Indian Defence team to strike Russia

NP NEWS NETWORK 

The Tank Biathlon competition is one of the most important event as part of the several military competitions conducted during the International Army Games held every year at Alabino Ranges, Russia.

A total of 18 countries will showcase their prowess, skills and endurance on the tanks in this prestigious event. The competition involves firing on the move by conventional machine guns and anti-tank projectiles at a range of two kilometres while negotiating various obstacles on a rugged terrain. The competition simulates actual battlefield conditions involving driving at high speeds and entails switching from one mode of operation to another at a very fast pace, which requires exceptional level of physical fitness and training.

The Indian Army team has been participating in the competition since 2014.  This year, the Indian contingent is participating with the Russian tanks   T-72 B3. The team on each tank comprises of a Commander, a Gunner and a Driver. The team have been selected after a rigorous selection process undertaken at the Babina Field Firing Ranges where a replica of the original circuit at Alabina Ranges, Russia exists. The selection of the crews was undertaken on the basis of the technical expertise, physical fitness levels, mental agility and consistency of the crew members.

To achieve a fine blend of equipment performance and crew integration, training has been imparted to the team at Babina Field Firing Ranges. The training curriculum has been formulated in a scientific manner bringing out the true man and machine combination. 20 member Indian team participating in Tank Biathlon 2018 left for Russia on 18 July 2018. The competition this year will commence on 29 July 2018.