The Center-2026 joint tactical exercise, organized as part of bilateral cooperation between the defense institutions of Russia and Kyrgyzstan, began in Kyrgyzstan. The military exercise started on August 11 and will continue through August 17.
Up to 500 troops and 100 vehicles to take part
Up to 500 troops from the two countries are taking part in Center-2026. The exercise includes up to 100 weapons and military vehicles, as well as FPV drones used for combat purposes.
Army aviation units from Kyrgyzstan and Russia are also participating in the joint maneuvers.
Participants in the opening ceremony
According to a statement by Kyrgyzstan's Defense Ministry, the opening ceremony was attended by exercise commander Almazbek Kocoshev, Dmitriy Lakeyev, a senior officer of a Russian Armed Forces military unit and deputy commander of the 201st Military Base, and Gulnara Kuke yeva, director general of the Balykchy Mayor's Office.