Types of landing troops. Russian airborne troops. Armament and equipment of the Airborne Forces

Russian Airborne Forces is a separate branch of the Russian Armed Forces, which is in the reserve of the country’s Commander-in-Chief and is directly subordinate to the Commander of the Airborne Forces. This position is currently held (since October 2016) by Colonel General Serdyukov.

The purpose of the airborne troops- these are actions behind enemy lines, carrying out deep raids, capturing important enemy objects, bridgeheads, disrupting the work of enemy communications and enemy control, and carrying out sabotage in his rear. The Airborne Forces were created primarily as an effective instrument of offensive warfare. To cover the enemy and operate in his rear, the Airborne Forces can use both parachute and landing landings.

The Russian Airborne Forces are rightfully considered the elite of the armed forces; in order to get into this branch of the military, candidates must meet very high criteria. First of all, this concerns physical health and psychological stability. And this is natural: paratroopers carry out their tasks behind enemy lines, without the support of their main forces, the supply of ammunition and the evacuation of the wounded.

The Soviet Airborne Forces were created in the 30s, the further development of this type of troops was rapid: by the beginning of the war, five airborne corps were deployed in the USSR, with a strength of 10 thousand people each. The USSR Airborne Forces played an important role in the victory over the Nazi invaders. Paratroopers actively participated in the Afghan War. The Russian Airborne Forces were officially created on May 12, 1992, they went through both Chechen campaigns, and participated in the war with Georgia in 2008.

The flag of the Airborne Forces is a blue cloth with a green stripe at the bottom. In its center there is an image of a golden open parachute and two aircraft of the same color. The flag of the Airborne Forces was officially approved in 2004.

In addition to the flag of the airborne troops, there is also an emblem of this type of troops. The emblem of the airborne troops is a golden flaming grenade with two wings. There is also a medium and large airborne emblem. The middle emblem depicts a double-headed eagle with a crown on its head and a shield with St. George the Victorious in the center. In one paw the eagle holds a sword, and in the other - a flaming airborne grenade. In the large emblem, Grenada is placed on a blue heraldic shield framed by an oak wreath. At its top there is a double-headed eagle.

In addition to the emblem and flag of the Airborne Forces, there is also the motto of the Airborne Forces: “Nobody but us.” The paratroopers even have their own heavenly patron - Saint Elijah.

Professional holiday of paratroopers - Airborne Forces Day. It is celebrated on August 2. On this day in 1930, a unit was parachuted for the first time to carry out a combat mission. On August 2, Airborne Forces Day is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The Russian airborne troops are armed with both conventional types of military equipment and models developed specifically for this type of troops, taking into account the specifics of the tasks it performs.

It is difficult to name the exact number of the Russian Airborne Forces; this information is secret. However, according to unofficial data received from the Russian Ministry of Defense, it is about 45 thousand fighters. Foreign estimates of the number of this type of troops are somewhat more modest - 36 thousand people.

History of the creation of the Airborne Forces

The Soviet Union is, without a doubt, the birthplace of the Airborne Forces. It was in the USSR that the first airborne unit was created, this happened in 1930. At first it was a small detachment that was part of a regular rifle division. On August 2, the first parachute landing was successfully carried out during exercises at the training ground near Voronezh.

However, the first use of parachute landing in military affairs occurred even earlier, in 1929. During the siege of the Tajik city of Garm by anti-Soviet rebels, a detachment of Red Army soldiers was dropped there by parachute, which made it possible to release the settlement in the shortest possible time.

Two years later, a special purpose brigade was formed on the basis of the detachment, and in 1938 it was renamed the 201st Airborne Brigade. In 1932, by decision of the Revolutionary Military Council, special-purpose aviation battalions were created; in 1933, their number reached 29. They were part of the Air Force, and their main task was to disorganize the enemy rear and carry out sabotage.

It should be noted that the development of airborne troops in the Soviet Union was very stormy and rapid. No expense was spared on them. In the 30s, the country was experiencing a real “parachute” boom; parachute towers stood at almost every stadium.

During the exercises of the Kyiv Military District in 1935, a mass parachute landing was practiced for the first time. The following year, an even more massive landing was carried out in the Belarusian Military District. Foreign military observers who were invited to the exercises were amazed at the scale of the landings and the skill of the Soviet paratroopers.

According to the Field Manual of the Red Army of 1939, airborne units were at the disposal of the main command, they were planned to be used to strike behind enemy lines. At the same time, it was prescribed to clearly coordinate such attacks with other branches of the military, which at that moment were delivering frontal attacks on the enemy.

In 1939, Soviet paratroopers managed to gain their first combat experience: the 212th Airborne Brigade also took part in the battles with the Japanese at Khalkhin Gol. Hundreds of its fighters were awarded government awards. Several units of the Airborne Forces took part in the Soviet-Finnish War. Paratroopers were also involved during the capture of Northern Bukovina and Bessarabia.

