The Union Shield 2019 exercise is being held at the Mulino range in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region on September, 13-19. The drills take place once every two years alternately on the territory of Russia and Belarus.
“They will be the final stage of the two-year cycle of the joint training of the Union State military,” the Belarusian Defense Ministry reports.
The Union Shield 2019 exercise is set to involve about 12,000 troops, up to 950 weapon systems, and also up to 70 aircraft and helicopters. Belarus will use over 4,000 personnel, more than 30 tanks, 80 armoured combat vehicles, about 50 multiple launch rocket systems, guns and mortars, as well as around 15 aircraft and helicopters at the joint maneuvers in Russia.
The exercise’s scenario takes into account the analysis of possible threats to the Union State and the risks of an armed conflict, First Deputy Defense Minister Major-General Aleh Belakoneu said in mid August.
The MoD press service has published a photo report featuring the Belarusian side’s role in the war game:
