Airborne division. Airborne troops - the elite of the Russian army

Day of the Airborne Forces, in addition to the well-known swimming in the fountains, is glorious, of course, not at all. This holiday, like the Russian landing troops in general, has its own traditions.

"Blue berets" are usually celebrated noisily, on a grand scale, and therefore the whole country knows about this day.

When Airborne Forces Day

If one of our fellow citizens is still wondering what date is the Day of the Airborne Forces, then we are happy to inform you: the paratroopers celebrate their professional holiday every year at the same time at the beginning of the last month of summer - August 2. It is recorded in the state calendar of holidays as the Day of the Airborne Forces or the Day of the Paratrooper. However, there is no official day off for workers. The goals of this event are very important and worthy - to increase the authority of both the Airborne Forces and the armed forces of the Russian Federation as a whole.

How old is the Airborne Forces

In 2018, Russia celebrates the 88th anniversary of the creation of this branch of the Russian Armed Forces. Itself memorable date originally from the Soviet Union. In 1930, at the exercises of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh, an airborne unit of 12 people was parachuted for the first time to perform one of the tactical tasks. After that, the military leadership came to understand the need to enter and use this type of troops. The first airborne units were formed a year later, and for 15 years they were part of the Air Force. From 1946, over the next 45 years, "blue berets" belonged to the ground forces.

IN modern Russia it became a professional holiday after the signing of a corresponding decree in 2006 by President Vladimir Putin.

Photo source: Federal agency news / Evgeniya Nechaeva

Uncle Vasya's troops

Of course, abbreviation VDV means airborne troops. But few people know that she has another unofficial and very interesting interpretation - "Uncle Vasya's troops." This is a reference to the Hero of the USSR Vasily Margelov, who led the landing forces for 20 years. It was he who taught his charges to land in combat vehicles, and also introduced the famous vests and berets.

Airborne Forces Day 2018: program and traditions

Traditionally, the “winged landing” puts on blue tickets and vests on August 2 and meets with their comrades. In each city, the paratroopers have their own special traditional meeting place. For example, in Moscow - this is Gorky Park, in St. Petersburg - Palace Square and Krestovsky Island, in Yekaterinburg - the square of the Soviet Army at the monument to the soldiers who died in Afghan war, "Black Tulip", etc.

The unofficial part of the holiday is singing songs with friends, drinking drinks and swimming in fountains. Where the last rather strange tradition came from is difficult to say for certain now. According to one of the "romantic" versions, the paratroopers see the reflection of the sky in the water, to which they want to be closer. However, there are "blue berets" who are trying to destroy the prevailing stereotype and show that Airborne Forces Day is a completely different action, important and worthy.

The paratroopers' holiday program in cities usually includes festive processions, concerts, celebrations and thematic exhibitions.

Photo source: Federal News Agency / Viktor Sukhorukov

So, in Moscow, you can see paratroopers paratroopers, demonstration performances, take part in hand-to-hand fighting master classes, visit thematic fairs and exhibitions. The concert program in Gorky Park will include performances by musical groups performing songs about "blue berets" and military themes in general.

In St. Petersburg at 10:00, flowers and wreaths will be laid on the graves of the paratroopers at the Serafimovsky and Smolensky cemeteries. Processions at the same time will begin on Dvorovaya Square. At 12:00 noon shot from the Peter and Paul Fortress will be dedicated to the Airborne Forces holiday, after which the paratroopers will visit the Eternal Flame monument on the Field of Mars. A theatrical military sports and concert program will await those celebrating the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg in the Park.

Contrary to the prevailing stereotypes, the Day of the Airborne Forces is a holiday that allows to honor the service to the Motherland of representatives of this extremely important and necessary branch of the Russian Armed Forces.

The airborne forces of Russia are designed to perform various combat missions behind enemy lines, destroy combat points, cover various units and many other tasks. Airborne divisions in peacetime often play the role of rapid reaction forces in the event of emergency situations requiring military intervention. The Russian Airborne Forces perform their tasks immediately after landing, for which helicopters or aircraft are used.

The history of the appearance of the airborne troops of Russia

The history of the Airborne Forces began at the end of 1930. It was then, on the basis of the 11th rifle division, that a fundamentally new type of detachment was created - the airborne landing force. This unit was the prototype of the first Soviet airborne unit. In 1932, this unit became known as the Special Purpose Aviation Brigade. With this name, the Airborne Forces units existed until 1938, in which they were renamed the 201st Airborne Brigade.

The first use of an assault force in a combat operation in the USSR took place in 1929 (after which it was decided to create such units). Then the Soviet Red Army soldiers were parachuted in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Tajik city of Garm, which was captured by a gang of Basmachi bandits who came to Tajikistan from abroad. Despite the superior number of the enemy, acting decisively and boldly, the Red Army completely defeated the gang.

Many argue whether this operation should be considered a full-fledged landing, since the Red Army detachment was landed after the plane landed, and was not parachuted. One way or another, the day of the Airborne Forces is not timed to this date, but is celebrated in honor of the first full-fledged landing of the group near the Klochkovo farm near Voronezh, which was carried out as part of military exercises.

