Photo: https://www.eprussia.ru/
The Army-2021 international military forum and the 7th Army International Games, themed around equipment of the Russian military, were launched in the Patriot Park on August 22. Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated both events which were attended by representatives of the Russian Defence Ministry, government officials, defence companies’ executives and foreign delegations and guests.
The main show ran in the Patriot Park in Kubinka near Moscow. Exhibitions were also held at the Alabino shooting range and the Kubinka airfield. More than 28,000 various modern weapons and pieces of next generation equipment are on display in the outdoor areas and pavilions. According to Vesti.ru, the Russian Ministry of Defence presented 300 military goods at the forum.
Many exhibition visitors are certainly interested in the themed cluster showing innovations in the segment of artificial intelligence, radioelectronics and information technology. According to Krasnaya Zvezda, Rosoboronexport [the sole state intermediary agency for Russia's exports/imports of defense-related and dual use products, technologies and services] prepared a display of export-oriented weapons and equipment for foreign partners.
The Arctic section at the Patriot exhibition centre demonstrated armored four-wheel drive military jeeps, snowmobiles, equipment and gear for this climate zone, as well as Tor-A and Pantsir-SA air defence systems specially designed for use in Arctic conditions.
The Army-2021 forum lasted seven days. Two days, 24 and 25 August, were reserved for the work of experts, while on 26-28 August the exhibition of state-of-the-art equipment was opened to the general public.
International delegations and visitors have seen artillery pieces, tanks, as well as helicopter gunships and aircraft. The forum ran its business and scientific programmes at Patriot Club sites. Delegations from 97 countries took part in discussions of armaments in modern conditions Thirty-four foreign delegations were led by heads of defence departments.
“Russia has something to be proud of and something to offer its allies and partners,” Putin said at the forum opening ceremony. According to RIA Novosti, Russian President also thanked the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and all those involved in the preparation of the Army Games and the forum. Putin expressed confidence that such events contributed to international military cooperation and attracted talented young people to the armed forces. The сОmmander-in-сhief also underlined that many pieces of military hardware presented at the forum were unrivalled in terms of their tactical and technical characteristics. Russian weapons have always been in demand on the world market and are now “reliably protecting the security of so many countries worldwide,” Putin said.
According to the Kremlin press service, Vladimir Putin launched the keel-laying ceremony via video link for two warships and four submarines which will be built at three Russian shipyards. He committed the navy's leadership to increasing the share of modern or upgraded weapons in the fleet to 70% in the next few years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Abdullah II of Jordan met on the sidelines of the forum to discuss further military and political cooperation. The two leaders also discussed economic, trade, medical and other issues, including the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East.
The Army-2021 International Games began on August 22 and will end on September 4. According to TASS, this event is held at military ranges in 11 countries such as Russia, Belarus, Iran, China, Serbia, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Qatar, Vietnam and Kazakhstan.
More than 280 teams from 43 countries participate in the Army International Games. Cyprus, Brazil, Malaysia, Ecuador, Cameroon and Burkina Faso sent teams to the competition for the first time. Serbia, Vietnam, Algeria and Qatar are hosting teams for various competitions on their territories for the first time.
During the international games, servicemen of different branches of the armed forces demonstrate their skills and abilities. As a rule, the equipment is provided by the host country. In several games, Russian servicemen competed using Chinese military equipment, whereas Chinese servicemen only use their domestic hardware.
The ArMI games were held for the first time at 11 Russian firing ranges in 2015. This year, military personnel are competing in all Russian military districts and in the Northern Fleet. The competitions range from tank biathlon in Kubinka, equestrian competitions in the Republic of Tuva, mountain shooting competitions on Mount Elbrus to military chefs cook-offs. The programme includes very spectacular paired flights of Su-57 fighter jets, to be performed by Russian Knights, Berkuts and Swifts aerobatic demonstration teams. A total of 34 different competitions are planned for the games, and 16 of them will take place in Russia.
Meridian, a competition between military topography specialists and the Tactical Shooter contest will be held for the first time this year.
There is no doubt that the tank biathlon remains the most spectacular show. Traditionally, the best tank crews of the Russian Armed Forces take part in these competitions.
The war games forums are of great importance as they display the achievements of Russian scientists and designers of new types of armaments.