Il-76

President Vladimir Putin has said the main goal of the Tsentr-2026 military exercises is to train Russian forces in repelling external aggression. The statement, reported by Interfax, comes as large-scale drills are under way across Russia, with Il-76 transport aircraft among the assets drawing attention. The exercises are being closely watched amid ongoing tensions with the West and the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia says it has dropped an armed ground robot from an Il-76 transport aircraft for the first time during a military exercise. The demonstration highlights Moscow's push to field unmanned combat systems, though details on the robot's capabilities and performance after landing remain limited, drawing attention from defense observers tracking military robotics.