On the eve of the start of the war, airborne corps were created in the USSR, each of which included up to 10 thousand soldiers. In April 1941, by order of the Soviet military leadership, five airborne corps were deployed in the western regions of the country; after the German attack (in August 1941), the formation of another five airborne corps began. A few days before the German invasion (June 12), the Directorate of Airborne Forces was created, and in September 1941, paratrooper units were removed from the subordination of front commanders. Each airborne corps was a very formidable force: in addition to well-trained personnel, it was armed with artillery and light amphibious tanks.

Information:In addition to the airborne corps, the Red Army also included mobile airborne brigades (five units), reserve airborne regiments (five units) and educational institutions that trained paratroopers.

Airborne units made a significant contribution to the victory over the Nazi invaders. The airborne units played a particularly important role in the initial—the most difficult—period of the war. Despite the fact that airborne troops are designed to conduct offensive operations and have a minimum of heavy weapons (compared to other branches of the military), at the beginning of the war, paratroopers were often used to “patch holes”: in defense, to eliminate sudden German breakthroughs, to relieve blockades surrounded by Soviet troops. Because of this practice, the paratroopers suffered unreasonably high losses, and the effectiveness of their use decreased. Often, the preparation of landing operations left much to be desired.

Airborne units took part in the defense of Moscow, as well as in the subsequent counter-offensive. The 4th Airborne Corps was landed during the Vyazemsk landing operation in the winter of 1942. In 1943, during the crossing of the Dnieper, two airborne brigades were thrown behind enemy lines. Another major landing operation was carried out in Manchuria in August 1945. During its course, 4 thousand soldiers were landed by landing.

In October 1944, the Soviet Airborne Forces were transformed into a separate Airborne Guards Army, and in December of the same year into the 9th Guards Army. Airborne divisions turned into ordinary rifle divisions. At the end of the war, paratroopers took part in the liberation of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. The 9th Guards Army ended its glorious military journey on the Elbe.

In 1946, airborne units were introduced into the Ground Forces and were subordinate to the country's Minister of Defense.

In 1956, Soviet paratroopers took part in the suppression of the Hungarian uprising, and in the mid-60s they played a key role in pacifying another country that wanted to leave the socialist camp - Czechoslovakia.

After the end of the war, the world entered an era of confrontation between two superpowers - the USSR and the USA. The plans of the Soviet leadership were by no means limited only to defense, so the airborne troops developed especially actively during this period. The emphasis was placed on increasing the firepower of the Airborne Forces. For this purpose, a whole range of airborne equipment was developed, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, and motor vehicles. The fleet of military transport aircraft was significantly increased. In the 70s, wide-body heavy-duty transport aircraft were created, making it possible to transport not only personnel, but also heavy military equipment. By the end of the 80s, the state of the USSR military transport aviation was such that it could ensure the parachute drop of almost 75% of the Airborne Forces personnel in one flight.

At the end of the 60s, a new type of units included in the Airborne Forces was created - airborne assault units (ASH). They were not much different from the rest of the Airborne Forces, but were subordinate to the command of groups of troops, armies or corps. The reason for the creation of the DShCh was a change in the tactical plans that Soviet strategists were preparing in the event of a full-scale war. After the start of the conflict, they planned to “break” the enemy’s defenses with the help of massive landings landed in the immediate rear of the enemy.

In the mid-80s, the USSR Ground Forces included 14 air assault brigades, 20 battalions and 22 separate air assault regiments.

In 1979, the war began in Afghanistan, and the Soviet Airborne Forces took an active part in it. During this conflict, the paratroopers had to engage in counter-guerrilla warfare; of course, there was no talk of any parachute landing. Personnel were delivered to the site of combat operations using armored vehicles or vehicles; landing from helicopters was used less frequently.

Paratroopers were often used to provide security at numerous outposts and checkpoints scattered throughout the country. Typically, airborne units performed tasks more suitable for motorized rifle units.

It should be noted that in Afghanistan, the paratroopers used military equipment of the ground forces, which was more suitable for the harsh conditions of this country than their own. Also, airborne units in Afghanistan were reinforced with additional artillery and tank units.

Information:After the collapse of the USSR, the division of its armed forces began. These processes also affected the paratroopers. They were able to finally divide the Airborne Forces only in 1992, after which the Russian Airborne Forces were created. They included all the units that were located on the territory of the RSFSR, as well as part of the divisions and brigades that were previously located in other republics of the USSR.

In 1993, the Russian Airborne Forces included six divisions, six air assault brigades and two regiments. In 1994, in Kubinka near Moscow, on the basis of two battalions, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment (the so-called Airborne Special Forces) was created.

The 90s became a serious test for the Russian airborne troops (as well as for the entire army). The number of airborne forces was seriously reduced, some units were disbanded, and the paratroopers became subordinate to the Ground Forces. Army aviation of the ground forces was transferred to the air force, which significantly worsened the mobility of the airborne forces.

