PUNE: A 20-member team of the Armoured Corps division, popularly known as the “White Tigers”, of Army Southern Command will participate in the prestigious tank biathlon competition which will commence on July 29 at Alabino ranges in Russia.

Last year, the Indian Army 's team could not make it to the final round as its T-90s “Bhishma” tanks developed technical snag in the second round.

A senior army officer, who did not wish to be named, told TOI, “a colonel rank officer will be leading the contingent, which comprises of junior commissioned officers and other ranks this year. The selection of each team member has been done based on their service records and their performance during the drills, which were carried out extensively at Babina field ranges where a replica of the Russian range has been created for practice purpose.”

This year, for the first time, the Indian contingent will be participating with the Russian tanks T–72 B3 unlike in the past when Indian tanks were used.

Contingents from 18 countries’ army will be competing in the competition. The tank biathlon is an important event. Since 2013, it is conducted during the international army games every year at the Russian ranges.

“The army had formulated scientific training curriculum in order to achieve desirable results. During the practice drills, the Indian team has carried out various drills pertaining to the competition and achieved required results. It has also fired various live ammunitions too,” the officer said.

