The 102nd Russian military base in Armenia hosted the launch of large-scale command and staff exercises, which are to last until the end of this week, Mediamax agency reported on July 1 citing the Russian Armed Forces' Southern Military District.
More than 200 military vehicles and 600 soldiers are taking part in the exercise.
Tanks, mechanized infantry combat vehicles (MICVs), armored personnel carriers (APCs) and artillery are involved in the comprehensive exercises at the Alagyaz and Kamkhud training grounds.
The exercises' phases will be supported by the BUK-M1-2 and C-300B air defense systems, as well as the MiG-29 fighters.
The exercise also included a squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles.
"Such events are held twice a year to train all categories of Russian soldiers serving outside the Russian Federation, and to create a real operating security provision system of the Armenian Republic as part of the Collective Security Treaty," the Southern Military District's press service said.
The 102nd Russian military base has been deployed in Gyumri, northern Armenia since 1995.
The base carries out combat duty as part of the Joint CIS Air Defense System.
Edited by CN