Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
Russians love tanks so much that they have an entire competition dedicated to them, where other nations are invited as well. But, before the international Tank Biathlon begins, the best Russian tanks must prove their worth.
Imagine the most fierce-looking tank platoons competing against each other and firing at targets while also using drones– this is not a video game, but Russia’s Tank Biathlon. Launched in 2013, this annual event gathers some of the most powerful tanks from various countries, for a complex competition where each team gets to show off their tank and prove its capabilities.
The first stage of this year’s event began on May 17, in the Chelyabinsk Region. During this national-level stage, the best tanks in Russia will compete against each other. These include platoons from the Western, Southern, Central and Eastern military districts, the Moscow and Far Eastern Higher Combined Arms Command Schools, the Kazan Higher Tank Command School and the Airborne Forces. They will participate in the Tank Biathlon and Suvorov Attack competitions.
According to a Russian Ministry of Defense statement, 42 tons of water were poured from an aircraft over the competition area, in order to limit some of the inevitable dustiness. Then, it was show time for the Russian tanks. On their way to the finish line, they had to overcome a series of natural and artificial obstacles, like mounds, slopes, explosives, a fire strip, an anti-tank ditch and a simulated track bridge.
The track also includes 3 firing sections, 2 penalty circles of 1,640 ft. (500 m) each, as well as areas of compliance with technical and medical training.
One of the most challenging tests is the 3rd firing section, where the mission is to fire at a group target comprised of 3 targets, and the tank platoon commander uses an uncrewed aerial vehicle to establish the coordinates for the shoot.
The winners will be announced on May 28, when the first stage of the competition ends, and they will represent Russia’s team at the International Army Game Tank Biathlon.
The first stage of this year’s event began on May 17, in the Chelyabinsk Region. During this national-level stage, the best tanks in Russia will compete against each other. These include platoons from the Western, Southern, Central and Eastern military districts, the Moscow and Far Eastern Higher Combined Arms Command Schools, the Kazan Higher Tank Command School and the Airborne Forces. They will participate in the Tank Biathlon and Suvorov Attack competitions.
According to a Russian Ministry of Defense statement, 42 tons of water were poured from an aircraft over the competition area, in order to limit some of the inevitable dustiness. Then, it was show time for the Russian tanks. On their way to the finish line, they had to overcome a series of natural and artificial obstacles, like mounds, slopes, explosives, a fire strip, an anti-tank ditch and a simulated track bridge.
The track also includes 3 firing sections, 2 penalty circles of 1,640 ft. (500 m) each, as well as areas of compliance with technical and medical training.
One of the most challenging tests is the 3rd firing section, where the mission is to fire at a group target comprised of 3 targets, and the tank platoon commander uses an uncrewed aerial vehicle to establish the coordinates for the shoot.
The winners will be announced on May 28, when the first stage of the competition ends, and they will represent Russia’s team at the International Army Game Tank Biathlon.
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