In 1931, by special order number 18, an experienced airborne detachment was created, whose task was to find out the scope and purpose of the airborne troops. This freelance detachment consisted of 164 personnel and included:

One rifle company;
Several separate platoons (communications, sapper and a platoon of light vehicles);
Heavy bomber squadrons;
One corps aviation unit.

Already in 1932, all such units were deployed into special battalions, and by the end of 1933 there were 29 such battalions and brigades. The task of training aircraft instructors and developing special standards was entrusted to the Leningrad military district.

In the pre-war period, the paratroopers were used by the high command to strike at the rear of the enemy, to help soldiers who were surrounded, and so on. In the 30s, the Red Army took the practical training of paratroopers very seriously. In 1935, a total of 2,500 troops were landed on maneuvers, along with military equipment. The following year, the number of airborne troops was increased more than threefold, which made a huge impression on the military delegations of foreign states who were invited to the maneuvers.

The first real battle with the participation of Soviet paratroopers took place in 1939. Although this incident is described by Soviet historians as a common military conflict, Japanese historians consider it to be a real local war. In the battles for Khalkhin Gol, 212 airborne brigades took part. Since the use of a fundamentally new tactics of paratroopers was a complete surprise for the Japanese, the Airborne Forces brilliantly proved what they are capable of.

Participation of the Airborne Forces in the Great Patriotic War

Before the start of World War II, all airborne brigades were deployed into corps. Each corps had more than 10,000 people, the weapons of which were the most advanced at the time. On September 4, 1941, all parts of the Airborne Forces were transferred to the direct subordination of the Commander of the Airborne Forces (the first commander of the Airborne Forces was Lieutenant General Glazunov, who remained in this position until 1943). After that, the following were formed:

10 airborne corps;
5 maneuverable airborne brigades of the Airborne Forces;
Spare airborne regiments;
Airborne School.

Before the beginning of the Second World War, the airborne troops were an independent branch of the troops that were capable of solving a wide range of tasks.

Airborne regiments were widely used in the counteroffensive, as well as in various combat operations, including assistance and support for other types of troops. Throughout the years of the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Forces proved their effectiveness.

In 1944, the Airborne Forces were reorganized into the Guards airborne army... She became part of the long-range aviation. On December 18 of the same year, this army was renamed the 9th Guards Army, it included all brigades, divisions and regiments of the Airborne Forces. At the same time, a separate directorate of the Airborne Forces was created, which was subordinate to the commander of the air force.

Airborne troops in the post-war period

In 1946, all brigades and divisions of the Airborne Forces were transferred to the ground forces. They were subordinate to the Ministry of Defense, being the reserve type of troops of the Supreme Commander.

In 1956 year of the Airborne Forces again had to take part in an armed skirmish. Together with other types of troops, the paratroopers were thrown into the suppression of the Hungarian uprising against the pro-Soviet regime.

In 1968, two airborne divisions took part in the events in Czechoslovakia, where they provided full support to all formations and units of this operation.

After the war, all units and brigades of the airborne troops received the latest models of firearms and many pieces of military equipment made specifically for the Airborne Forces. Over the years, samples of airborne equipment have been created:

Tracked armored vehicles BTR-D and BMD;
TPK and GAZ-66 vehicles;
Self-propelled guns ASU-57, ASU-85.

In addition, the most complex systems for parachute landing of all of the above equipment were created. Since the new technology needed large transport aircraft for landing, new models of large-fuselage aircraft were created that could carry out parachute landing of armored vehicles and vehicles.

The airborne troops of the USSR were the first in the world to receive their own armored vehicles, which were developed specifically for them. At all major exercises, troops were dropped along with armored vehicles, which constantly amazed the representatives of foreign states present at the exercises. The number of specialized transport aircraft capable of landing was so great that in just one combat sortie it was possible to drop all equipment and 75 percent of the personnel of an entire division.

Fall 1979 105 airborne division was disbanded. This division was trained to fight in the mountains and deserts, and was stationed in the Uzbek and Kirghiz SSR. In the same year, Soviet troops were brought into the territory of Afghanistan. Since the 105th division was disbanded, the 103rd division was sent instead, the personnel of which did not have the slightest idea and training for conducting hostilities in mountainous and desert areas. Numerous losses among the paratroopers showed what a huge mistake the command made by recklessly deciding to disband the 105th Airborne Division.

Airborne troops during the Afghan war

The following divisions and brigades of the Airborne Forces and airborne assault formations went through the Afghan war:

Airborne Division 103 (which was sent to Afghanistan instead of the disbanded 103 division);
56 OGRDSHBR (separate airborne assault brigade);
Parachute Regiment;
2 battalions of the DShB, which were part of the motorized rifle brigades.

In total, about 20 percent of the paratroopers participated in the Afghan war. Due to the peculiarity of the relief of Afghanistan, the use of parachute landing in mountainous terrain was unjustified, therefore, the delivery of paratroopers was carried out using the landing method. Deaf mountain areas were often inaccessible to armored vehicles, so the entire blow of the Afghan militants had to be taken over by the personnel of the Airborne Forces.

