WAR GAMES: Russia rolls out armoured tanks - just 24 hours after terrifying armada
NORTH Korea has threatened to disrupt peace in the west by rocking mainland US with a warhead which could kill and maim millions - and now the world’s armies are responding by flexing their own military muscle.
Tank biathlon underway at 2017 Army Games in Russia
Kim Jong-un’s propaganda machine has been working overtime as missile are paraded through the streets while the hermit state refuses to stop its nuclear programme.
On Friday an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) was fired off the coast of Japan and claims it could hit Britain or the US were taken seriously.
In the days since, armies from Russia to China have rolled out for annual celebrations, as troops are told to “be ready” for any situation.
Officially, armed forces celebrations are parades, but each and every one is sending a message back to the secretive state.
On Sunday the Kremlin showed off its mighty armada with more than 50 warships and submarines in St Petersburg.
Meanwhile, China marched thousands of special forces commandos through the dust while flying its elite airforces over the sky above Zhurihe military training base.
Stage one of the “individual tank biathlon” saw balaclava clad men driving ferocious convoys across an arena in Alabino, near Moscow.
Within the 15-day-long Tank Biathlon contest, tank crews from 19 countries will compete to determine the best team at overcoming obstacles while demonstrating fire precision during a race.
In the coming days snipers, divers, and pilots will be put to the test as they compete for the crown at the war games.
Military muscle is being flexed by eight nations in 28 different disciplines.
We can remember how everything began. Now it is three years, and this time more than 3,500 serviceman from 28 countries will demonstrate their skills
On Monday, Russia kicked off the first stage of the of the 2017 International Army Games.
Teams from seven countries are taking part in the games, which were first held in 2015
Russia’s defence minister and general of the army Sergei Shoigu opened the third international Army Games on Saturday.
He said: “Every year, the Army Games attract more interest in this country and abroad.
"We can remember how everything began. Now it is three years, and this time more than 3,500 serviceman from 28 countries will demonstrate their skills."
China shows off military might with vast weapons parade
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China have vowed they would host the games, in statements which will send shivers through Nato.
Nations around Belarus have been left reeling over the nation’s co-operation and war games with Russia.
Nato countries have argued Moscow has an ulterior motive for war games on the EU coast and mainland.