Soviet airborne. Differences between troops

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The Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation is a separate branch of the Russian armed forces, located in the reserve of the Commander-in-Chief of the country and directly subordinate to the 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 operations behind enemy lines, carrying out deep raids, capturing important enemy facilities, bridgeheads, disrupting enemy communications and enemy control, and conducting sabotage in his rear. The Airborne Forces were created primarily as an effective tool for offensive warfare. To cover the enemy and operate 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 branch of the troops, candidates must meet very high criteria. First of all, it 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 strength 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 Afghan war. The Russian airborne troops 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 panel with a green stripe at the bottom. In its center is an image of an open golden 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. This is a flaming golden-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 George the Victorious in the center. In one paw, the eagle holds a sword, and in the other, a flaming grenada of the Airborne Forces. On the large emblem, grenada is placed on a blue heraldic shield framed by an oak wreath. In its upper part 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: "No one but us." The paratroopers even have their own heavenly patron - Saint Elijah.

The professional holiday of the paratroopers is the Day of the Airborne Forces. It is celebrated on August 2nd. On this day in 1930, the first parachute landing of a unit was made to perform a combat mission. On August 2, Airborne Forces Day is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The airborne troops of Russia are armed with both conventional types of military equipment and models 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 Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation, this information is secret. However, according to unofficial data obtained from Russian Ministry defense, it is about 45 thousand fighters. Foreign estimates of the number of this type of troops are somewhat more modest - 36 thousand people.

The history of the creation of the Airborne Forces

The birthplace of the Airborne Forces is the 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 an ordinary 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 paratroopers 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 parachuted there, which made it possible to unblock the settlement as soon as possible.

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 units. They were part of the Air Force, and their main task was to disorganize the rear of the enemy and carry out sabotage.

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

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

Before the start of the war, airborne corps were created in the USSR, each of them included up to 10 thousand fighters. 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 Directorate of the Airborne Forces was created, and in September 1941, the paratrooper units were withdrawn from the command of the fronts. Each corps of the Airborne Forces was a very formidable force: in addition to well-trained personnel, it was armed with artillery and light amphibious tanks.

In addition to the landing corps, the Red Army also included mobile landing brigades (five units), spare regiments of the Airborne Forces (five units) and educational institutions that trained paratroopers.

The Airborne Forces 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 the airborne troops are intended for 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 release of the encircled 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 counteroffensive. The 4th Corps of the Airborne Forces was parachuted in the winter of 1942 during the Vyazemsky landing operation. 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. In its course, 4,000 fighters were parachuted by landing.

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 ordinary rifle divisions. At the end of the war, the paratroopers took part in the liberation of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. The 9th Guards Army ended its glorious military career on the Elbe.

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

In 1956, Soviet paratroopers participated 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 the era of confrontation between the 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. Emphasis was placed on increasing the firepower of the Airborne Forces. For this, a whole range of airborne equipment was developed, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, and road transport. The fleet of military transport aircraft was significantly increased. In the 1970s, large-capacity wide-body 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 ensure the parachute drop of almost 75% of the personnel of the Airborne Forces in one sortie.

In the late 1960s, it was created the new kind units that are part of the Airborne Forces - airborne assault units (DShCH). They were not much different from the rest of the Airborne Forces, but they 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 prepared by Soviet strategists in the event of a full-scale war. After the start of the conflict, it was planned to “break” the enemy defenses with the help of massive landings landed in the immediate rear of the enemy.

In the mid-1980s, the USSR Ground Forces included 14 air assault brigades, 20 battalions and 22 separate air 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 struggle, of course, there was no talk of any parachute landing. The delivery of personnel to the place of military operations took place with the help of armored vehicles or vehicles, landing by landing method from helicopters was less often used.

The paratroopers were often used to guard the numerous outposts and roadblocks scattered throughout the country. Typically, airborne units performed missions more suited to 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. They were able to finally divide the Airborne Forces only by 1992, after which the Russian Airborne Forces were created. They included all 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 Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces (the so-called special forces of the Airborne Forces) was created.

The 1990s became a serious test for the Russian landing troops (as well as for the entire army, by the way). 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 worsened 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

Currently, the Russian Airborne Forces consist of command and control 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.

At the moment, the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation 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.

