The International Army Games 2018 kicked off at Russia's Alabino training ground in the Moscow region on Saturday. Photos: VCG

189 teams from 32 countries gear up for the , according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

"It will certainly contribute to the development of international military technical cooperation and the promotion of military service," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in the welcome letter.

During the games, live-fire drills were conducted by a number of major war equipment in active service.

Equipments including infantry fighting vehicles, battle tanks and helicopter gunships showed their best to win medals.

Teams from China, Uganda, Kazakhstan and Kuwait participated in the Tank Biathlon contest, a key competition held annually at the event.

A tank crew from China competes in an individual race of the tank biathlon competition as part of the 2018 International Army Games at the Alabino training ground.

This year, 28 contests will be held during the tournament, and in seven countries, including China, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran.