KAZBAT participates in Steppe Eagle 2014 exercise in Germany (PHOTOS)

ASTANA. KAZINFORM - The annual multi-lateral military exercise Steppe Eagle 2014 has kicked off in Hohenfels, Germany in early October, Kazinform has learned from the Kazakh Defense Ministry's press service.

The Kazakhstani Peacekeeping Battalion (KAZBAT), including 150 Kazakhstani soldiers lead by Lieutenant Colonel Bakytzhan Zhetpissov and Captain Ayan Nurkassov, participates in the drills. The Steppe Eagle 2014 is aimed at promoting interoperability between NATO and peacekeeping forces of the participating countries. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, the U.S., Germany and the UK partake in the exercise as well. The first Steppe Eagle annual exercise in Kazakhstan occurred back in 2003 at the Illisky training center near Almaty.