Chinese, Russian conduct 1st joint live fire drill

CHELYABINSK, Russia - Chinese and Russian troops conducted their first joint exercises using live ammunition during anti-terrorism drill Peace Mission-2013 on Friday.

The joint maneuvers were carried out at the Chebarkul combined training range here in Russia's Ural Mountains.

The troops also practised joint reconnaissance, joint block and control (of accident areas), joint strike and joint support for campaign equipment.

Xinhua reporters saw a Russian Mil Mi-26 helicopter above the training ground refuel Chinese and Russian tanks and infantry fighting vehicles under covering fire.

Pan Liangshi, chief officer in the Chinese campaign command and commander of the People's Liberation Army's 39th Group Army, said Chinese and Russian troops had been conducting daily coordinated exercises since the drill entered the battle planning phase and had enjoyed better cooperation.

Peace Mission-2013, running from July 27 to August 15, has three phases -- troop deployment, battle planning and simulated combat.