Regiments and brigades of the Airborne Forces:

11th Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, stationed 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. Based in Ulyanovsk.
83rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade. Location - Ussuriysk.
38th Separate Guards Communications 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 transferred to more late deadline(2017 or 2018). There is information that in 2018 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 basis.

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, among other things, trains officers for the Russian Airborne Forces. Also, the structure of this type 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 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 types of weapons and military equipment of the Airborne Forces were developed and manufactured back in the Soviet period, but there are also more modern models created in modern times.

The most massive samples of armored vehicles of the Airborne Forces are currently combat vehicles landing BMD-1 (about 100 units) and BMD-2M (about 1 thousand units). Both of these vehicles were produced back 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. This is openly stated even by representatives of senior management. Russian army., which was adopted in 2004. However, its production is slow, today there are 30 BMP-4s and 12 BMP-4Ms in service.

Also, the airborne units are armed with a small number of BTR-82A and BTR-82AM armored personnel carriers (12 pieces), 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 pieces). It was put into service in 1974 and is very outdated. It should be replaced by the BTR-MDM "Shell", but so far its production is moving very slowly: today in combat units there are from 12 to 30 (according to various sources) "Shells".

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

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

The air defense means of the Airborne Forces consist of portable missile systems (various modifications of the Needles and Willow), 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 in only a few units of the RF Armed Forces, including the 98th Airborne Division.

Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns are also in operation in the Airborne Forces. artillery mounts BTR-ZD "Skrezhet" (150 units) of Soviet production and towed anti-aircraft guns ZU-23-2.

In recent years, new samples of automotive equipment have begun to enter the Airborne Forces, 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. Among them are modern Russian developments: electronic warfare systems"Leer-2" and "Leer-3", "Infauna", the control system for air defense systems "Barnaul", automated control systems for troops "Andromeda-D" and "Flight-K".

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

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

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On August 2, 1930, exercises of the Air Force (VVS) were held near Voronezh. A feature of the exercises was the parachute landing of a military unit in the amount of twelve people from the Farman-Goliath aircraft. This date became the day of the Red Army, which later became a separate branch of the army, commanded by the commander. The commanders of the Airborne Forces were appointed from among experienced combat officers.

New kind of troops

The first airborne unit was formed in the USSR in 1931. In December 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council, by its Decree, introduces airborne units. The mass deployment of units of a new kind of troops began, the motto of which in the future will be "No one but us."

Initially, the airborne units were part of the structure of the Red Army Air Force, but on June 3, 1946, by a decree of the USSR government, the Airborne Forces were transferred personally to the Minister of the Armed Forces (AF) of the USSR. In this regard, the staff unit of the commander of this type of troops was introduced.

The commanders of the Airborne Forces of the USSR and the Russian Federation, each in his time, made a contribution, some more, some less, to the development of their troops.

Commanders of the "winged infantry" of the USSR

During the existence of the Airborne Forces, the command of these special forces was entrusted to fifteen commanders.

Vasily Vasilyevich Glagolev opens the list - in 1946 he headed new genus troops in the USSR.

Since October 1947, after the sudden death of V.V. Glagolev, Alexander Fedorovich Kazankin is appointed commander.

Less than a year (late 1948 - September 1949) airborne troops were under the command of Rudenko Sergei Ignatievich, Air Marshal.

General Gorbatov A.V. commanded the Airborne Forces from 1950 to 1954.

The legendary man Margelov V.F. led the airborne paratroopers for more than 20 years (1954 - January 1979).

In subsequent years, the commanders of the USSR Airborne Forces held their posts for a maximum of a year or two, with the exception of D.S. Sukhorukov:

Tutarinov I. V. (1959 - 1961);
Sukhorukov D.S. (1979 - 1987);
Kalinin N. V. (1987 - early 1989);
Achalov V. A. (1989 - 1990);
Grachev P. S. (January - August 1991);

Podkolzin E.N. became the last commander of the "winged infantry" of the USSR and the first - of Russia (August 1991 - November 1996).

Commanders of the "blue berets" of Russia

With education Russian Federation There is a certain stability in the leadership of the Airborne Forces: the commanders hold their positions for a longer time, which indicates the seriousness of the selection of personnel in the Ministry of Defense of the country.

