MOSCOW (Sputnik) — "Practice shooting using live ammunition was carried out by T-72B3 tank crews belonging to Eastern Military District units stationed in the Khabarovsk Territory. Firing was conducted in daytime and at night in conditions simulating a real tank battle," Alexander Gordeev said.
The drills involved the use of smoke and mine explosions to simulate enemy artillery shall explosions, as well as simulated enemy tank targets, according to Gordeev.
"Tank crews also used machine guns to attack targets simulating grenade launcher troops and moving anti-tank weapons," he added, noting that each crew was allocated three 125-milimeter shells as well as PK machine gun ammunition.
The exercises coincide with Russia's tankman day celebrations, which is traditionally marked on the second Sunday of September.