KAMCHATKA, September 23 (RIA Novosti) — During the Vostok-2014 exercises, tanks have driven over ditches of up to 15 meters (49 feet) in length with no reduction in speed, the head of the lead training center for the Russian Armed Forces Lt.Gen. Ivan Buvaltsev told journalists on Tuesday.
"There was some zest, created by the management - that was not provided for in the plans. The [Maneuver] enemy used engineering barriers created by blasting, with ditches up to 15 meters in length,” Ivan Buvaltsev said.
Staff offices and commanders wasted no time in deciding to use the special engineering machinery MTU-72 and MTU-90 that enabled them to overcome difficult obstacles without losing any time and the general rate of advance.
In addition, throughout the exercise the units were under attack by sabotage intelligence groups and suppressed by electronic warfare while acting on unfamiliar terrain.
"With the use of engineering machinery the rate of advance of our troops was not reduced. The troops coped well with this task. Once again, I want to note that the commanders quickly oriented themselves in a dramatically changing environment, thought outside the box and made weighted and intelligent decisions," Buvaltsev added.
The Vostok-2014 strategic military exercise in the Eastern Military District is taking place from September 19 to 25. The exercise was preceded by unannounced combat readiness checks.
