MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. FPV drone crews operating in a "swarm" combat formation engaged assault groups during the Center-2026 exercises, according to the Defense Ministry.

"FPV drone crews operating in a ‘swarm’ combat formation ensured the engagement of assault groups operating on motorcycles during the main stage of the strategic command and staff exercise Center-2026 at the Chebarkul training ground. The attack objectives were seized through a simultaneous advance by assault groups from the flanks, accompanied by simultaneous fire from the front. Artillery provided support to the advancing assault groups, and concentrated strikes with FPV drones were carried out against the enemy’s exposed firing positions," it said in a statement.

The ministry noted that, in parallel with the attack by the assault groups and drone crews, mobile fire groups using Ulan-2 vehicles were engaged in combat against the enemy’s unmanned aerial vehicles.

The ministry clarified that the total number of troops at the Chebarkul training ground, where the Center-2026 drills are held, exceeds 6,000 military personnel (4,600 from Russia and 1,479 foreign troops, including 634 military contingents from the CSTO CRRF member states). The exercises involve more than 600 pieces of equipment, including 55 aircraft and helicopters; more than 500 drones of various modifications; and more than 50 robotic systems.