Despite the division of the Airborne Forces into airborne assault and airborne, all units had to act according to the same scheme, and they had to fight in an unfamiliar area, with the enemy, for whom these mountains were home.

About half of the airborne troops were dispersed across various outposts and control points in the country, which was to be done by other parts of the army. Although this constrained the movement of the enemy, it was unwise to misuse elite troops trained in a completely different manner of combat. The paratroopers had to perform the functions of ordinary motorized rifle units.

The largest operation involving the Soviet landing units (after the operation during the Second World War) is considered the 5th Panjshir Operation, which was carried out from May to June 1982. During this operation, about 4,000 paratroopers of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division were landed from helicopters. In three days, Soviet troops (of which there were about 12,000, including paratroopers), almost completely established control over the Panjshir gorge, although the losses were huge.

Realizing that the special armored vehicles of the Airborne Forces are ineffective in Afghanistan, since most of the operations had to be performed together with motorized rifle battalions, BMD-1 and BTR-D began to systematically replace the standard equipment of motorized rifle units. Light armor and a low resource of lightweight equipment did not bring any advantages in the Afghan war. This replacement took place from 1982 to 1986. Along with this, the landing units were reinforced with artillery and tank units.

Airborne assault formations, their differences from paratrooper units

Along with the airborne units, the air force also had airborne assault units that were directly subordinate to the commanders of the military districts. Their difference consisted in the performance of various tasks, subordination and organizational structure. The uniform, armament, training of personnel did not differ in any way from the paratroopers.

The main reason for the creation of airborne assault formations in the second half of the 60s of the 20th century was the development of a new strategy and tactics for conducting a full-scale war with the alleged enemy.

This strategy was based on the use of massive airborne assaults behind enemy lines in order to disorganize the defense and introduce panic into the enemy's ranks. Since the army's fleet was by this time equipped with a sufficient number of transport helicopters, it became possible to carry out large-scale operations using large groups of paratroopers.

In the 80s, 14 brigades, 2 regiments and 20 battalions of airborne assault battalions were deployed throughout the USSR. One DShB brigade was assigned to one military district. The main difference between the airborne and airborne assault units was as follows:

The paratrooper formations were provided with specialized airborne equipment for 100 percent, and the airborne assault formations had only 25 percent of the complement of such armored vehicles. This can be explained by the various combat missions that these formations were supposed to carry out;
Parts of the airborne troops were subordinate only directly to the command of the Airborne Forces, in contrast to the airborne assault units, which were subordinate to the command of the military districts. This was done for greater mobility and efficiency in case of need for a sudden drop of troops;
The assigned tasks of these formations also differed significantly from each other. The airborne assault units were to be used for operations in the immediate rear of the enemy or in the territory occupied by the front-line units of the enemy in order to panic and disrupt the enemy's plans with their actions, while the main parts of the army were to strike at him. The paratrooper units were intended to land deep behind enemy lines, and their landing was to be carried out by a non-stop method. At the same time, the military training of both formations practically did not differ in anything, although the intended tasks paratroopers were much more difficult;
The paratrooper units of the Airborne Forces have always been deployed to their full state and equipped with cars and armored vehicles by 100 percent. Many airborne assault brigades were incomplete and did not carry the rank of "Guards". The only exception were three brigades, which were formed on the basis of paratrooper regiments and bore the name "Guards".

The difference between regiments and brigades consisted in the presence of only two battalions in the regiment. In addition, the composition of the regimental kit in the regiments was often reduced.

There are still debates about whether there were units in the Soviet army special purpose, or this function was performed by the Airborne Forces. The fact is that in the USSR (as well as in modern Russia) there have never been separate special forces. Instead, there were special forces units of the GRU General Staff.

Although these parts have existed since 1950, their existence remained a secret until the late 1980s. Since the form of special-purpose units was no different from the form of other units of the Airborne Forces, often not only the inhabitants did not know about their existence, but even conscripts learned about it only at the time of admission to the personnel.

Since the main tasks of special-purpose units were reconnaissance and sabotage activities, they were united with the Airborne Forces only by uniform, airborne training of personnel and the possibility of using special-purpose units for operations behind enemy lines.

Vasily Filippovich Margelov - "father" of the Airborne Forces

A huge role in the development of the airborne forces, the development of the theory of their use and the development of weapons belongs to the commander of the Airborne Forces from 1954 to 1979 - Vasily Filippovich Margelov. It is in his honor that the Airborne Forces are jokingly called "Uncle Vasya's troops." Margelov laid the foundation for the positioning of the airborne forces as highly mobile units with high firepower and covered with reliable armor. It was this kind of troops that had to deliver quick and unexpected strikes against the enemy in conditions nuclear war... At the same time, the task of the Airborne Forces in no case should have included the long-term retention of captured objects or positions, since in this case the landing would certainly be destroyed by regular units of the enemy army.

