Multinational military drills in central Russia wrapped up Friday, concluding a strategic exercise that tested joint combat readiness among forces from China, Russia, and six other nations.
The Center-2026 (Tsentr-2026) exercises, which began Sept. 28 in Chelyabinsk, focused on long-range force projection, rapid operational shifts, and joint command coordination under realistic combat conditions.
Participating Chinese personnel, drawn from the Central Theater Command headquarters, the 82nd Group Army, and a synthetic brigade, operated alongside troops from Russia, Belarus, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Tajikistan.
Once the execution phase began, all participating troops shifted from field camps to underground fortifications, living and standing by within the confined subterranean spaces.
The exercise area was crisscrossed by ravines and pockmarked with craters. Troops employed diverse methods for constructing field fortifications and camouflaging their equipment; some used standard-issue camouflage netting, others utilized branches and vegetation for cover, and some integrated their positions with the natural terrain and features.
"Upon entering the execution phase, all participating forces, personnel and equipment alike, moved into underground fortifications. The location we are in right now serves as an underground living quarter, housing a force larger than a standard squad. We can wash up, bathe, and dine here, meeting all the daily living requirements for field training under realistic combat conditions," said Wang Shu, an officer with the Chinese participating contingent.
The exercise was conducted in two stages, preparation and execution, and lasted over a month, from long-range force projection to its conclusion.
The exercise tested the multinational forces' capabilities in coordinated command and joint operations, while enriching the Chinese military's experience in addressing diverse security threats, playing a significant role in consolidating traditional bilateral friendships and enhancing joint operational capabilities.
"This exercise demonstrated high levels of command efficiency, combat realism, and coordination. Participating parties jointly studied tactics and operational methods, formulated combat plans, and meticulously organized coordinated actions. The exercise enhanced capabilities in planning and command, force employment, comprehensive support, and the organization of realistic combat training," said Zhou Wei, an officer with the Chinese participating troop.
"During this exercise, our troops trained alongside personnel from other participating nations, fostering close cooperation. This further deepened the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, consolidated and expanded practical, friendly cooperation among the participating militaries, and fully demonstrated our firm determination to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," said Bai Yunfei, another Chinese officer.
Center-2026 joint military drills conclude in Russia