For the last quarter of a century, the Russian Airborne Forces have been under the command of generals:

Podkolzin Evgeny Nikolaevich (September 1991 - December 1996);
Shpak Georgy Ivanovich (December 1996 - September 2003);
Evtukhovich Valery Evgenievich (November 2007 - May 2009);
Shamanov Vladimir Anatolyevich (May 2009 - present);

First Commander

After the withdrawal from the subordination of the Air Force, the first commander of the Airborne Forces was appointed Minister of the USSR Armed Forces: General Vasily Vasilyevich Glagolev became him.

Born February 21, 1896. He received his primary education in primary school and a real school in Kaluga.

With the beginning of the civil war (1918) he fought on the side of the Red Army in the cavalry. After the end of the fratricidal war, Glagolev takes the Third Baku courses for commanders and continues to serve in the 68th cavalry regiment.

In 1941, after the Higher Academic Courses at the Military Academy (VA) named after. Frunze receives the rank of colonel. During the war he proved to be a skilled commander. For actions in the battles on the Dnieper on October 27, 1943, Glagolev received the rank of lieutenant general, and soon the star of the Hero. In 1946, Glagolev was appointed commander of the USSR Airborne Forces.

For outstanding services he was awarded the Order of Lenin (twice), the Order of the Red Banner (twice), the Orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov.

The exercises on September 21, 1947 were the last for the commander - he died during their conduct. The grave is located at the Novodevichy cemetery.

The streets of Moscow, Minsk, Kaluga bear his name.

Troops of Uncle Vasya

This is how the abbreviation of the Airborne Forces was deciphered during the period when Filippovich, the legendary man of the USSR Armed Forces, commanded the "winged infantry".

The commander of the USSR Airborne Forces Margelov VF was born on January 9, 1908 in Yekaterinoslavl (now Dnepropetrovsk). In 1928, on a Komsomol ticket, Margelov was sent to a military school in Minsk, from which he graduated with honors in 1931. In the Soviet-Finnish war, a young officer shows military prowess.

Margelov met the attack of Nazi Germany in the position of commander of a rifle regiment, and since 1944 he was entrusted with the 49th rifle division of the 28th army of the 3rd Ukrainian front.

For the skillful leadership of the entrusted units during the division commander, Margelov receives the star of the Hero.

After the Victory, he studies at the VA of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces. Voroshilov, at the end he commands a division. Then there was the Far East, where Margelov was entrusted with the corps.

From 1954 to 1979 (with a break in 1959 - 1961) Margelov commanded the Airborne Forces. In this position, "Suvorov of the 20th century" proved to be a wonderful organizer: thanks to him, the "blue berets" became a formidable strike force that knew no equal.

The harsh nature of Margelov was organically combined with paternal warmth for his subordinates. Taking care of people was a priority for the commander. Theft was punished mercilessly. Combat training was combined with the arrangement of soldiers and officers. They called Margelov "batey".

It was during his tenure as commander of the Airborne Forces in 1973 that for the first time it became possible to land armored vehicles with a crew inside.

The Ryazan Higher Command School of the Airborne Forces was named after Margelov. In Ryazan, St. Petersburg, Pskov and many other cities, the memory of "Paratrooper No. 1" is immortalized in the names of streets, squares, and monuments.

Commander of the Airborne Forces of two states

The commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel-General Podkolzin E.N., is a unique military leader to a certain extent: being the commander, with the collapse of the USSR, he continued to hold this position in the airborne troops of the Russian Federation.

He graduated from the Airborne Forces School of the city of Alma-Ata, then - VA them. Frunze. In 1973 he commanded an airborne regiment, and three years later - already the 106th division.

In 1982, after studying at the VA of the General Staff. Voroshilov, is appointed first deputy chief of staff of the Airborne Forces, then - chief of staff - first deputy commander of the Airborne Forces. In 1991, Podkolzin was appointed commander.

With the collapse of the Union, Evgeny Nikolaevich continues to serve as commander of the Airborne Forces, but now of a new state - Russia. In 1996, Podkolzin was transferred to the reserve.

Podkolzin's years of service were marked by orders, including the Red Star.

Commander Shpak G.I.

Commander of the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation Georgy Ivanovich Shpak is from the city of Osipovichi, which is located in the Mogilev region. Date of birth - September 8, 1943.

After the Ryazan Higher School of the Airborne Forces, he continued to serve in the training units of the school and the landing units.

