Major Artillery Drills Begin in Russian Far East – Defense Ministry

According to Eastern Military District press service, more than 2,500 artillerymen are currently taking part in a major military exercise in Russia’s Far East.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – More than 2,500 artillerymen are currently taking part in a major military exercise in Russia’s Far East, the Eastern Military District press service said in a statement Tuesday.

“As part of the exercise, rounds will be fired at isolated and group targets from Gvozdika, Akatsiya and Giatsint self-propelled artillery weapons, Grad and Uragan multiple-launch rocket systems, Shturm and Konkurs anti-tank missile systems and the Sani mortar system,” the statement read.

The servicemen involved in the exercise will complete long-distance marches and train coordination between units and batteries, using various types of ammunition.

Commander of the missile and artillery troops of the Eastern Military District’s Fifth Army, Sergey Ivantey, said the drills will include live fire exercise.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the army stages about 3,500 military exercises a year.