With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, the Russian Defense Ministry showed its softer side by releasing a humorous 2019 calendar filled with lighthearted puns and double entendres.
The Russian military is known for making jokes on occasion and inventing some truly colorful names for its war machinery. The newly-released 2019 calendar seemingly sticks with that trend, giving a new spin on the holiday spirit.
Each month contains a picture of military hardware or troops, laced with tongue-in-cheek comments. Spies take note, you can even find out what Kremlin’s ‘secret weapon’ is.
The first month of the year features a mobile launcher equipped with a Topol-M ICBM, part of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
This month is illustrated with a Tu-95 strategic bomber, and ‘Bear’ is its NATO reporting name.
Female cadets often captivate spectators as they began to appear more frequently in military parades and other army-themed events.
The soldiers pictured here may be special troopers who are trained to conduct operations in various weather conditions.
Victory Day, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany, is celebrated on May 9. It is one of Russia’s most important holidays and is marked by a grandiose parade in Red Square.
The description could mean that the soldiers are about to head for a mission and are checking their equipment.
Underground silos are used to store ballistic missiles and, from certain angles, can resemble ordinary kitchen waffle makers.
The iconic Mi-24 gunships are nicknamed ‘crocodiles’ and due to heavy armor are also called ‘flying tanks.’
About 44,500 women are currently serving in the Russian Armed Forces. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu recently referred to the female soldiers and officers as “charming army.”
In Russian, PC is abbreviated to PK, which also stands for Kalashnikov machine gun.
9M133 Kornet is a man-portable anti-tank guided missile.
The last month bears no actual military hardware, merely giving a picturesque shot of tracers and missile trails over a field.
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