KHARB-MAIDON, Tajikistan. Oct 24 (Interfax) - A detachment of Mil Mi-8MTV helicopters supported by the Vitebsk electronic warfare system down a minefield around an enemy command post to lure mock militants into a 'fire sac' position during the first stage of a Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) exercise Unbreakable Brotherhood 2019 at the Kharb-Maidon training range in Tajikistan, Russia's Central Military District said.
The helicopter's minelaying system consists of four containers tethered underneath, making it possible to plant mines during fighting. Minelaying is carried out from an altitude of 20 meters maximum and at a flight speed of 160 kilometers per hour, the press service said.
During the first stage of the exercise, the Central Asian Region Rapid Deployment Forces are practicing a counterterrorism operation to destroy and block militant groups and illegal armed formations.
The nine-day exercise began on October 21, 2019, and involves over 3,500 troops from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Russia. It is the last one in a series of CSTO strategic drills called Combat Brotherhood 2019.