The strategic command and staff exercises were held in the Central Military District of Russia. The goal of the exercises is to check the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces of Russia and its allies and partners in Shanghai Cooperation organization.
These exercises took place in two phases. The first stage involved drills for combating terrorism, repelling airstrikes and conducting reconnaissance. The second phase of exercises focused on managing troops during fire strikes and attacking simulated enemies.
The final stage of the Centre-2019 exercises was held at Donguz training ground in Orenburg region on September 20, 2019, and was monitored by defence representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, accredited in the Russian Federation. Sri Lanka was represented by Counsellor, Defence, at the Embassy of Sri Lanka Group Captain Uditha Piyasena.
Over 100 defence and military attaches, including those of the NATO countries, were flown to Orenburg region on-board TU-154 Russian Military Passenger aircraft and then taken to the training ground of Donguz in MI-8 Military helicopters, well familiar to the Sri Lanka Air Force. The impressive active phase of the Exercises showcased the most modern Russian and coalition weaponry and military equipment.
The exercise was attended by the Commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, who hosted his guest Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Kyrgyztan at the Donguz training ground. General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, and Colonel General Alexander Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation were also present at the Exercises. Apart from the Russian Armed Forces, there were military contingents from Kyrgyztan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, China, India and Pakistan participating in the military drills.
