Indian and Russian forces deploy drones and robotic systems in simulated combat

The troops used advanced tactics learned on the battlefield and modern technology during the ground phase of the INDRA-2026 drills

Indian and Russian troops have finished up the INDRA-2026 military exercises in Chelyabinsk Region. During simulated combat, they worked with drones, artillery, tanks, and robotic systems, making use of real-world battlefield experience.

The ground phase of the exercise ended on Friday after ten days at a Russian Central Military District training ground, Russia’s Defense Ministry said.

The final operation simulated the enemy occupying a settlement and establishing defensive positions. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground-based robotic systems carried out reconnaissance before artillery units and strike drones targeted mock command posts, weapons positions, and supply depots, clearing the way for a joint assault.

The joint contingents then advanced under cover from tanks, air defense systems, mobile fire teams, and first-person-view (FPV) drone interceptors. The forces practiced securing the settlement and pursuing the retreating enemy, completing the ground exercise.

The October 14-23 drills focused on joint command and control and coordinating operations against armed groups. The Russian contingent consisted primarily of personnel from the Central Military District’s 90th Guards Tank Division.

💥🇮🇳🇷🇺 Total Annihilation: India, Russia Unleash Drones, Tanks & Assault Teams In Massive INDRA-2026 Drills The joint contingents unleashed relentless firepower to encircle and wipe out simulated fortified enemy positions. 📹 🇷🇺 MoD https://t.co/gz4zLkZnzk

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) October 24, 2026

The exercise incorporated lessons from recent armed conflicts to improve combat readiness and coordination between tactical units, Central Military District combat training chief Sergei Pimenkov said at the closing ceremony.

”All assigned tasks were accomplished and the objectives achieved during the joint training,” he said.

For the air component of the exercise, Russian and Indian aircrews practiced coordinated missions using Su-30SM fighter jets, including engaging low-flying targets and maneuvering combat at medium and low altitudes. Mi-8 helicopter crews rehearsed special forces deployments and search-and-rescue operations.

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The naval component concluded earlier in the Sea of Japan, where the Indian frigate INS Sahyadri and the Russian corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov conducted live-fire artillery exercises, counter-drone operations, and a simulated mission to rescue a hijacked civilian vessel. The INS Sahyadri departed Vladivostok on October 20 following the naval exercise, India’s Defense Ministry said.

”We have seen how professionally the Russian armed forces are working,” Indian Brigadier Shubhanshu Kamatnurkar told RT. He said the Indian troops were able to gain from the Russians' frontline combat experience during the exercise.

The INDRA exercises are part of regular military cooperation between India and Russia.