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Published 20:32 IST, September 20th 2019

Ex-Tsentr'19: Russia conducts joint military exercise with Indian Army

Russia conducted a joint military exercise Ex Tsentr 2019 with India, China, and Pakistan; the exercise saw deployment of numerous aircraft and ground forces

Reported by: Shloak Prabhu
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Russia has conducted a joint military exercise with India, China, and Pakistan. The exercise saw a range of military assets including ground and aerial assets. The large-scale military drill, named 'Ex Tsentr 2019' was conducted in the Donguz Ranges in the Russian mainland. During the course of the exercise, personnel from all four countries were present. 

Tsentr 2019 military exercise

The Donguz Ranges in Russia reverberated with the overwhelming firepower display of Air Force and Army. The synchronized maneuvers and synergy on show was a testimony of the high level of cooperation and interoperability achieved by the participating nations during the course of this large scale multilateral exercise aimed at countering international terrorism. A total of 52 fighter aircraft, 12 Bombers, 06 Tpt aircraft about 70 Attack helicopters along with 70 tanks, 70 BPS, Multiple Rocket Launchers, Army Air Defence assets, Artillery Guns and also Iskander Missile Systems were used. 

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Additionally, visuals showed ground assets like camouflaged military tanks used by the Indian Army and Russian Army contingents. Also, multiple attack helicopters belonging to different units of the Air Force were seen using some of the latest missile systems to destroy targets spread across the range. Surrounding terrains of the Donguz Ranges were used as grounds for testing the might of these aerial assets. According to reports, in some instances, UAV drones were also used for the practice. 

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The awe-inspiring demonstration of the joint military might was attended by several dignitaries of the member nations. The Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin was present at the event which was also attended by a delegation from India led by a senior military officer. These exercises provide the member nations with a platform to hone their military skills and enable them to work in a joint and global environment. The Indian contingent who attended this Exercise also put up a stellar show during the finale.

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Indian Army's arrival in Russia

Earlier on September 9, the Indian Army received a 'Bread and Salt' Ceremony upon the Contingent's arrival. The Multilateral Exercise is organized by the Central Military Commission of Russia an aim to counter the threat of International Terrorism. The mega-event will last till September 23 at Donguz training ranges in Russia's Orenburg.

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The participation of India and Pakistan in the Anti-Terror Drill in Russia comes at a time when the bilateral relations between the two nations are at an all-time low post the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5. The diplomatic relations took a toll post the Balakot airstrikes which happened in February. Things escalated further after the Indian Government abrogated Article 370 in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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18:38 IST, September 20th 2019