Events

MOSCOW, 14 September (BelTA) – Paratroopers and air assault units of the Pskov, Tula, and Ivanovo divisions of the Russian airborne forces have been alerted as part of the Belarusian-Russian strategic army exercise Zapad 2017, representatives of the Information and Mass Communications Department of the Russian Federation Defense Ministry told BelTA.

After taking their weapons and driving the vehicles out of their depots the lead elements started moving to the staging areas in order to secure the perimeter where the hardware and personnel will be prepared for marching to the airfields and getting loaded into military aircraft and helicopters. The personnel are being equipped and fitted for operations in various latitudes. They are getting food and medications. The personnel, who have been recalled from leaves and hospitals, are preparing the parachutes for human personnel. Measures are being taken to prepare the troopers for a practical airlift delivery.

Communication nodes and command stations are being deployed in the field near staging areas and airfields. Special hardware is being prepared for transportation to the airfields.

The paratroopers will have to move to deployment areas and be ready for immediate action, said the source. The main task is to resolve a training situation of counterterrorism nature using force. Commanding officers and staffs will use modern computerized communication and command systems to give orders and clarify tasks for their troops and units.