The Russian airborne troops took part in both Chechen campaigns; in 2008, paratroopers were involved in the Ossetian conflict. The Airborne Forces have repeatedly taken part in peacekeeping operations (for example, in the former Yugoslavia). Airborne units regularly participate in international exercises; they guard Russian military bases abroad (Kyrgyzstan).

Structure and composition of troops

Currently, the Russian Airborne Forces consist of command structures, combat units and units, as well as various institutions that provide them.

Structurally, the Airborne Forces have three main components:
Airborne. It includes all airborne units.
Air assault. Consists of air assault units.
Mountain. It includes air assault units designed to operate in mountainous areas.

Currently, the Russian Airborne Forces include four divisions, as well as separate brigades and regiments. Airborne troops, composition:

76th Guards Air Assault Division, stationed in Pskov.
98th Guards Airborne Division, located in Ivanovo.
7th Guards Air Assault (Mountain) Division, stationed in Novorossiysk.
106th Guards Airborne Division - Tula.

Airborne regiments and brigades:

11th Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, headquartered in the city of Ulan-Ude.
45th separate guards special purpose brigade (Moscow).
56th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade. Place of deployment - the city of Kamyshin.
31st Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade. Located in Ulyanovsk.
83rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade. Location: Ussuriysk.
38th Separate Guards Airborne Communications Regiment. Located in the Moscow region, in the village of Medvezhye Ozera.

In 2013, the creation of the 345th Air Assault Brigade in Voronezh was officially announced, but then the formation of the unit was postponed to a later date (2017 or 2018). There is information that in 2017, an airborne assault battalion will be deployed on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula, and in the future, on its basis, a regiment of the 7th Airborne Assault Division, which is currently deployed in Novorossiysk, will be formed.

In addition to combat units, the Russian Airborne Forces also include educational institutions that train personnel for the Airborne Forces. The main and most famous of them is the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School, which also trains officers for the Russian Airborne Forces. The structure of this type of troops also includes two Suvorov schools (in Tula and Ulyanovsk), the Omsk Cadet Corps and the 242nd training center located in Omsk.

Armament and equipment of the Airborne Forces

The airborne troops of the Russian Federation use both combined arms equipment and models that were created specifically for this type of troops. Most types of weapons and military equipment of the Airborne Forces were developed and manufactured during the Soviet period, but there are also more modern models created in modern times.

The most popular types of airborne armored vehicles are currently the BMD-1 (about 100 units) and BMD-2M (about 1 thousand units) airborne combat vehicles. Both of these vehicles were produced in the Soviet Union (BMD-1 in 1968, BMD-2 in 1985). They can be used for landing both by landing and by parachute. These are reliable vehicles that have been tested in many armed conflicts, but they are clearly outdated, both morally and physically. Even representatives of the top leadership of the Russian army openly declare this.

More modern is the BMD-3, which began operation in 1990. Currently, 10 units of this combat vehicle are in service. Serial production has been discontinued. The BMD-3 should replace the BMD-4, which was put into service in 2004. However, its production is slow; today there are 30 BMP-4 units and 12 BMP-4M units in service.

Airborne units also have a small number of armored personnel carriers BTR-82A and BTR-82AM (12 units), as well as the Soviet BTR-80. The most numerous armored personnel carrier currently used by the Russian Airborne Forces is the tracked BTR-D (more than 700 units). It was put into service in 1974 and is very outdated. It should be replaced by the BTR-MDM “Rakushka”, but so far its production is moving very slowly: today there are from 12 to 30 (according to various sources) “Rakushka” in combat units.

The anti-tank weapons of the Airborne Forces are represented by the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun (36 units), BTR-RD Robot self-propelled anti-tank systems (more than 100 units) and a wide range of different ATGMs: Metis, Fagot, Konkurs and "Cornet".

The Russian Airborne Forces also have self-propelled and towed artillery: the Nona self-propelled gun (250 units and several hundred more units in storage), the D-30 howitzer (150 units), and the Nona-M1 mortars (50 units) and "Tray" (150 units).

Airborne air defense systems consist of man-portable missile systems (various modifications of Igla and Verba), as well as short-range air defense systems Strela. Special attention should be paid to the newest Russian MANPADS “Verba”, which was only recently put into service and is now being put into trial operation in only a few units of the Russian Armed Forces, including the 98th Airborne Division.

Information:The Airborne Forces also operate self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery mounts BTR-ZD "Skrezhet" (150 units) of Soviet production and towed anti-aircraft artillery mounts ZU-23-2.

In recent years, the Airborne Forces have begun to receive new models of automotive equipment, of which the Tiger armored car, the A-1 Snowmobile all-terrain vehicle and the KAMAZ-43501 truck should be noted.

