Russia, Kazakhstan maneuver to repel “South Aggression”
An active phase of Russian-Kazakhstani military exercises Center-2008 have completed in Chelyabinsk region. Kommersant Daily describes the exercises' scenario as reminding of the recent events in South Ossetia. The military, however, affirm that it was developed a year ago. The maneuvers are a second large-scale military exercizes at the training range. Last year, joint maneuvers of the SCO called Peace Mission-2007 were held there. That time, however, military of six countries were working on joint action against international terrorists.
According the exercises' scenario, a fictitious state bordering Kazakhstan launches aggression aiming to annex regions rich with mineral resources. The adversary troops (the “South” force) intrudes into territory of Kazakhstan to a depth of up to 60 kilometers. Joint forces of Russia (the “Ural” force) and Kazakhstan (the “North” force) start reconnaissance. When adversary headquarters and concentrations of combat equipment are located, an air strike is performed on them by aviation and SP weapons. After adversary is disorganized and its combat equipment is partially destroyed, the joint armed forces perform a counterattack and force “South” to retreat.
Over 500 units of military and special equipment were used in the maneuvers: T-72 tanks, armored combat vehicles, multiple launch rocket systems “Grad”, SP howitzers Gvozdika and Nona. Exercise air strikes were performed by Su-24 tactical bombers, Su-27 and MiG-31 fighter jets, as well as Mi-24 and Mi8 helicopters. Airborne infantry company and assault combat squadron of air assault forces (supported by three combat vehicles) were delivered by two Il76 military transport planes. About 2,000 military of Russia and about 700 of Kazakhstan took part in the exercises.
16:03 09/05/2008
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