World
Russia uses new combat robots, tactical vehicles at big war games with Belarus
With further advance in military technology, Russia used new combat robots and tactical vehicles on the second day of the active main phase of large military drills with its ex-Soviet ally Belarus on Saturday.
Accoridng to Russian defence ministry, the "Zapad-2021" war games-- which will run until next Thursday on Russia and Belarus's western flanks including sites close to the European Union's borders-- have alarmed Ukraine and some NATO countries.
Troops used Platform-M combat robots, which are controlled remotely and armed with grenade launchers and a machine gun, the ministry said in a statement. Russian news agencies said it was the first time such hardware had been used.
New Sarmat-2 tactical vehicles have also been used, Russian media said.
President Vladimir Putin denies the drills are directed against any foreign power and says they are sensible given increased NATO activity near Russia's borders and those of its allies.
Neighbours such as Ukraine and NATO members Poland and Lithuania say such big exercises so close to the frontier risk being provocative.
"We need to realize that this (a Russian military attack on Estonia) may indeed happen in the coming years," Martin Herem, commander of the Estonian Defense Forces said in an interview on Friday evening.
"Russia's goal likely isn't to occupy us – it does not want to gain control through occupation, but it enjoys instability and influence via instability," the BNS news wire quoted him as saying.
The manoeuvres are held every four years, but this year's drill has been seen as a particular signal of Russia's support for Belarus and its leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has been ostracised by the West for cracking down on dissent.
SOURCE: REUTERS
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
Punjab Police release PTI top leaders, SIC chief after brief detention
-
Regional 1 day ago
22 passengers drown as bus falls into river in Diamer
-
Regional 2 days ago
Wedding bus capsizes in river, two dead, 22 missing
-
Business 1 day ago
Petroleum product likely to be expensive for second consecutive time
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
Enhanced measures set to transform operations at Karachi airport
-
Business 2 days ago
Gold price plunges Rs7,000 per tola in Pakistan
-
World 2 days ago
Hours for Nawafil prayer scheduled in Hateem
-
Technology 2 days ago
New feature for Gmail users