On 12 September Russia's Ministry of Defence (MoD) gave partial details of the types of units and equipment involved in the ‘Vostok (East) 2018’ exercise, which is taking place in eastern Russia on 11-15 September.
More than 2,000 motor rifle troops and 500 vehicles, including T-72B3 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers from the Central Military District (CMD), have been railed to the Tsugol range in the Buryatia Republic close to China and Mongolia. The CMD has also sent 60 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft to airbases in eastern Russia, including Mi-24 gunships, Mi-26 heavy transport helicopters, and Mi-8AMTSh-V transport-attack helicopters.
Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options atihsmarkit.com/janes
The appearance in September of photographs of a new missile carried on a Russian MiG-31 prompted widespread speculation as to the system's purpose. Malcolm Claus examines the new missile and assesses its intended role
