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Through Fire and Sand: Russia Takes Gold in the International Tank Biathlon

The international competition "Tank Biathlon” has been held annually since 2014 at the Alabino military training ground in the Moscow region. Sergei Bobylev/TASS
Teams from 19 countries took part this year including Venezuela, Armenia and India. Lubimov Andrei / Moskva News Agency
Each team consists of a chief, four tank crews, a two-man coaching group and technical support. Sergei Bobylev/TASS
"Tank Biathlon” is a two-stage competition: an individual tank race and the relay. Lubimov Andrei / Moskva News Agency
The races consist of three firing rounds, including destroying another tank, shooting down a helicopter and hitting targets with machine guns. Sergei Bobylev/TASS
The results are determined by speed, distance covered and any penalties incurred. Lubimov Andrei / Moskva News Agency
Russia won the final race in a total time of 1 hour 30 minutes. Kazakhstan came in second place followed by China. Lubimov Andrei / Moskva News Agency
The closing ceremony of the "2017 International Army Games" featured a fireworks display. Lubimov Andrei / Moskva News Agency

The 2017 International Army Games' "Tank Biathlon" was held from July 29 to Aug. 12 in Moscow's Alabino region.

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