Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense\TASS)
Russian tank crews and helicopter units held separate combat drills at a military training range in Tajikistan on October 3, practicing attacks on simulated enemy forces and troop deployment in mountainous terrain, as part of the Center-2026 strategic exercise.
At the Lyaur training range in Rudaki District, about 35 kilometers from the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, crews of T-72B3M tanks from Russia’s 201st Guards Military Base engaged simulated enemy targets, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The ministry said that the crews used a tactic known as a “fire carousel,” moving between prepared firing positions while using terrain and concealment to limit their exposure to simulated reconnaissance.
They fired their 125 mm guns from concealed positions before supporting assault groups and engaging simulated enemy reserve columns in conditions of limited visibility.
In a separate drill at the same range, Russian Mi-8 transport helicopters and Mi-24 attack helicopters practiced striking a simulated concentration of enemy personnel before landing a tactical airborne unit, according to the ministry.
The helicopter crews approached at very low altitude and conducted simulated attacks using unguided rockets and 30 mm aircraft guns. They then carried out an evasive maneuver while releasing flares against a simulated threat from portable air defense systems.
In the final stage, an Mi-8 deployed the tactical airborne unit under the cover of Mi-24 helicopters. The exercise scenario called for the troops to reach the rear of the simulated opposing force and launch a surprise attack.
The 201st Guards Military Base is Russia’s main permanent military formation in Tajikistan and operates from facilities in Dushanbe and Bokhtar.
The drills at Lyaur involved units of the 201st Guards Military Base and formed part of the wider Center-2026 exercise, which concluded October 3 after running from September 28.
More than 47,000 military personnel took part in operations at 11 training ranges and in the Caspian Sea, with contingents from several countries including China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
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