In 1978, Shpak after the VA them. Frunze holds the posts of regimental commander, chief of staff of the 76th Airborne Division, and then commander of this division.

In December 1979, his regiment was the first to take part in the military conflict in Afghanistan.

After the VA of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces (1988), he held the positions of army commander, chief of staff of the Turkestan and Volga districts.

In December 1996 he was appointed commander of the Airborne Forces. Shpak stayed at this post until September 2003, after which he resigned upon reaching retirement age.

Georgy Ivanovich was awarded government awards, including the Order of the Red Banner.

Second Ermolov

The commander of the Russian Airborne Forces, Vladimir Anatolyevich Shamanov, stands out from all his predecessors: in his “asset” there are two wars - the Chechen ones.

Born in Barnaul on February 15, 1957. In 1978, after the Ryazan School, on the recommendation of the commander of the Airborne Forces, Sukhorukov, he was appointed battalion commander. Extreme demands on himself and his subordinates made his career very swift.

In the 90s, Shamanov took part in the Karabakh conflict, commanded the grouping of the 7th Airborne Division in Chechnya. At the end of 1995, he became deputy commander of the grouping of the RF Armed Forces in Chechnya, and a year later - commander of this grouping.

Shamanov's rigidity in decision-making is compared by many with the well-known general Yermolov, who at one time "forced peace" in the Caucasus.

In May 2009, Vladimir Anatolyevich was appointed commander of the Russian Airborne Forces. He is in this position to the present. Serves hard and effectively.

The role of the commanders of the Airborne Forces

The commanders of the Airborne Forces undoubtedly played a decisive role in the formation and development of the airborne assault of our country. Each of them did everything to make the "winged infantry" a formidable force capable of solving any tasks anywhere in the world.

It is difficult to overestimate the contribution of such commanders as Glagolev, Margelov, Shamanov. They have earned the honor and respect of their colleagues and the civilian population, and the people pay tribute to them.

On the basis of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 31, 2006 "On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" as a memorable day designed to promote the revival and development of domestic military traditions, enhance the prestige of military service and established in recognition of the merits of military specialists in solving the problems of ensuring the defense and security of the state.

In 1994-1996 and 1999-2004, all formations and military units of the Airborne Forces participated in hostilities on the territory of the Chechen Republic, in August 2008, the military units of the Airborne Forces took part in the operation to force Georgia to peace, operating in the Ossetian and Abkhaz directions.
On the basis of the Airborne Forces, the first Russian battalion peacekeeping forces UN in Yugoslavia (1992), peacekeeping contingents in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995), in Kosovo and Metohija (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 1999).

Since 2005, according to their specialization, airborne units have been subdivided into airborne, airborne assault and mountain. The first includes the 98th Guards Airborne Division and the 106th Guards Airborne Division of two regiments, the second - the 76th Guards Airborne Assault Division of two regiments and the 31st Guards Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of three battalions, to the third is the 7th Guards Air Assault Division (mountain).
Two formations of the Airborne Forces (98th Guards Airborne Division and 31st Guards Separate Airborne Assault Brigade) are part of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
At the end of 2009, in each division of the Airborne Forces, separate anti-aircraft missile regiments were formed on the basis of separate anti-aircraft missile artillery divisions. At the initial stage, the air defense systems of the Ground Forces entered service, which will later be replaced by airborne systems.
According to information for 2012, the total number of Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation is about 30 thousand people. The Airborne Forces include four divisions, the 31st separate airborne brigade, the 45th separate special-purpose regiment, the 242nd training center and other units.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

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 landed on several planes, which, with the support of local residents, defeated a detachment of Basmachi.

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

In 1931, in the Leningrad Military District (LenVO), as part of the 1st air brigade, an experienced airborne assault detachment of 164 people was created, designed for landing by landing method. Then, in the same air brigade, an emergency paratrooper detachment was formed. In August and September 1931, at the exercises of the Leningrad and Ukrainian military districts, the detachment landed and performed tactical tasks in the enemy's simulated rear. In 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR adopted a resolution on the deployment of detachments into special aviation battalions. By the end of 1933, there were already 29 airborne battalions and brigades that were part of the Air Force. The LenVO was entrusted with the task of training airborne instructors and developing operational and tactical standards.

In 1934, 600 paratroopers were involved in the exercises of the Red Army; in 1935, during the maneuvers of the Kyiv military district, 1188 paratroopers were parachuted. In 1936, 3,000 paratroopers were parachuted into the Byelorussian Military District, 8,200 people with artillery and other military equipment were landed by landing method.

Improving their training in the exercises, the paratroopers gained experience in real battles. In 1939, the 212th Airborne Brigade (Vdbr) 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 brigade fought together with rifle units.

Based on the experience gained in 1940, new staffs of brigades were approved as part of three combat groups: parachute, glider and landing. Since March 1941, airborne corps (VDK) of brigade composition (3 brigades per corps) began to form in the Airborne Forces. To 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 weapons of the airborne formations and units were mainly manual and easel machine guns, 50- and 82-mm mortars, 45-mm anti-tank and 76-mm mountain guns, light tanks (T-40 and T-38), flamethrowers. The personnel made parachute jumps of the PD-6 type, and then the PD-41.

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

The beginning of the Great Patriotic War found the airborne corps stationed in the Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine in the process 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 Directorate of the Airborne Forces was transformed into the Directorate of the Commander of the Airborne Forces of the Red Army, and the airborne corps was withdrawn from the active fronts and transferred to the direct subordination of the Commander of the Airborne Forces.

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

In October 1944, the Airborne Forces were transformed into a separate Guards Airborne Army, which became part of the long-range aviation. In December 1944, this army was disbanded, the Airborne Forces Directorate was created with subordination to the Air Force Commander. As part of the Airborne Forces, three airborne brigade, a training airborne regiment (airborne regiment), advanced training courses for officers and an aeronautical division remained.

For the mass heroism of the 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 their direct subordination to the Minister of Defense of the USSR. After the war, along with organizational changes, the rearmament of the troops took place: the number of automatic small arms, artillery, mortars, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons increased in the formations. The Airborne Forces were armed with tracked amphibious assault vehicles (BMD-1), airborne self-propelled artillery mounts (ASU-57 and SU-85), 85- and 122-mm guns, rocket launchers and other weapons. For landing, military transport aircraft An-12, An-22 and Il-76 were created. 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 (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 participated in the hostilities as part of the Limited Contingent of Soviet Forces 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.

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

Since 1988, formations and military units of the Airborne Forces have constantly performed 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). On the basis of the Airborne Forces, the first Russian battalion of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Yugoslavia was formed. From 1992 to 1998, the PDP carried out peacekeeping missions in the Republic of Abkhazia.

In 1994-1996 and 1999-2004. all formations and military units of the Airborne Forces participated 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 units, 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 march of the parachute battalion was celebrated in 2009.

By the end of the 1990s. four airborne divisions, an airborne brigade, a training center and support units remained in the airborne forces.

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

airborne (main) - 98th Guards. airborne division and 106th guards airborne division of the 2nd regiment;
air assault - 76th Guards. airborne assault division (dshd) of the 2nd regiment and the 31st guards separate airborne assault brigade (odshbr) of the 3rd battalion;
mountain - 7th Guards. dshd (mountain).

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

Since 2005, units of connections and military units The Airborne Forces take an active part 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 the operation to force Georgia to peace, operating in the Ossetian and Abkhaz directions.

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

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

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of October 11, 2013 No. 776, the Airborne Forces included three airborne assault brigades stationed in Ussuriysk, Ulan-Ude and Kamyshin, formerly part of the Eastern and Southern military districts.

In 2015, the Verba portable anti-aircraft missile system (MANPADS) was adopted by the Airborne Forces. Supplies the latest tools Air defense is carried out by kits, including MANPADS "Verba" and automated system management "Barnaul-T".

In April 2016, the airborne combat vehicle BMD-4M "Sadovnitsa" and the armored personnel carrier BTR-MDM "Rakushka" were adopted by the Airborne Forces. The machines have successfully passed the tests and showed themselves well in the course of military operation. 106 Airborne Division became the first formation in the Airborne Forces, which began to receive new serial military equipment.

The commanders of the Airborne Forces in different 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).

Airborne troops are one of the strongest components of the army of the Russian Federation. In recent years, due to the tense international situation, the importance of the Airborne Forces has been growing. The size of the territory of the Russian Federation, its landscape diversity, as well as the borders with almost all conflict states, indicate that it is necessary to have a large supply of special groupings of troops that can provide the necessary protection in all directions, which they are air Force.

