Russian Defense Minister Says Center-2026 Exercises Involve 6,000 Troops
Representatives from nearly 60 countries, along with CSTO forces and equipment, are taking part in the drills, according to Russia's defense minister.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
Russia's defense minister said the Center-2026 military exercises involve a total troop strength of 6,000 men, with representatives from nearly 60 countries taking part alongside forces and equipment from the Collective Security Treaty Organization's collective security system.
The figures underline the international scope of the drills, which bring together personnel and observers from a wide range of nations in addition to the core CSTO contingent.
A multinational exercise
The CSTO, a regional security alliance that includes Russia and several other former Soviet states, regularly participates in coordinated military exercises aimed at strengthening interoperability among member forces.
The participation of representatives from close to 60 countries suggests the exercises serve as a platform for broader international engagement beyond the core CSTO membership, potentially including observer delegations as well as participating units.
Russian officials have described the Center series of exercises as a recurring component of the country's military training calendar, rotating among different regions and focusing on varying aspects of joint operations.
Further specifics on the breakdown of troops and equipment by participating country were not detailed in available reporting.
Sources
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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