Under the influence of Margelov, special models of small arms were developed for the Airborne Forces units, allowing them to effectively fire even at the time of landing, special models of cars and armored vehicles, the creation of new transport aircraft intended for landing and armored vehicles.

It was on the initiative of Margelov that the special symbols of the Airborne Forces were created, familiar to all modern Russians - the vest and the blue beret, which are the pride of every paratrooper.

In the history of the airborne troops, there are several interesting factsthat few know:

Specialized airborne units, which were the forerunners of the Airborne Forces, appeared during the Second World War. No army in the world had such units at that time. The airborne army was supposed to carry out operations in the German rear. Seeing that the Soviet command created a fundamentally new type of troops, the Anglo-American command also created its own airborne army in 1944. However, this army did not manage to take part in hostilities during the Second World War;
During the Second World War, several tens of thousands of people who served in the airborne units received many orders and medals of various degrees, and 12 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union;
After the end of the Second World War, the airborne troops of the USSR were the most numerous among such units in the whole world. Moreover, according to the official version, the airborne troops of the Russian Federation are the most numerous in the whole world, to this day;
Soviet paratroopers are the only ones who managed to land in full combat gear at the North Pole, and this operation was carried out back in the late 40s;
Only in the practice of Soviet paratroopers was the landing from a height of many kilometers in combat vehicles.

Day of the Airborne Forces is the main holiday of the Russian airborne forces

August 2 is the day of the Russian airborne forces, or as it is also called, the day of the Airborne Forces. This holiday is celebrated on the basis of the decree of the President of the Russian Federation and is very popular among all paratroopers who served or are serving in the airborne troops. On the day of the Airborne Forces, demonstrations, processions, concerts, sporting events and festive festivities are held.

Unfortunately, the day of the Airborne Forces is considered the most unpredictable and scandalous holiday in Russia. Often paratroopers arrange riots, pogroms and fights. As a rule, these are the people who have served in the army for a long time, but they want to diversify their civilian life, therefore, on the day of the airborne troops, there is traditionally a strengthening of the patrol squads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who monitor order in in public places cities of Russia. IN last years there has been a steady trend towards a decrease in the number of fights and pogroms on the day of the Airborne Forces. Paratroopers learn to celebrate their holiday in a civilized manner, because riots and pogroms dishonor the name of the defender of the Motherland.

Flag and emblem of the Airborne Forces

The flag of the Airborne Forces, along with the emblem, is the symbol of the Airborne Forces Russian Federation... The Airborne Forces emblem is of three types:

The small emblem of the Airborne Forces is a golden fiery grenada with wings;
The middle emblem of the Airborne Forces is a two-headed eagle with spread wings. He has a sword in one paw, and a grenada with wings in the other. The eagle's chest covers a shield with the image of St. George the Victorious slaying the dragon;
The large emblem of the Airborne Forces is a copy of the grenada on the small emblem, only it is in a heraldic shield, which is bordered by a round wreath of oak leaves, while the top of the wreath is decorated with the emblem Armed Forces RF.

The flag of the Russian Airborne Forces was established on June 14, 2004 by order of the Ministry of Defense. The flag of the airborne troops is a rectangular blue cloth. There is a green stripe at its bottom. The center of the flag of the airborne troops is decorated with the image of a golden parachute with a parachutist. On both sides of the parachute are aircraft.

Despite all the difficulties that the Russian army experienced in the 90s, it managed to preserve the glorious traditions of the Airborne Forces, the structure of which today is an example for many armies of the world.

The airborne troops of the Russian Federation are a separate branch of the Russian armed forces, which is in the reserve of the Commander-in-Chief of the country and is directly subordinate to Commander of the Airborne Forces... At the moment, this position is held (since October 2016) by Colonel-General Serdyukov.

The purpose of the airborne troops is to operate behind enemy lines, carry out deep raids, seize important enemy targets, bridgeheads, disrupt the work of enemy communications and enemy command and control, and sabotage in its rear. The Airborne Forces were created primarily as an effective instrument of offensive warfare. To cover the enemy and actions in his rear, the Airborne Forces can use landing - both parachute and landing.

The airborne troops are rightfully considered the elite of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, in order to get into this type of troops, candidates must meet very high criteria. First of all, this concerns physical health and psychological stability. And this is natural: the 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.

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

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

In addition to the flag, there is also the emblem of this type of troops. It is a fiery gold-colored grenada 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 - the flaming grenada of the Airborne Forces. On the large emblem, the grenada is placed on a blue heraldic shield, framed by an oak wreath. There is a two-headed eagle in its upper part.

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.

The paratroopers' professional holiday is the Airborne Forces Day. It is celebrated on 2 August. On this day in 1930, the unit was first parachuted 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 forces are in service as conventional types military equipmentand samples developed specifically for this type of troops, taking into account the specifics of its tasks.

