Soviet tanks race in one-of-a-kind biathlon

World
Europe

Russia, China and 18 other countries are taking part in a “tank biathlon,” where Soviet tanks weighing four tons race across a three-kilometer assault course.

The death-defying event has seen the T-72 tanks teeter on their edges, speed around corners and fly into fords of water as countries try to get the quickest time.

It is part of the International Army Games in Russia, where military teams from 32 countries are battling it out in a series of challenges.

The Russian Tank Biathlon team takes the water section at speed. /CGTN Photo

In the Aviadarts contest, fighter jets must bomb targets as accurately as possible.

There are also events for firing cannons, dealing with underwater depth charges, building bridges, throwing grenades, saving lives and shooting down the enemy.

Although the events often include explosives and ammunition, they have been designed in a way that nobody should get hurt in the course of competing.

Events include face-to-face combat competitions. /CGTN Photo

Russia, Iran and Syria – all of whom are fighting in Syria itself – took part in the tournament hosted in Russia, China and five other countries.

Competitors say the tournament is an opportunity to strengthen international relationships.

The Belarus Tank Biathlon team charges ahead to try beat the Russian side. /CGTN Photo

Colonel Khazai, head of the Iranian team, said: “The participation of the Iranian team is already an exchange of experience… One of our key goals is strengthening ties between the Russian Federation and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In one challenge, soldiers throw themselves out of planes. /CGTN Photo

Greece is one of the a few NATO countries taking part, but Major General Alexander Peryazev from Russia’s army insists the games are not a show of strength.

“We don’t show our strength, we show our level of combat training. Not only Russia, but all the countries taking part in the Army Games,” Peryazev said.

“The teams are simply happy to assign their tasks and represent their countries. There is no military subtext, only sport.”

(Top image: Twenty teams compete in the Tank Biathlon event in Russia. /CGTN Photo)