The Russian Armed Forces began the summer training phase of the 2026 academic year on June 1, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Troops are moving into classrooms, unmanned systems laboratories, simulators and training grounds as part of the new stage of combat training.

The program combines theory with practical drills. Servicemen will train in their specialties, improve shooting and tactical skills, practice engineering tasks and medical aid. Separate sessions will focus on combat in populated areas and forest belts, as well as countering enemy drones.

After individual training, units will move on to coordinated work. Skills will be reinforced at the level of squads, platoons, companies and battalions. Exercises of various levels are also planned for the summer period, including command-and-staff and interservice drills.

The main combat training event of 2026 will be the strategic command-and-staff exercise Tsentr-2026. According to the Defense Ministry, more than ten military formations from foreign defense agencies will be involved.

Military districts have also received their tasks for the summer. In the Leningrad Military District, the focus will be on troop readiness, countering aerial targets, unit cohesion and the training of both conscripts and contract servicemen.

In the Eastern Military District, personnel will enter the field stage of training. Servicemen will take part in camp assemblies, field deployments and tactical exercises. The program also includes live firing from standard weapons mounted on combat vehicles, as well as training in operating military and specialized equipment.

Several dozen new simulators have been prepared for units of the Moscow Military District. They are designed for laser-based training with anti-tank missile systems, control of various types of UAVs, driving combat vehicles and engaging aerial targets.

In the Southern Military District, the summer period began in part with special training sessions at a combined-arms range in Krasnodar Territory. The sessions involve citizens who have signed contracts to serve in the mobilization manpower reserve. Mobile fire groups are being formed from the personnel to repel enemy unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.