A tank biathlon is a mechanized military sport invented by the Russian military that has similarities to a regular biathlon, with teams testing their driving skills and shooting at targets simulating tanks and low-flying helicopters.
The upcoming Tank Biathlon competition will be held in a framework of the 2017 International Army Games at the Alabino shooting range from July 29 to August 12. Photo: A member of the Indian team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
Teams from 20 countries across the world will take part in this year’s Tank Biathlon. Photo: Members of the Angolan team before a rehearsal.
A participant before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in the Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
The draw ceremony for the 2017 Tank Biathlon was held on July 24.
Each participating team consists of a leader and four tank crews. Photo: Participants before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
The teams also include two coaches and a six-member technical support branch. Photo: Members of the Kuwaiti team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Alabino.
During the draw ceremony, the teams received their personal numbers and the color of their tanks: green, blue, red or yellow. According to the results of the draw, Russia will perform on July 30 in red T-72 tanks. Photo: The draw for the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
A member of the Nicaraguan team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
The Tank Biathlon includes two parts: an individual race of crews and a relay race, which will define the best team of the competition. Photo: Members of the Indian team after the draw for the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
Just several days left before the competition starts. Participants do not waste their time: they get acquainted with the tracks and do final checkups and rehearsals.
A visitor takes a photograph with members of the Zimbabwean team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Patriot Park in Alabino, Russia.
More than 1,000 personnel arrived from different countries to participate in the 2017 Tank Biathlon. Photo: Members of the Kuwaiti team before a rehearsal.
Ninety tanks were prepared for the competition.
Belorussian, Chinese and Indian teams will use their own armored vehicles; other teams will be provided with tanks by Russia. Photo: A member of the Chinese team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon in Alabino.
Members of the Nicaraguan team take photographs before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
The last relay race of the Tank Biathlon will take place on the closing day of the games, on August 12. Photo: A member of the Indian team before a rehearsal of the 2017 Tank Biathlon.