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

The history of the creation of the Airborne Forces

The homeland of the Airborne Forces is Soviet Union... It was in the USSR that the first airborne unit was created, this happened in 1930. First, a small detachment appeared, which was part of a regular rifle division. On August 2, the first parachute landing was successfully carried out during an exercise at a 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 parachutes, which made it possible to unblock 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 the decision of the Revolutionary Military Council, special aviation battalions were created, in 1933 their number reached 29 pieces. They were part of the Air Force, and their main task was to disorganize the enemy's rear and conduct sabotage.

It should be noted that the development of the landing troops in the Soviet Union was very stormy and rapid. No money was spared on them. In the 1930s, the country experienced a real parachute boom, with parachute diving towers standing at almost every stadium.

During the exercises of the Kiev 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 invited to the exercise were amazed at the scale of the landing and the skill of Soviet paratroopers.

Before the start of the war, airborne corps were created in the USSR, each of them consisted of 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 five more airborne corps began. A few days before the German invasion (June 12), the Airborne Forces Directorate was created, and in September 1941, the paratrooper units were removed from the command of the front commanders. Each corps of the Airborne Forces was a very formidable force: in addition to excellently trained personnel, it was armed with artillery and light amphibious tanks.

In addition to the airborne corps, the Red Army also included mobile airborne brigades (five units), spare airborne regiments (five units) and schoolswho trained the paratroopers.

Airborne Forces contributed significant contribution in victory over the Nazi invaders. Airborne units played an especially important role in the initial - the most difficult - period of the war. Despite the fact that the airborne troops are designed for offensive operations and have a minimum of heavy weapons (compared to other types of troops), at the beginning of the war, paratroopers were often used to "patch holes": in defense, to eliminate sudden German breakthroughs, to unblocking surrounded soviet troops... Because of this practice, the paratroopers suffered unreasonably high losses, and the effectiveness of their use was reduced. Often, the preparation of amphibious operations left much to be desired.

The airborne units took part in the defense of Moscow, as well as in the subsequent counteroffensive. The 4th Airborne Corps in the winter of 1942 was parachuted during the Vyazemskaya landing operation. In 1943, during the crossing of the Dnieper, two airborne brigades were thrown into the rear of the enemy. Another major amphibious operation was carried out in Manchuria in August 1945. In its course, 4 thousand soldiers were parachuted by landing method.

In October 1944, the Soviet Airborne Forces were transformed into a separate Guards Army of the Airborne Forces, 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, the paratroopers took part in the liberation of Budapest, Prague, Vienna. The 9th Guards Army ended its glorious combat path on the Elbe.

In 1946, the airborne units were incorporated into the Land Forces and were subordinate to the country's defense minister.

In 1956, Soviet paratroopers took part in suppressing 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 to defense only, so the airborne troops developed especially actively during this period. The emphasis was placed on increasing the firepower of the Airborne Forces. For this, a number of airborne equipment was developed, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, and road transport. The fleet of military transport aviation was significantly increased. In the 70s, wide-body heavy-duty transport aircraft were created, which made it possible to transport not only personnel, but also heavy military equipment. By the end of the 80s, the state of the military transport aviation of the USSR was such that it could provide parachute drop for almost 75% of the personnel of the Airborne Forces in one sortie.

At the end of the 60s, a new type of units that are part of the Airborne Forces was created - airborne assault units (DShCH). They differed little from the rest of the Airborne Forces, but obeyed 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 case of a full-scale war. After the beginning of the conflict, the enemy's defenses were planned to be “broken” with the help of massive assault forces landed in the immediate rear of the enemy.

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

In 1979, the war in Afghanistan began, 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 question of any parachute landing. The delivery of personnel to the place of combat operations took place with the help of armored vehicles or vehicles, less often landing method was used from helicopters.

Paratroopers were often used to guard the numerous outposts and roadblocks scattered throughout the country. Usually, the 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, parts of the Airborne Forces in Afghanistan were reinforced with additional artillery and tank units.

After the collapse of the USSR, the division of its armed forces began. These processes also affected the paratroopers. It was only by 1992 that the Airborne Forces were finally divided, after which the Russian Airborne Forces were created. They included all the units that were 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 airborne assault brigades and two regiments. In 1994, in Kubinka near Moscow, on the basis of two battalions, the 45th Airborne Special Forces regiment was created (the so-called special forces of the Airborne Forces).

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

The airborne troops of the Russian Federation took part in both Chechen campaigns, in 2008 the 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).

The structure and composition of the airborne troops of the Russian Federation

At present, the RF Airborne Forces consist of command structures, combat subunits and units, as well as various institutions that provide them.

Structurally, the Airborne Forces has three main components:

Airborne. It includes all the airborne units.
Airborne assault. Consists of airborne assault units.
Mountain. It includes airborne assault units intended for operations in mountainous areas.

At the moment, the Russian Airborne Forces includes four divisions, as well as separate brigades and shelves. Airborne troops, composition:

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

Airborne regiments and brigades:

11th Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, stationed in the city of Ulan-Ude.
45th separate guards brigade of special purpose (Moscow).
56th separate guards airborne assault brigade. The place of deployment is the city of Kamyshin.
31st separate guards airborne assault brigade. Located in Ulyanovsk.
83rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade. Location - Ussuriisk.
38th Separate Guards Signal Regiment of the Airborne Forces. Located in the Moscow region, in the village of Medvezhye Ozera.

