Russia: joint military exercises with China and six other countries

Russia completed its joint military exercises 'Tsentr-2026' with seven countries, including China, Belarus, and Pakistan, involving over 47,000 troops. The drills took place in the Chelyabinsk region and included land, air, reconnaissance, assault operations, and live firing, with a focus on new military technologies such as drones and electronic warfare. Chinese forces deployed tanks, drones, helicopters, and unmanned ground vehicles for reconnaissance and coordinated strikes. Moscow states that these exercises incorporate lessons learned from the Ukraine war, especially in drone warfare and counter-drone tactics.