The airborne troops are sufficiently equipped with communication, control and electronic warfare systems. Among them, modern Russian developments should be noted: electronic warfare systems "Leer-2" and "Leer-3", "Infauna", the control system for air defense complexes "Barnaul", automated troop control systems "Andromeda-D" and "Polet-K".

The Airborne Forces are armed with a wide range of small arms, including both Soviet models and newer Russian developments. The latter include the Yarygin pistol, PMM and the PSS silent pistol. The main personal weapon of the fighters remains the Soviet AK-74 assault rifle, but deliveries to the troops of the more advanced AK-74M have already begun. To carry out sabotage missions, paratroopers can use the silent “Val” assault rifle.

The Airborne Forces are armed with the Pecheneg (Russia) and NSV (USSR) machine guns, as well as the Kord heavy machine gun (Russia).

Among the sniper systems, it is worth noting the SV-98 (Russia) and Vintorez (USSR), as well as the Austrian sniper rifle Steyr SSG 04, which was purchased for the needs of special forces of the Airborne Forces. The paratroopers are armed with the AGS-17 “Flame” and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers, as well as the SPG-9 “Spear” mounted grenade launcher. In addition, a number of hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers of both Soviet and Russian production are used.

To conduct aerial reconnaissance and adjust artillery fire, the Airborne Forces use Russian-made Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles. The exact number of Orlans in service with the Airborne Forces is unknown.

The Russian Airborne Forces use a large number of different parachute systems of Soviet and Russian production. With their help, both personnel and military equipment are landed.

On Thursday, August 2, Russia traditionally celebrates Airborne Forces Day. the site tells what kind of holiday it is and what traditions it has.

What are airborne troops?

Airborne troops (Airborne Forces) are a highly mobile branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces), designed to reach the enemy by air and conduct combat operations in his rear. The Airborne Forces report directly to the Airborne Forces commander and consist of airborne divisions, brigades, individual units and institutions.

When did the Airborne Forces appear?

The first mentions of the Airborne Forces date back to the times of the USSR. On December 11, 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR decided to deploy a brigade on the basis of the airborne detachment of the Leningrad Military District, entrusting it with training instructors in airborne training and working out operational-tactical standards.

Already at the beginning of 1933, special-purpose aviation battalions were formed in the Belarusian, Ukrainian, Moscow and Volga military districts. And by the summer of 1941, the manning of five airborne corps, each numbering 10 thousand people, had ended. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, five airborne corps took part in battles with invaders on the territory of Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

In 1994-1996 and 1999-2004, all formations and military units of the Airborne Forces took part in hostilities on the territory of the Chechen Republic; in August 2008, military units of the Airborne Forces took part in the operation to force Georgia to peace, operating in the Ossetian and Abkhazian directions.

Why is Airborne Forces Day celebrated on August 2?

On this day, in 1930, during exercises of the Air Force of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh, for the first time, an airborne unit of 12 people was parachuted from a TB-3 bomber. This experiment allowed military theorists to see the prospects and advantages of parachute units and their ability to quickly reach the enemy by air.

Holiday traditions

Many people know about the tradition of the “winged landing” to put on their blue berets and vests on August 2 and meet with comrades in city parks. In addition, on August 2, Airborne Forces travel around their cities in cars with symbols and flags of the Airborne Forces.

It is also customary to swim in fountains on Airborne Forces Day. It is unknown where the love for swimming in fountains came from. There are many versions. According to the “blue berets” themselves, in this way they want to be closer to the sky, the reflection of which they see in the water of the fountains.

On August 2, the main heroes of the occasion often stage demonstrations and demonstrate the weapons and equipment in their arsenal. In addition, on August 2, festive concerts, master classes in hand-to-hand combat and parades are organized.

The history of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) began in the late 1920s. last century. In April 1929, near the village of Garm (the territory of the present Republic of Tajikistan), a group of Red Army soldiers was landed on several planes, which, with the support of local residents, defeated a detachment of Basmachi.

On August 2, 1930, during an exercise of the Air Force (VVS) of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh, a small unit of 12 people parachuted for the first time to perform a tactical mission. This date is officially considered the “birthday” of the Airborne Forces.

In 1931, in the Leningrad Military District (LenVO), as part of the 1st air brigade, an experienced airborne detachment of 164 people was created, intended for landing by landing method. Then, in the same air brigade, a non-standard parachute detachment was formed. In August and September 1931, during the exercises of the Leningrad and Ukrainian military districts, the detachment parachuted and carried out tactical tasks behind enemy lines. In 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR adopted a resolution on the deployment of detachments into special-purpose aviation battalions. By the end of 1933, there were already 29 airborne battalions and brigades that became part of the Air Force. The Leningrad Military District was entrusted with the task of training instructors in airborne operations and developing operational-tactical standards.

In 1934, 600 paratroopers were involved in Red Army exercises; in 1935, 1,188 paratroopers were parachuted during maneuvers in the Kyiv Military District. In 1936, 3 thousand paratroopers were landed in the Belarusian Military District, and 8,200 people with artillery and other military equipment were landed.