In 2013, the creation of the 345th Airborne Assault Brigade in Voronezh was officially announced, but then the formation of the unit was postponed to a later date (2017 or 2019). There is information that in 2019 an airborne assault battalion will be deployed on the territory of the Crimean peninsula, and in the future a regiment of the 7th airborne assault division, which is currently deployed in Novorossiysk, will be formed on its base.

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 RF Airborne Forces. Also, the structure of this kind of troops includes two Suvorov schools (in Tula and Ulyanovsk), Omsk cadet corps and the 242nd training center located in Omsk.

Armament and equipment of the Russian Airborne Forces

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

The most massive examples of airborne armored vehicles are currently BMD-1 (about 100 units) and BMD-2M (about 1,000 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 parachuting. These are reliable machines that have been tested in many armed conflicts, but they are clearly outdated, both morally and physically. Even representatives of top management Russian army., which was put into service in 2004. However, its production is slow; today it is armed with 30 BMP-4 units and 12 BMP-4M units.

Also in service with the airborne forces there are a small number of armored personnel carriers BTR-82A and BTR-82AM (12 pieces), as well as the Soviet BTR-80. The most numerous armored personnel carrier currently used by the RF Airborne Forces is the tracked BTR-D (more than 700 units). It entered service in 1974 and is quite outdated. It should be replaced by the BTR-MDM "Rakushka", but so far its production is moving very slowly: today in combat units from 12 to 30 (according to various sources) "Rakushek".

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

The Russian Airborne Forces are armed with self-propelled and towed artillery: self-propelled guns "Nona" (250 units and several hundred more in storage), howitzer D-30 (150 units), as well as mortars "Nona-M1" (50 units) and "Tray" (150 units).

The air defense means of the Airborne Forces consist of portable missile systems (various modifications of the Igla and Verba), as well as the Strela short-range air defense system. Special attention should be paid to the newest Russian MANPADS "Verba", which was only recently put into service and now it has been put into trial operation only in several units of the RF Armed Forces, including the 98th Airborne Division.

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 began to receive new samples 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, it should be noted modern Russian developments: the electronic warfare systems "Leer-2" and "Leer-3", "Infauna", the control system of the air defense complexes "Barnaul", the automated command and control systems "Andromeda-D" and "Polet-K".

The Airborne Forces are armed with a wide range of small arms, among which there are both Soviet models and newer Russian designs. 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, however, supplies to the troops of a more advanced AK-74M have already begun. To carry out sabotage missions, the paratroopers can use the Russian-made Val Orlan-10 silent assault rifle. The exact number of "Eagles" in service with the Airborne Forces is unknown.

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Designed to operate behind enemy lines, destroy nuclear attack weapons, command posts, capture and hold important areas and objects, disrupt the control system and work of the enemy's rear, assist the Ground Forces in the development of the offensive and forcing water obstacles. They are equipped with air transportable self-propelled artillery, missile, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, automatic small arms, communications and control equipment. The available paratrooper equipment makes it possible to drop troops and cargo in any weather and terrain conditions, day and night from different heights. Organizationally, the airborne troops consist of (Fig. 1) airborne formations, an airborne brigade, and military units of special forces.

Figure: 1. The structure of the Airborne Forces

The Airborne Forces are armed with self-propelled airborne guns ASU-85; self-propelled artillery pieces "Sprut-SD"; 122 mm D-30 howitzer; BMD-1/2/3/4 airborne combat vehicles; armored personnel carriers BTR-D.

A part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation may be part of the joint armed forces (for example, the Joint Armed Forces of the CIS) or be under joint command in accordance with international treaties of the Russian Federation (for example, as part of the UN peacekeeping forces or the CIS collective forces for maintaining peace in zones of local military conflicts ).

Branch

The smallest military formation in - branch. The squad is commanded by a junior sergeant or sergeant. Usually there are 9-13 people in a motorized rifle department. In the departments of other branches of the military, the number of the personnel of the department is from 3 to 15 people. Usually a squad is part of a platoon, but it can also exist outside of a platoon.

Platoon

Several branches make up platoon. Usually there are 2 to 4 squads in a platoon, but more are possible. The platoon is headed by a commander in the officer rank - junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant. On average, the number of platoon personnel ranges from 9 to 45 people. Usually in all branches of the military the name is the same - platoon. Usually a platoon is part of a company, but it can also exist independently.

Company

Several platoons make up company. In addition, a company may include several independent units that are not included in any of the platoons. For example, a motorized rifle company has three motorized rifle platoons, a machine gun squad, and an anti-tank squad. Usually a company consists of 2-4 platoons, sometimes even more platoons. The company is the smallest formation of tactical importance, i.e. a formation capable of independently performing small tactical tasks on the battlefield. The company commander is captain. On average, the size of a company can be from 18 to 200 people. Motorized rifle companies are usually about 130-150 men, tank companies 30-35 men. Usually a company is part of a battalion, but companies often exist as independent formations. In artillery, a formation of this type is called a battery, in a cavalry squadron.