Because air force structure extensive, the question often arises of the Airborne Forces and the DSB are the same troops? The article analyzes the differences between them, the history, goals and military training of both organizations, the composition.

Differences between troops

The differences lie in the names themselves. The DShB is an air assault brigade organized and specializing in attacks on the enemy's close rear in the event of large-scale military operations. Air assault brigades subordinate to the Airborne Forces - airborne troops, as one of their divisions and specialize only in assault seizures.

Airborne Forces are landing troops, whose tasks are the capture of the enemy, as well as the capture and destruction of enemy weapons and other air operations. The functionality of the Airborne Forces is much wider - reconnaissance, sabotage, assault. For a better understanding of the differences, consider the history of the creation of the Airborne Forces and the Airborne Forces separately.

History of the Airborne Forces

The Airborne Forces began its history in 1930, when an operation was carried out near the city of Voronezh on August 2, where 12 people parachuted from the air as part of a special unit. This operation then opened the eyes of the leadership to new opportunities for paratroopers. The following year, based Leningrad Military District, a detachment is being formed, which received a long name - airborne and consisted of about 150 people.

The effectiveness of the paratroopers was obvious and the Revolutionary Military Council decides to expand it by creating airborne troops. The order saw the light at the end of 1932. In parallel, in Leningrad, instructors were trained, and later they were distributed to the districts by special-purpose aviation battalions.

In 1935, the military district of Kyiv demonstrated to foreign delegations the full power of the Airborne Forces, arranging an impressive landing of 1200 paratroopers, who quickly captured the airfield. Later, similar exercises were held in Belarus, as a result of which the German delegation, impressed by the landing of 1,800 people, decided to organize their own airborne detachment, and then a regiment. In this way, The Soviet Union is rightfully the birthplace of the Airborne Forces.

In 1939, our landing troops there is an opportunity to show themselves in practice. In Japan, the 212th brigade was landed on the Khalkin Gol River, and a year later the 201st, 204th and 214th brigades will be involved in the war with Finland. Knowing that the Second World War would not pass us by, 5 air corps of 10 thousand people each were formed and the Airborne Forces were acquiring new status- Guard troops.

The year 1942 was marked by the largest airborne operation during the war years, which took place near Moscow, where about 10 thousand paratroopers were dropped into the German rear. After the war, it was decided to attach the Airborne Forces to the Supreme High Command and appoint the commander of the Airborne Forces of the USSR SV, this honor falls to Colonel General V.V. Glagolev.

Big innovations in airborne troops came with "Uncle Vasya". In 1954 V.V. Glagolev is replaced by V.F. Margelov and holds the post of commander of the Airborne Forces until 1979. Under Margelov, the Airborne Forces are supplied with new military equipment, including artillery mounts, combat vehicles, and special attention is paid to work under the conditions of a surprise attack by nuclear weapons.

Airborne units took part in all the most significant conflicts - the events of Czechoslovakia, in Afghanistan, Chechnya, in Nagorno-Karabakh, North and South Ossetia. Several of our battalions carried out UN peacekeeping missions in Yugoslavia.

In our time, the ranks of the Airborne Forces include about 40 thousand fighters, when conducting special operations - paratroopers form its basis, since the Airborne Forces are a highly qualified component of our army.

The history of the formation of the DShB

Air assault brigades began their history after it was decided to rework the tactics of the Airborne Forces in the context of the unleashing of large-scale hostilities. The purpose of such air defenses was to disorganize opponents by mass landings close to the enemy, such operations were most often carried out from helicopters in small groups.

Toward the end of the 60s in the Far East, it was decided to form the 11th and 13th brigades with helicopter regiments. These regiments were involved mainly in hard-to-reach areas, the first attempts at landings took place in the northern cities of Magdachi and Zavitinsk. Therefore, in order to become a paratrooper of this brigade, strength and special endurance were needed, since weather were almost unpredictable, for example, in winter the temperature reached -40 degrees, and in summer there was abnormal heat.

The location of the first DShB not just because the Far East was chosen. It was a time of difficult relations with China, which became even more aggravated after the clash of interests on the island of Damascus. The brigades were ordered to prepare to repel an attack from China, which could attack at any time.

The high level and significance of the DSB was demonstrated during exercises in the late 80s on the island of Iturup, where 2 battalions and artillery landed on MI-6 and MI-8 helicopters. The garrison, due to weather conditions, was not warned about the exercises, as a result of which they opened fire on the landers, but thanks to the highly qualified training of the paratroopers, none of the participants in the operation was injured.

In the same years, the DSB consisted of 2 regiments, 14 brigades, about 20 battalions. One brigade attached to one military district, but only to those who had access to the border by land. Kyiv also had its own brigade, 2 more brigades were given to our units located abroad. Each brigade had an artillery battalion, units of the rear and military purpose.

After the USSR ceased to exist, the country's budget did not allow the mass maintenance of the army, so there was nothing left to do but to disband some parts of the DSHB and the Airborne Forces. The beginning of the 90s was marked by the removal of the DSB from subordination Far East and transfer to full subordination to Moscow. Air assault brigades are being transformed into separate airborne brigades - 13 OVDbr. In the mid-90s, the plan to reduce the Airborne Forces disbanded the composition of the 13th Airborne Brigade.

Thus, from the foregoing, it can be seen that the DSB was created as one of the structural divisions Airborne.

Composition of the Airborne Forces

The composition of the Airborne Forces includes the following units:

airborne;
air assault;
mountain (which operate exclusively on mountain hills).

These are the three main components of the Airborne Forces. In addition, they consist of a division (76.98, 7, 106 Guards Air Assault), brigades and regiments (45, 56, 31, 11, 83, 38 Guards Airborne). In Voronezh, a brigade was created in 2013, which received the number 345.

Personnel of the Airborne Forces prepared in educational institutions of the military reserve of Ryazan, Novosibirsk, Kamenetz-Podolsk, in Kolomenskoye. The training was conducted in the areas of paratrooper (airborne assault) platoon, commanders of reconnaissance platoons.

The school produced about three hundred graduates annually - this was not enough to satisfy the personnel requirements of the airborne troops. Consequently, it was possible to get into the military personnel of the Airborne Forces by graduating from the landing faculties in special areas of such schools as combined arms and military departments.

Training

The commanders of the DShB were most often selected from the Airborne Forces, and the battalion commanders, deputy battalion commanders, company commanders from the nearest military districts. In the 70s, due to the fact that the leadership decided to repeat their experience - to create and staff the DShB, the planned enrollment in educational institutions is expanding who trained future officers of the Airborne Forces. The middle of the 80s was marked by the fact that officers were issued for service in the DShV, having been trained according to educational program for the Airborne Forces. Also in these years, a complete rearrangement of officers was underway, it was decided to replace almost all of them in the DShV. At the same time, excellent students went to serve mainly in the Airborne Forces.

To get into the service in the Airborne Forces, as in the DSB, you must meet specific criteria:

height 173 and above;
average physical development;
secondary education;
without medical restrictions.

If everything matches, then the future fighter begins training.

Particular attention is paid, of course, to the physical training of airborne paratroopers, which is carried out constantly, begins with a daily rise at 6 in the morning, hand-to-hand combat (a special training program) and ends with long forced marches of 30–50 km. Therefore, each fighter has a huge endurance and endurance, besides, guys who were engaged in any kind of sport that develops that same endurance are selected into their ranks. To check it, they pass an endurance test - in 12 minutes a fighter must run 2.4-2.8 km, otherwise there is no point in the Airborne Forces service.

It is worth noting that it is not for nothing that they are called universal fighters. These people can operate on various terrains in any weather conditions absolutely silently, can disguise themselves, own all types of weapons of both their own and the enemy, manage any type of transport, means of communication. In addition to excellent physical training, psychological is also required, since the fighters have to overcome not only long distances, but also “work with their heads” to get ahead of the enemy, throughout the entire operation.

Intellectual fitness is determined using tests compiled by experts. It is mandatory to take into account psychological compatibility in the team, the guys are included in a certain detachment for 2-3 days, after which the old-timers evaluate their behavior.

Psychophysical training is being carried out, which implies tasks with increased risk, where there is both physical and mental stress. Such tasks are aimed at overcoming fear. At the same time, if it turns out that the future paratrooper does not experience, in general, a feeling of fear, then he is not accepted for further training, since this feeling is quite naturally taught to control him, and not completely eradicated. The training of the Airborne Forces gives our country a huge advantage in the face of fighters over any enemy. Most of the VDVeshnikov lead an already familiar lifestyle even after retirement.

