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Graphic shows details of Vostok-2018 exercise.
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MILITARY

Russia planning largest military exercise since Cold War

By Mike Tyler

August 23, 2018 - Russia is preparing to stage its largest war games since the fall of the Soviet Union. The Vostok-2018 exercise will take place across the Far East and Siberia and involve troops from China and Mongolia.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the manoeuvres – due to take place in September – will be the largest since the Zapad (or West) war games of 1981, which included as many as 150,000 troops, according to CIA documents.

Involved in the exercise will be the Eastern and Central military districts, the Northern Fleet, airborne troops, and long-range and military transport aircraft, Shoigu said. He added that military units from China and Mongolia will also take part.

Vostok-2018 (or East-2018) marks the first time that Chinese forces have been incorporated into the drill. China is reportedly sending about 3,200 troops, 900 pieces of weaponry and 30 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. A smaller number of troops will be sent by the Mongolian army.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 24/08/2018; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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