Battalion consists of several companies (usually 2-4) and several platoons that do not belong to any of the companies. The battalion is one of the main tactical formations. A battalion, like a company, a platoon, or a squad is named after its type of troops (tank, motorized rifle, engineer-sapper, communications). But the battalion already includes formations of other types of weapons. For example, in a motorized rifle battalion, in addition to motorized rifle companies, there is a mortar battery, a material support platoon, and a communications platoon. The battalion commander is a lieutenant colonel. The battalion already has its own headquarters. Usually, the average battalion, depending on the type of troops, can number from 250 to 950 people. However, there are battalions of about 100 men. In artillery, this type of formation is called a division.

Regiment

Regiment - This is the main tactical formation and completely autonomous in the economic sense of the formation. The regiment is commanded by a colonel. Although the regiments are named according to the type of troops (tank, motorized rifle, communications, pontoon-bridge, etc.), in fact, this is a formation consisting of subunits of many types of troops, and the name is given according to the prevailing type of troops. For example, in a motorized rifle regiment there are two or three motorized rifle battalions, one tank battalion, one artillery battalion (read battalion), one anti-aircraft missile battalion, a reconnaissance company, an engineering company, a communications company, an anti-tank battery, a chemical defense platoon , a maintenance company, a logistics company, an orchestra, a medical center. The number of the regiment's personnel is from 900 to 2000 people.

Brigade

Just like the regiment, brigade is the main tactical formation. Actually, the brigade occupies an intermediate position between the regiment and the division. The structure of the brigade is most often the same as that of the regiment, but there are much more battalions and other units in the brigade. So in a motorized rifle brigade, motorized rifle and tank battalions are one and a half to two times more than in a regiment. A brigade can also consist of two regiments, plus battalions and auxiliary companies. On average, the brigade has from 2 to 8 thousand people. The brigade commander, as well as in the regiment, is a colonel.

Division

Division - the main operational-tactical formation. As well as the regiment is named according to the dominant branch of the army. However, the predominance of this or that kind of troops is much less than in the regiment. A motorized rifle division and a tank division are identical in structure with the only difference that in a motorized rifle division there are two or three motorized rifle regiments and one tank, and in a tank division, on the contrary, there are two or three tank regiments, and one motorized rifle. In addition to these main regiments, the division has one or two artillery regiments, one anti-aircraft missile regiment, a rocket battalion, a missile division, a helicopter squadron, an engineer battalion, a communications battalion, an automobile battalion, a reconnaissance battalion, an electronic warfare battalion, a logistics battalion, repair - a recovery battalion, a health battalion, a chemical defense company and several different companies and auxiliary platoons. Divisions can be tank, motorized rifle, artillery, airborne, missile and aviation. In other types of troops, as a rule, the highest formation is a regiment or brigade. On average, a division has 12-24 thousand people. Division Commander Major General.

Housing

As a brigade is an intermediate formation between a regiment and a division, so body is an intermediate formation between the division and the army. A corps is a combined-arms formation, that is, it usually lacks the characteristic of one type of troops, although there may be tank or artillery corps, that is, corps with a complete predominance of tank or artillery divisions in them. The combined arms corps is usually referred to as the "army corps". There is no single body structure. Each time a corps is formed on the basis of a specific military or military-political situation, and may consist of two or three divisions and a different number of formations of other combat arms. Usually a corps is created where it is impractical to create an army. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the corps, because as many corps exist or have existed, so many of their structures existed. The corps commander is Lieutenant General.

Army

Army Is a large military formation operational purpose... The army includes divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. Usually armies are no longer subdivided by type of troops, although they may exist tank armiesdominated by tank divisions... An army may also have one or more corps. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the army, because as many armies exist or have existed, so many of their structures existed. A soldier at the head of the army is no longer referred to as a "commander", but "an army commander." The usual rank of army commander is Colonel General. In peacetime, armies are rarely organized as military formations. Usually divisions, regiments, battalions are directly part of the district.

Front

Front (district) - this is the highest military formation of a strategic type. Larger formations do not exist. The name "front" is used only in wartime for a formation leading fighting... For such formations in peacetime, or located in the rear, the name "district" (military district) is used. The front includes several armies, corps, divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. The composition and size of the front may vary. The fronts are never subdivided according to the types of troops (i.e., there can be no tank front, artillery front, etc.). The front (district) is headed by the commander of the front (district) with the rank of General of the Army.

Military art in Russia, as well as throughout the world, is divided into three levels:

Tactics (the art of fighting). Squad, platoon, company, battalion, regiment solve tactical tasks, that is, they are fighting.
Operational art (the art of conducting a battle, battle). The division, corps, and army are solving operational tasks, that is, they are fighting.
Strategy (the art of waging war in general). The front solves both operational and strategic tasks, that is, it wages major battles, as a result of which the strategic situation changes and the outcome of the war can be decided.

