Russia’s Airborne Forces have carried out their first airdrop of ground robotic systems from military transport aircraft. The new method was tested during the Center-2026 strategic command-and-staff exercise, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Under the exercise scenario, VDV units flew a long-distance mission aboard Russian Aerospace Forces Il-76 aircraft before landing behind the lines of a simulated enemy. Three ground robotic systems were delivered by air alongside the troops: the Omich-2, the Courier equipped with a combat module, and the Bogomol-7V.

The machines were mounted on a P-7 parachute platform and dropped from an altitude of 600 meters. All three landed successfully. Their operators had reached the landing zone in advance and took control of the systems once they were on the ground.

The robots were then used for several training tasks. They provided fire support to assault units, transported ammunition and other supplies, and were employed to destroy road infrastructure in the simulated enemy’s rear area. The systems are also intended for casualty evacuation.

According to a Courier operator with the call sign Tatarin, the robot supported advancing assault troops with fire from a 7.62-mm machine gun. He said the system can begin carrying out its assigned mission within three to five minutes after landing.

The drills are being held at the Chebarkulsky training ground. More than 6,000 service members are taking part, including 4,600 personnel representing Russia. The exercise also involves over 600 pieces of equipment, 55 aircraft and helicopters, more than 500 drones of various types, and over 50 robotic systems.