Russia launches world's first tank biathlon

The Russian army has launched the world's first tank biathlon which sees several armoured vehicles racing against each other.

The competition was devised by the Russian Ministry of Defence and pits tanks from different countries against each other.

So far only four nations have participated in the event but Russia hopes that eventually America will join in. The Russian Defence minister has even sent a letter to the US inviting them to take part.

The tanks race around a 13-mile race course firing at targets along the way. The competition is taking place outside of Moscow and will running until Saturday.