By improving their training during exercises, the paratroopers gained experience in real battles. In 1939, the 212th Airborne Brigade (Airborne Brigade) took part in the defeat of the Japanese at Khalkhin Gol. For their courage and heroism, 352 paratroopers were awarded orders and medals. In 1939-1940, during the Soviet-Finnish War, the 201st, 202nd and 214th Airborne Brigades fought together with rifle units.

Based on the experience gained, in 1940 new brigade staffs were approved, consisting of three combat groups: parachute, glider and landing. Since March 1941, airborne corps (airborne corps) of brigade composition (3 brigades per corps) began to be formed in the Airborne Forces. By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the recruitment of five corps was completed, but only with personnel due to the insufficient amount of military equipment.

The main armament of airborne formations and units consisted mainly of light and heavy machine guns, 50- and 82-mm mortars, 45-mm anti-tank and 76-mm mountain guns, light tanks (T-40 and T-38), and flamethrowers. The personnel jumped using parachutes of the PD-6 and then PD-41 type.

Small cargo was dropped in parachute soft bags. Heavy equipment was delivered to the landing force on special suspensions under the fuselages of aircraft. For landing, mainly TB-3, DB-3 bombers and the PS-84 passenger aircraft were used.

The beginning of the Great Patriotic War found the airborne corps stationed in the Baltic states, Belarus and Ukraine at the stage of formation. The difficult situation that developed in the first days of the war forced the Soviet command to use these corps in combat operations as rifle formations.

On September 4, 1941, the Airborne Forces Directorate was transformed into the Directorate of the Commander of the Airborne Forces of the Red Army, and the airborne corps were withdrawn from active fronts and transferred directly to the command of the Airborne Forces Commander.

In the counteroffensive near Moscow, conditions were created for the widespread use of airborne forces. In the winter of 1942, the Vyazma airborne operation was carried out with the participation of the 4th Airborne Division. In September 1943, an airborne assault consisting of two brigades was used to assist the troops of the Voronezh Front in crossing the Dnieper River. In the Manchurian strategic operation in August 1945, more than 4 thousand personnel of rifle units were landed for landing operations, who successfully completed the assigned tasks.

In October 1944, the Airborne Forces were transformed into a separate Guards Airborne Army, which became part of long-range aviation. In December 1944, this army was disbanded, and the Airborne Forces Directorate was created, reporting to the commander of the Air Force. The Airborne Forces retained three airborne brigades, an airborne training regiment, advanced training courses for officers and an aeronautical division.

For the massive heroism of paratroopers during the Great Patriotic War, all airborne formations were given the honorary title of “Guards.” Thousands of soldiers, sergeants and officers of the Airborne Forces were awarded orders and medals, 296 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

In 1964, the Airborne Forces were transferred to the Ground Forces with direct subordination to the USSR Minister of Defense. After the war, along with organizational changes, the troops were rearmed: the number of automatic small arms, artillery, mortars, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons in the formations increased. The Airborne Forces now have tracked combat landing vehicles (BMD-1), airborne self-propelled artillery systems (ASU-57 and SU-85), 85- and 122-mm guns, rocket launchers and other weapons. Military transport aircraft An-12, An-22 and Il-76 were created for landing. At the same time, special airborne equipment was being developed.

In 1956, two airborne divisions (airborne divisions) took part in the Hungarian events. In 1968, after the capture of two airfields near Prague and Bratislava, the 7th and 103rd Guards Airborne Divisions were landed, which ensured the successful completion of the task by formations and units of the United Armed Forces of the countries participating in the Warsaw Pact during the Czechoslovak events.

In 1979-1989 The Airborne Forces took part in combat operations as part of the Limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan. For courage and heroism, more than 30 thousand paratroopers were awarded orders and medals, and 16 people became Heroes of the Soviet Union.

Beginning in 1979, in addition to the three air assault brigades, several air assault brigades and separate battalions were formed in the military districts, which entered the combat formation of the Airborne Forces by 1989.

Since 1988, formations and military units of the Airborne Forces have constantly carried out various special tasks to resolve interethnic conflicts on the territory of the USSR.

In 1992, the Airborne Forces ensured the evacuation of the Russian embassy from Kabul (Democratic Republic of Afghanistan). The first Russian battalion of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Yugoslavia was formed on the basis of the Airborne Forces. From 1992 to 1998, the PDP carried out peacekeeping tasks in the Republic of Abkhazia.

In 1994-1996 and 1999-2004. all formations and military units of the Airborne Forces took part in hostilities on the territory of the Chechen Republic. For courage and heroism, 89 paratroopers were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.

In 1995, on the basis of airborne forces, peacekeeping contingents were formed in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in 1999 - in Kosovo and Metohija (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). The 10th anniversary of the unprecedented forced march of the parachute battalion was celebrated in 2009.

