foreign defence agencies present here.
"I am confident that the results of the Centre-2026 and Interaction-2026 exercises, along with the experience gained by the personnel, will enhance our effectiveness in responding to external threats to our countries’ security."
