2016 International Army Games a more militaristic alternative to Rio Olympics

With Russia's status at the Rio Olympics still in question amid allegations of state-sponsored doping, Russians will still have a chance to cheer on their compatriots at the 2016 army games.

Olympics for the military

Replacing amateur athletes with military personnel, the International Army Games allow Russia — and the 18 other countries involved — to flex muscles of a different sort. 

The T-72 tank above, operated by a crew from Azerbaijan, fires at at target during the tank biathlon on Tuesday. Below, an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle is seen speeding through the sand.

Russia hosts event for 2nd straight year

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu officially opened the 2016 International Army Games in Moscow on Saturday.

This is the second consecutive year Russia has hosted the event, which involves several different types of war games, including a tank biathlon and an aerial bombardment contest.

Tank biathlon 

One of the more popular events at the International Army Games is the tank biathlon. 

The competition among tank crews includes both an individual and a relay race.

121 teams from 19 countries

The war games are a major military competition between 19 countries including China, Venezuela, Egypt, Iran, India and others.

Here, a crew member from Tajikistan pokes his head out of his T-72B3 tank.

This woman takes a selfie with Indian servicemen during the tank biathlon.