By the end of the 1990s. The Airborne Forces retained four airborne divisions, an airborne brigade, a training center and support units.

Since 2005, three components have been formed in the Airborne Forces:

airborne (main) - 98th Guards. Airborne Division and 106th Guards Airborne Division of 2 regiments;
air assault - 76th Guards. air assault division (airborne assault division) of 2 regiments and the 31st Guards separate airborne assault brigade (airborne assault brigade) of 3 battalions;
mountain - 7th Guards. dshd (mountain).

Airborne units receive modern armored weapons and equipment (BMD-4, BTR-MD armored personnel carrier, KamAZ vehicles).

Since 2005, units of formations and military units of the Airborne Forces have been actively participating in joint exercises with units of the armed forces of Armenia, Belarus, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, China, and Uzbekistan.

In August 2008, military units of the Airborne Forces took part in an operation to force Georgia to peace, operating in the Ossetian and Abkhazian directions.

Two airborne formations (98th Guards Airborne Division and 31st Guards Airborne Brigade) are part of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO CRRF).

At the end of 2009, in each airborne division, separate anti-aircraft missile regiments were formed on the basis of separate anti-aircraft missile artillery divisions. At the initial stage, air defense systems of the Ground Forces entered service, which will later be replaced by airborne systems.

In accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated October 11, 2013 No. 776, the Airborne Forces included three air assault brigades stationed in Ussuriysk, Ulan-Ude and Kamyshin, which were previously part of the Eastern and Southern Military Districts.

In 2015, the Verba man-portable anti-aircraft missile system (MANPADS) was adopted by the Airborne Forces. Deliveries of the latest air defense systems are carried out in kits that include Verba MANPADS and the Barnaul-T automated control system.

In April 2016, the BMD-4M Sadovnitsa airborne combat vehicle and the BTR-MDM Rakushka armored personnel carrier were adopted by the Airborne Forces. The vehicles successfully passed tests and performed well during military operation. The 106th Airborne Division became the first unit in the Airborne Forces to receive new serial military equipment.

The commanders of the Airborne Forces over the years were:

Lieutenant General V. A. Glazunov (1941-1943);
Major General A. G. Kapitokhin (1943-1944);
Lieutenant General I. I. Zatevakhin (1944-1946);
Colonel General V.V. Glagolev (1946-1947);
Lieutenant General A.F. Kazankin (1947-1948);
Colonel General of Aviation S. I. Rudenko (1948-1950);
Colonel General A.V. Gorbatov (1950-1954);
Army General V.F. Margelov (1954-1959, 1961-1979);
Colonel General I.V. Tutarinov (1959-1961);
Army General D.S. Sukhorukov (1979-1987);
Colonel General N.V. Kalinin (1987-1989);
Colonel General V. A. Achalov (1989);
Lieutenant General P. S. Grachev (1989-1991);
Colonel General E. N. Podkolzin (1991-1996);
Colonel General G.I. Shpak (1996-2003);
Colonel General A.P. Kolmakov (2003-2007);
Lieutenant General V. E. Evtukhovich (2007-2009);
Colonel General V. A. Shamanov (2009-2016);
Colonel General A. N. Serdyukov (since October 2016).

The head of the State Duma Committee on Defense, Colonel General Vladimir Shamanov, announced the adoption of a plan for the construction of the Airborne Forces until 2030. According to him, the document involves the consolidation of airborne forces. Thus, the 31st Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade will be reformatted into a division, which will be named the 104th Guards Air Assault Brigade.

“Today, when the plan for the construction of the Airborne Forces until 2030 has been approved, we should expect that by the 25th anniversary of the brigade in 2023 we will again revive the now 104th Airborne Division, which is planned to be located in three cities: Ulyanovsk, Penza and Orenburg,” said Shamanov, speaking in Ulyanovsk to military personnel.

Experts interviewed by RT reported that the plan for the construction of the Airborne Forces until 2030 is a document closed to the public. However, it is known that it defines the parameters of the procurement policy, contains tasks for staffing units, and also stipulates changes in the military training program.

“This is an internal document that includes long-term plans for the construction of the Airborne Forces. This is not only about the purchase of weapons. This is the development of the organizational structure, personnel policy, improvement of operational and combat training. In many ways, the plan for the construction of the Airborne Forces is synchronized with the State Armament Program for 2018-2027,” explained Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, member of the expert council of the board of the Military-Industrial Commission of Russia, in a conversation with RT.

Mass airdrop
Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

Armored reinforcements

The Ministry of Defense pays great attention to strengthening the military power of the Airborne Forces, which are the reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. In March of this year, in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, the commander of these troops, Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov, said that since 2012, the share of modern weapons in the winged infantry has increased three and a half times.

