Competitive Military Vehicle Show Held on 15 June.

When it comes to finding an interesting and affordable place to spend the weekend near Minsk, the choice is relatively limited.

One such option was a competitive show featuring BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, held on 15 June 2019 at the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex with the support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus.

 

This competitive show has become one of the traditional events held at the complex. From a safe distance, visitors could experience the unforgettable thrill of military vehicles racing at breakneck speeds, guns firing and the engines of multi-tonne machines roaring! Many international visitors were in attendance. Four crews took part in the show, competing against one another in driving skills, speed over the course, obstacle negotiation and the accuracy of fire from the military vehicles’ main and secondary armament. Before the competitive show began, spectators were presented with a military-historical reenactment of an engagement during the war in Afghanistan — ‘AMBUSH NEAR THE VILLAGE OF TIMURAK (Balkh Province)’, which took place in May 1983.

 

In addition to the main event programme, interactive areas were open to everyone. Visitors could test their skills in a historical quiz, airgun shooting, weapon assembly and disassembly, and other workshops. The most active participants in the Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) area received certificates and commemorative souvenirs, while the main prize was a tank ride! The weather was hot, with spectators sheltering beneath umbrellas, while the participants endured clouds of dust and the roar of military vehicles, as befits hardened soldiers. Everyone came away with unforgettable impressions.