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

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

The airborne troops of Russia 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: the 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 number of 10 thousand people each. The USSR Airborne Forces played an important role in the victory over the Nazi invaders. The paratroopers actively participated in the Afghan war. The Russian airborne troops were officially created on May 12, 1992, they went through both Chechen campaigns, participated in the war with Georgia in 2008.

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

In addition to the flag of the airborne troops, there is also the emblem of this type of troops. The insignia of the Airborne Forces is a flaming gold-colored grenade with two wings. There is also a medium and large emblem of the Airborne Forces. 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 - the flaming grenada of the Airborne Forces. On the large emblem, the grenada is placed on a blue heraldic shield, framed by an oak wreath. There is a two-headed eagle in its upper part.

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.

The paratroopers' professional holiday is the Airborne Forces Day. It is celebrated on 2 August. On this day in 1930, the unit was first parachuted 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 airborne forces of Russia are armed with both conventional types of military equipment and samples developed specifically for this type of troops, taking into account the specifics of the tasks that it performs.

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

The history of the creation of the Airborne Forces

The Soviet Union is undoubtedly 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 an exercise at a training ground near Voronezh.

It should be noted that the development of the landing troops in the Soviet Union was very stormy and rapid. No money was spared on them. In the 30s, the country experienced a real "parachute" boom, parachute towers were installed in almost every stadium.

During the exercises of the Kiev 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 Regulations of the Red Army of 1939, the airborne units were at the disposal of the main command, they were planned to be used to deliver strikes behind enemy lines. At the same time, it was ordered to clearly coordinate such strikes with other branches of the military, which at that moment delivered frontal strikes against the enemy.

In 1939, the Soviet paratroopers managed to acquire their first combat experience: the 212th Airborne Brigade also took part in the battles with the Japanese on Khalkhin Gol. Hundreds of her fighters have received government awards. Several units of the Airborne Forces took part in the Soviet-Finnish war. The paratroopers were also involved during the capture of Northern Bukovina and Bessarabia.

On the eve of the beginning of the war, airborne corps were created in the USSR, each of them consisted of 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 five more airborne corps began. A few days before the German invasion (June 12), the Airborne Forces Directorate was created, and in September 1941, the paratrooper units were removed from the command of the front commanders. Each corps of the Airborne Forces was a very formidable force: in addition to excellently 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. Airborne units played an especially important role in the initial - the most difficult - period of the war. Despite the fact that the airborne troops are designed for offensive operations and have a minimum of heavy weapons (compared to other types of troops), at the beginning of the war, paratroopers were often used to "patch holes": in defense, to eliminate sudden German breakthroughs, to release surrounded by Soviet troops. Due to this practice, the paratroopers suffered unreasonably high losses, the effectiveness of their use was reduced. Often, the preparation of amphibious operations left much to be desired.

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

In 1946, the airborne units were incorporated into the Land Forces and were subordinate to the country's defense minister.

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

Paratroopers were often used to guard the numerous outposts and roadblocks scattered throughout the country. Usually, the airborne units performed tasks more suitable for motorized rifle units.

Information: After the collapse of the USSR, the division of its armed forces began. These processes also affected the paratroopers. It was only by 1992 that the Airborne Forces were finally divided, after which the Russian Airborne Forces were created. They included all the units that were 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.

The 90s became a serious test for the Russian airborne troops (as well as for the entire army). The number of the Airborne Forces was seriously reduced, some of the units were disbanded, 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.

Structure and composition of troops

At present, the RF Airborne Forces consist of command structures, combat subunits and units, as well as various institutions that provide them.

Structurally, the Airborne Forces has three main components:
Airborne. It includes all the airborne units.
Airborne assault. Consists of airborne assault units.
Mountain. It includes airborne assault units intended for operations in mountainous areas.

At the moment, the Russian Airborne Forces includes four divisions, as well as separate brigades and regiments. Airborne troops, composition:

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

Airborne regiments and brigades:

11th Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, stationed in the city of Ulan-Ude.
45th separate guards brigade of special purpose (Moscow).
56th separate guards airborne assault brigade. The place of deployment is the city of Kamyshin.
31st separate guards airborne assault brigade. Located in Ulyanovsk.
83rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade. Location - Ussuriisk.
38th Separate Guards Signal Regiment of the Airborne Forces. Located in the Moscow region, in the village of Medvezhye Ozera.

In 2013, the creation of the 345th Airborne 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 a regiment of the 7th airborne assault division will be formed on its base, which is currently stationed in Novorossiysk.

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 RF Airborne Forces. Also, the structure of this kind of troops 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 most massive examples of airborne armored vehicles are currently BMD-1 (about 100 units) and BMD-2M (about 1,000 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 parachuting. These are reliable machines 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 are openly declaring this.

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

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

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

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.

The Airborne Forces are armed with machine guns "Pecheneg" (Russia) and NSV (USSR), as well as a large-caliber machine gun "Kord" (Russia).

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

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

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