“Formations and military units have already received over 42 thousand units of weapons, military and special equipment, which made it possible to increase firepower capabilities by 16%, increase the level of survivability by 20%, and maneuverability by 1.3 times,” noted Serdyukov.

As the commander of the Airborne Forces clarified, the number of modern landing equipment (airplanes, helicopters and parachute systems) increased by 1.4 times, air defense systems by 3.5 times, and armored vehicles by 2.4 times.

From reports of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation it follows that the “blue berets” are being re-equipped with the latest armored vehicles (BMD-4M, BTR-MDM, “Tiger”), self-propelled artillery systems (modernized self-propelled guns 2S9-1M “Nona-S”), radar systems “Aistenok” and “Sobolyatnik” and automated fire control systems.

On March 6, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that in 2018, the Airborne Forces will receive modernized self-propelled guns, D-30, BMD-4M, BTR-RD howitzers, T-72BZ tanks, and the latest reconnaissance and electronic warfare (EW) equipment.

In recent years, personnel of the Airborne Forces units have been receiving “Ratnik” equipment sets and new small arms. It is expected that in the coming years the AK-74M assault rifle will be replaced by the more advanced AK-12 (5.45x39 mm caliber) and AK-15 (7.62x39 mm), and the PKM machine gun will be replaced by the Pecheneg PKP.

In addition to the SVDS sniper rifles, which have been in service with the Airborne Forces since 1995, the paratroopers' arsenal will be supplemented by the large-caliber KSVK Kord (12.7x108 mm) and the silent VSS Vintorez (9x39 mm).

BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle
RIA News
Alexander Vilf

“Cornet”, “Birder Catcher”, “Far Flyer”

To destroy enemy tanks and heavy equipment, the Airborne Forces are receiving the 9K135 Kornet man-portable missile system, which has been successfully tested in Syria. The paratroopers are also being re-equipped with the 9K333 Verba anti-aircraft complex, which is capable of destroying low-flying aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

Currently, the Ptitselov anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) is being developed specifically for the needs of the Airborne Forces and combined arms units. The combat vehicle is being created on the basis of the BMD-4M and the Sosna short-range air defense system, which is a deep modernization of the Strela-10M3 currently in service. The Birdcatcher will significantly enhance the air defense capabilities of the Blue Berets and will be able to interact with the Verba.

Experts do not rule out that in a few years the Airborne Forces will begin testing wheeled tanks based on the Boomerang platform, which is currently equipped on the K-16 armored personnel carrier and the K-17 infantry fighting vehicle.

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On March 6, Deputy General Director of the Tekhmash concern (Moscow, part of Rostec) Alexander Kochkin said that the company was going to develop a small-caliber (50-80 mm) multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) for special forces and airborne forces. The installation will be able to hit a wide range of ground targets, helicopters and drones.

The improvement of landing equipment will also continue. On March 5, 2018, Vladimir Kochetkov, deputy commander of the Airborne Forces for airborne training, spoke about the imminent start of deliveries of the Bakhcha-U-PDS multi-dome system for landing BMD-4M and BTR-MDM with a crew inside. In addition, the D-10 parachute system and reserve parachute 3-5 will undergo modernization.

As part of the Shelest development work (R&D), a system is being developed for landing military personnel with full service weapons and equipment. Another novelty in the Airborne Forces will be the “Dalnolet” system, which will allow personnel to land from a height of 1.2-8 km at an aircraft speed of up to 350 km/h.

Landing armored personnel carrier BTR-MDM "Rakushka"
Ramil Sitdikov

Empowerment

In a conversation with RT, military observer for Nezavisimaya Gazeta Vladimir Mukhin said that the main goal of the plan for the construction of the Airborne Forces until 2030 is to increase the mobility of this type of troops. In his opinion, the command of the Airborne Forces takes into account current trends in the world and the nature of modern combat operations.

“Russia has decent armored vehicles and self-propelled guns, but, in my opinion, it is extremely important to increase the volume of their production, since the level of modern weapons in the Airborne Forces is still low - 47%. But the most important task is, of course, the radical modernization of military transport aviation. This issue needs to be given the closest attention, since the fleet of Il and An aircraft is becoming obsolete,” Mukhin emphasized.

Military expert Viktor Litovkin shares a similar opinion. According to him, the efforts of the Ministry of Defense can be focused on three key areas: increasing the number of modern aircraft (primarily Il-476 / Il-76MD-90A), improving parachute systems and the arrival of the latest armored vehicles.

Landing from an Il-76MD aircraft
Vitaly Timkiv

“Changes are taking place in the principle of troop recruitment. Airborne units by 2030 can be fully staffed with contract soldiers. From official data it follows that today conscripts make up about 40% of the personnel, but their conscription into the winged infantry is gradually decreasing,” Litovkin stated.

Mukhin suggests that by 2030 the Airborne Forces may be replenished with new formations. Today, the Airborne Forces have four divisions, five brigades and two regiments.

