7-nation International Army Games kicks off in Russia

MOSCOW - The International Army Games 2018 kicked off at Russia's Alabino training ground in the Moscow region on Saturday with 189 teams from 32 countries taking part, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"It will certainly contribute to the development of international military technical cooperation and the promotion of military service," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a welcome letter read out by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the opening ceremony.

A number of major war equipment in active service, including infantry fighting vehicles, battle tanks and helicopter gunships, conducted live-fire drills. Teams from China, Uganda, Kazakhstan and Kuwait participated in the opener of the Tank Biathlon contest, a key competition held annually at the event.

This year, 28 contests will be held during the tournament underway till August 11, and in seven countries, including China, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran.