A tank biathlon is a mechanized military sport invented by the Russian military that has similarities to a regular biathlon, with teams testing their driving skills and shooting at targets simulating tanks and low-flying helicopters.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe upcoming Tank Biathlon competition will be held in a framework of the 2017 International Army Games at the Alabino shooting range from July 29 to August 12. Photo: A member of the Indian team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
The upcoming Tank Biathlon competition will be held in a framework of the 2017 International Army Games at the Alabino shooting range from July 29 to August 12. Photo: A member of the Indian team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankTeams from 20 countries across the world will take part in this year’s Tank Biathlon. Photo: Members of the Angolan team before a rehearsal.
Teams from 20 countries across the world will take part in this year’s Tank Biathlon. Photo: Members of the Angolan team before a rehearsal.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankA participant before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in the Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
A participant before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in the Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe draw ceremony for the 2017 Tank Biathlon was held on July 24.
The draw ceremony for the 2017 Tank Biathlon was held on July 24.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankEach participating team consists of a leader and four tank crews. Photo: Participants before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
Each participating team consists of a leader and four tank crews. Photo: Participants before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe teams also include two coaches and a six-member technical support branch. Photo: Members of the Kuwaiti team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Alabino.
The teams also include two coaches and a six-member technical support branch. Photo: Members of the Kuwaiti team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Alabino.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankDuring the draw ceremony, the teams received their personal numbers and the color of their tanks: green, blue, red or yellow. According to the results of the draw, Russia will perform on July 30 in red T-72 tanks. Photo: The draw for the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
During the draw ceremony, the teams received their personal numbers and the color of their tanks: green, blue, red or yellow. According to the results of the draw, Russia will perform on July 30 in red T-72 tanks. Photo: The draw for the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankA member of the Nicaraguan team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
A member of the Nicaraguan team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe Tank Biathlon includes two parts: an individual race of crews and a relay race, which will define the best team of the competition. Photo: Members of the Indian team after the draw for the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
The Tank Biathlon includes two parts: an individual race of crews and a relay race, which will define the best team of the competition. Photo: Members of the Indian team after the draw for the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankJust several days left before the competition starts. Participants do not waste their time: they get acquainted with the tracks and do final checkups and rehearsals.
Just several days left before the competition starts. Participants do not waste their time: they get acquainted with the tracks and do final checkups and rehearsals.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankA visitor takes a photograph with members of the Zimbabwean team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
A visitor takes a photograph with members of the Zimbabwean team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankMore than 1,000 personnel arrived from different countries to participate in the 2017 Tank Biathlon. Photo: Members of the Kuwaiti team before a rehearsal.
More than 1,000 personnel arrived from different countries to participate in the 2017 Tank Biathlon. Photo: Members of the Kuwaiti team before a rehearsal.
Ninety tanks were prepared for the competition.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankBelorussian, Chinese and Indian teams will use their own armored vehicles; other teams will be provided with tanks by Russia. Photo: A member of the Chinese team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Alabino.
Belorussian, Chinese and Indian teams will use their own armored vehicles; other teams will be provided with tanks by Russia. Photo: A member of the Chinese team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Alabino.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankMembers of the Nicaraguan team take photographs before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
Members of the Nicaraguan team take photographs before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe last relay race of the Tank Biathlon will take place on the closing day of the games, on August 12. Photo: A member of the Indian team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
The last relay race of the Tank Biathlon will take place on the closing day of the games, on August 12. Photo: A member of the Indian team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.