According to current plans, in 2018 the 345th separate air assault brigade will be created in Voronezh, and in 2023, as Shamanov said, on the basis of the 31st separate guards air assault brigade the 104th guards air assault division will appear.

“It will consist of three regiments and will be strengthened by reconnaissance battalions and tank units. This is a natural stage of reform, since the division is a more powerful and prepared formation. Such consolidation will increase the capabilities of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s reserve,” concluded Mukhin.

Airborne Forces Day is a memorable date established in May 2006 by decree of the President of Russia - the holiday is intended to contribute to the revival and development of domestic military traditions.

Paratroopers, also called “winged infantry”, “blue berets” and so on, are a symbol of courage, reliability and strength. The principle of the airborne troops: “Nobody but us!”

History of airborne troops

The birthday of the Airborne Forces is considered to be August 2, 1930. On this day, the first parachute landing was carried out in the USSR. Only 12 Red Army soldiers took part in the landing, which took place during the exercises of the Air Force of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh.

The experiment was considered successful and in 1933 special-purpose aviation battalions were formed in the Moscow, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Volga military districts. Subsequently, modern Airborne Forces grew out of them.

By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, five Airborne Corps were fully formed in the USSR - each numbering up to ten thousand people. From the first days of the war, they fought defensive battles in the Baltic states, Belarus and Ukraine in cooperation with other ground forces.

The famous Prokhorovka near Kursk was defended for more than a day by the 9th Guards Airborne Division - in this battle the paratroopers destroyed about 500 Nazi soldiers.

The “winged infantry” fought in Moldova, on the Karelian Front, in Hungary, and they liberated Vienna, the capital of Austria.

It was thanks to the airborne forces that landed in Port Arthur, Harbin, Mukden, Pyongyang and South Sakhalin that Japan’s actions in the Far East were completely paralyzed.

The feat of the paratroopers, who fought with unparalleled courage and heroism, is reflected in Soviet military prose, poetry, and cinema. Bulat Okudzhava’s favorite song, “We need one victory,” is dedicated to the airborne troops.

The song “Our Tenth Airborne Battalion” was first heard in Andrei Smirnov’s film “Belorussky Station” and unconditionally entered our lives.

Airborne units continued to perform feats in the post-war period. The famous 9th company in January 1988, despite the tenfold numerical superiority of the enemy, was able to hold height 3234, repelling more than 12 Mujahideen attacks before the arrival of the reconnaissance platoon. At that time, the 9th company had only five people left in the ranks.

Since 2005, airborne units, according to their specialization, have been divided into airborne, air assault and mountain - the 98th and 106th Guards Airborne Divisions are part of the former.

The second includes the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of two regiments and the 31st Guards Separate Air Assault Brigade of three battalions, and the 7th Guards Air Assault Division (Mountain) belongs to the third.

Uncle Vasya's troops

The abbreviation VDV, as everyone knows, means Airborne Troops. The paratroopers themselves decipher the Airborne Forces as Uncle Vasya's Troops. This is how they lovingly call the famous commander of the Airborne Forces Vasily Margelov - he headed this branch of the military from 1954 to 1959 and from 1961 to 1979.

The airborne troops acquired blue berets and vests thanks to “Uncle Vasya.” Before this, airborne troops wore crimson berets. The landing of people directly in combat vehicles also began thanks to “Uncle Vasya”.

This historical fact happened on January 5, 1973 - Margelov put his son in the first BMD, which was supposed to be thrown out of the plane, and personally closed the hatch behind him.

With paratroopers inside, the military equipment, when lowered, could immediately go into battle without waiting for the crews to descend with their parachutes. So the Airborne Forces acquired their irresistible mobility under “Uncle Vasya”.

Margelov was able to create in the airborne troops that special spirit, thanks to which service in the Airborne Forces began to be considered especially prestigious.

Airborne Forces Day

The Day of the Airborne Forces is celebrated by soldiers of the Airborne Forces of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other CIS countries. Current and former airborne troops will gather, according to tradition, in different cities of Russia, remembering the years of their service.

Festive and commemorative events take place on Airborne Forces Day throughout Russia - demonstrations of paratroopers and paratroopers are organized, demonstrations of military equipment that are in service with the airborne troops, and so on.

On this day, Airborne Forces veterans are honored - charity events and festive concerts are held. On the holiday, they don’t forget the fallen heroes - on Airborne Forces Day they lay flowers at the monument to paratroopers and their burial places, and also hold funeral services.

Airborne troops are never former - they remain them for life, so a huge army of paratroopers on Airborne Forces Day takes to the streets of Russian cities and celebrates their professional holiday on a grand scale, from the heart, like no other.

At the same time, the “blue berets” will selflessly and heroically defend their homeland, since they are always where it is most dangerous - in the thick of it.

The airborne troops have their own patron - the prophet Elijah, whose memorial day the Orthodox Church also celebrates on August 2.

The material was prepared based on open sources