Artillery forces are practicing with their weaponry in a joint exercise against insurgents by Chinese and Russian militaries in northwest China.

They undertake critical tasks, not least of all striking enemy targets with high levels of mobility and efficiency.

The forces integrate various weapons and equipment during the exercise lasting from August 9 to 13.

"The new vehicle-mounted gun-howitzer can be quickly and easily prepared for launch. And the self-propelled rocket launcher is highly maneuverable. They have greater impact together," said Yang Youliang, a squad leader from the Army under the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command.

Performing careful maintenance amid the drills, the soldiers are preparing for the drill courses, and they have set goals and strategies.

"Our focus is to quickly take position, lock onto targets and strike," said Jiang Delong, a company commander from the Army under the PLA Western Theater Command.

One of the major features of the drill is the application of multiple information terminals. Ground reconnaissance sends back battlefield intelligence and guides the attack strikes.

"We maximize the combat formations and achieve synthesis of equipment, intelligence and firepower through the integration of the whole command information system," said Jin Jian, a battalion commander from the Army under the PLA Western Theater Command.

The artillery says it conducted adaptive training and overcame complex weather and terrain.

(Cover: Open fire of a PLA vehicle-mounted gun-howitzer. /Photo courtesy of Zhang Xuecheng from the Army under the PLA Western Theater Command)