Russia begins multinational Tsentr-2019 military exercises
The strategic command and staff exercises Tsentr-2019 began at Russia's and other countries military ranges, reports TASS news agency. Russian Defense Ministry also invited Foreign Military Attaches to the drills.
Foreign military representatives accredited in Russia will attend the military exercises. At a press briefing with participation of more than 100 military attaches, representing 71 countries, including 20 NATO member countries, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said that on September 20, the military attaches will arrive at the main part of the exercises at the Donguz military range in the Orenburg region. Fomin noted that these exercises are conducted for defense purposes and are intended only for troops training.
Tsentr-2019 military exercises will be held from 16 to September 21. The main events will be conducted at military ranges Totskoye and Donguz (Orenburg region), Adanak (Dagestan), Chebarkul (Chelyabinsk oblast), Yurga and Aleyskaya (Altai Krai and Kemerovo region), Ashuluk (near Astrakhan) and Safakulevo (near Kurgan), as well as on the military ranges of other countries, and the Caspian Sea.
The exercises will be conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the command units will work out the management of troops in the fight against terrorism, repelling air attacks and conducting surveillance, search, and defensive actions. The second stage will focus on the management of units during a massive exchange of fires, and assault on a conventional enemy.
The joint exercises will involve the troops from China, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In total, about 128 thousand soldiers, more than 20 thousand units of weapons and military equipment, about 600 aircraft and up to 15 ships and support vessels will participate in the events.