Russian troops used the new Izdelie 347 ground-based missile system during the main phase of the Center-2026 strategic command-and-staff exercise. At the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk Region, the system was employed against artillery positions of a simulated enemy detected by aerial reconnaissance, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

The complex was used with an upgraded light multipurpose guided missile. Izdelie 347 is designed for precision strikes against both stationary and moving targets at ranges of up to 20 kilometers. One of its key features is that the operator can guide the missile onto the target during the final stage of its flight.

Combat aircraft also played a major role in the drills. A pair of fifth-generation Su-57 fighters provided air cover for Su-34 aircraft against simulated enemy aviation.

The Su-57s took off from an operational airfield after receiving orders from on-duty forces. Radio-technical units passed target coordinates to the crews, which then entered the designated area, independently classified the targets and carried out simulated missile launches.

According to a Su-57 pilot, the aircraft’s onboard systems allow crews to exchange information in real time with the aircraft they are escorting and with ground control points. The fighter also combines high maneuverability and low observability with advanced onboard electronic equipment.

The Center-2026 strategic exercise runs from September 28 to October 3 and marks the final stage of the Russian Armed Forces’ training program for the current year. The scenario focuses on the use of troop groupings while repelling aggression in the Central Asian strategic direction. A separate part of the drills is devoted to maintaining military security in the Caspian Sea area.

The main phase is being held on October 2 at the Chebarkulsky training ground. More than 6,000 servicemen are taking part, including 4,600 from Russia and 1,479 foreign participants. Among them are 634 servicemen from the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

More than 600 pieces of equipment are involved in the maneuvers, including 55 aircraft and helicopters, over 500 unmanned aerial vehicles of various types and more than 50 robotic systems.