Russia’s Zapad Wargames Are Making NATO Nervous

Russia’s summer wargames, named Zapad (“West”) 2017, are set to kick off in September but are already setting off alarm bells across Europe. Held every four years, the Zapad exercises are a window into Russia’s military prowess—and perhaps future intentions.

 

The exercises, held jointly between Russia and neighboring Belarus, will take place later this summer in the two countries, involving the armed forces of both. According to Belarus’ defense minister, “Up to 12,700 servicemen are planned to be involved in the drills. About 10,200 troops will be involved on the territory of our country, including 7,200 servicemen from the Belarusian Armed Forces and about 3,000 from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.” The minister also stated that 680 pieces of military hardware, including armored vehicles, would take part in the exercises. Zapad 2017 will take place at six different training grounds scattered across the two countries.

 

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