Armament of the Airborne Forces

As for the technical equipment, combined arms equipment and specially designed for the nature of this type of troops are involved in the Airborne Forces. Some of the samples were created during the USSR, but the bulk was developed after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

To cars Soviet period relate:

landing combat vehicle - 1 (the number reaches - 100 units);
BMD-2M (about 1 thousand units), they are used both in ground and in parachute landing methods.

These techniques were tested over the years and took part in multiple armed conflicts that took place on the territory of our country and abroad. In our time, in conditions of rapid progress, these models are outdated both morally and physically. A little later, the BMD-3 model came out, and today the number of such equipment is only 10 units, since production has been discontinued, they plan to gradually replace it with the BMD-4.

The Airborne Forces are also armed with armored personnel carriers BTR-82A, BTR-82AM and BTR-80 and the most numerous tracked armored personnel carrier - 700 units, and it is also the most outdated (mid-70s), it is gradually being replaced by an armored personnel carrier - MDM "Rakushka". There are also anti-tank guns 2S25 "Sprut-SD", an armored personnel carrier - RD "Robot", and anti-tank systems: "Competition", "Metis", "Fagot", and "Cornet". air defense represented by missile systems, but a special place is given to the novelty, which not so long ago appeared in service with the Airborne Forces - the Verba MANPADS.

Not so long ago, new models of technology appeared:

armored car "Tiger";
Snowmobile A-1;
truck KAMAZ - 43501.

As for communication systems, they are represented by locally developed electronic warfare complexes "Leer-2 and 3", Infauna, system control is represented by air defense "Barnaul", "Andromeda" and "Flight-K" - automation of command and control.

Weapon represented by samples, for example, the Yarygin pistol, the PMM and the PSS silent pistol. The Soviet Ak-74 assault rifle is still the personal weapon of the paratroopers, but is gradually being replaced by the latest AK-74M, and the silent Val assault rifle is also used in special operations. There are both Soviet and post-Soviet parachute systems that can parachute large batches of soldiers and all the military equipment described above. Heavier equipment includes automatic grenade launchers AGS-17 "Flame" and AGS-30, SPG-9.

Armament DShB

DShB had transport and helicopter regiments which included:

about twenty mi-24s, forty mi-8s and forty mi-6s;
the anti-tank battery was armed with a mounted anti-tank grenade launcher 9 MD;
mortar battery included eight 82mm BM-37s;
in anti-aircraft missile platoon there were nine Strela-2M MANPADS;
also included several BMD-1s, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers for each airborne assault battalion.

The armament of the brigade-artillery group consisted of GD-30 howitzers, PM-38 mortars, GP 2A2 cannons, the Malyutka anti-tank missile system, SPG-9MD, and the ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun.

Heavier equipment includes automatic grenade launchers AGS-17 "Flame" and AGS-30, SPG-9 "Spear". Aerial reconnaissance is carried out using the domestic Orlan-10 drone.

One interesting fact took place in the history of the Airborne Forces, for quite a long time, thanks to erroneous information from the media, special forces soldiers (SpN) were not rightfully called paratroopers. The fact, what is in the Air Force of our country in the Soviet Union, as well as in the post-Soviet Union, there were no special forces troops, but there are units and units of the Special Forces of the GRU of the General Staff, which arose in the 50s. Until the 1980s, the command was forced to completely deny their existence in our country. Therefore, those who were appointed to these troops learned about them only after they were accepted into service. For the media, they were disguised as motorized rifle battalions.

Airborne Forces Day

Paratroopers celebrate the birthday of the Airborne Forces, like the DSB since August 2, 2006. This kind of gratitude for the effectiveness of the air units, the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation was signed in May of the same year. Despite the fact that the holiday was declared by our government, the birthday is celebrated not only in our country, but also in Belarus, Ukraine and most of the CIS countries.

Every year, veterans of the Airborne Forces and active soldiers meet in the so-called "meeting place", in each city it has its own, for example, in Astrakhan "Brotherly Garden", in Kazan "Victory Square", in Kyiv "Hydropark", in Moscow "Poklonnaya Gora", Novosibirsk Central Park. Demonstrations, concerts and fairs are organized in large cities.