MULINO LANDFILL (Nizhny Novgorod region), 13 Sep-RIA Novosti. For the first time during the drawing of the main stage of the joint strategic exercises "West-2021" at the Mulino training ground in the Nizhny Novgorod region, the latest B-19 infantry fighting vehicles with the Epoch combat module were used to provide fire support to the defending units.
The course of the maneuvers is observed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"An armored group consisting of a BMP B-19 platoon was put into battle with the exit of the main forces of the imaginary enemy to the front edge of the defense of the units of the military contingents of the armed forces of Belarus, India, Mongolia and the Russian Federation in order to increase the activity and stability of the defense during the conduct of hostilities for the retention of important borders, positions and areas," the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.
The latest B-19 combat vehicle with the Epoch combat module is equipped with a 57-mm automatic cannon, Kornet ATGM launchers and a new Bulat guided missile system with small-sized missiles to destroy firing points and lightly armored enemy equipment. A special feature of the combat module "Epoch" is the presence of an automated search system, recognition of enemy objects, their support and preparation and issuance of proposals to the crew of the combat vehicle for the simultaneous or alternate use of two channels of fire damage.
12 divisions of modernized self-propelled howitzers "Msta-S"provide fire support to the defending units. "At the same time, more than 140 guns of 152 mm advanced self - propelled howitzers of a new generation with concentrated and barrage fire ensured the destruction of artillery and mortar batteries, tanks and manpower of the imaginary enemy," the Defense Ministry said.
The Msta-S howitzers are equipped with fire guidance equipment that provides automatic aimless guidance and information storage for at least 10 firing tasks. The howitzer is capable of firing high-explosive fragmentation, active-rocket projectiles-jammers, high-precision guided ammunition "Krasnopol".
The Zapad-2021 exercise is the final stage of joint training of the armed forces of Belarus and the Russian Federation this year. The practical actions of the troops (forces) take place from September 10 to 16 at nine training grounds located on the territory of the Russian Federation, in the Baltic Sea, as well as at five training grounds in Belarus.
Up to 200,000 personnel, about 80 aircraft and helicopters, up to 760 units of military equipment, including 290 tanks, 240 guns, multiple rocket launchers and mortars, as well as up to 15 ships are taking part in Zapad-2021.
The maximum number of personnel involved in the exercise of military units subject to the Vienna Document of 2011 on the territory of the Russian Federation does not exceed 6,400 military personnel.
The return of the military authorities and troops to the points of permanent deployment after participating in the exercise is planned until mid-October.