Zapad-2021 Drills: Russia and Belarus Launch ‘Hot Phase’ of Huge War Games

Russia and ex-Soviet ally Belarus on Friday launched the active “hot phase” of a three-month-long military exercise involving 200,000 troops. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the active phase of the drills would take place at nine sites in Russia and five sites in Belarus. The exercises involve 200,000 personnel, 80 planes and helicopters, 290 tanks and 15 naval ships, it says. The paratroopers of the 31st separate airborne assault brigade of the Russian Armed Forces used new light special tactical vehicles “Sarmat-2” during the Zapad-2021 exercises, designed specifically for transportation both inside and on the external sling of Mi-8 helicopters. …