Naval Infantry (Russia)

Naval Infantry (Russia)
source
Unit name	Naval Infantry
Native name	Морская пехота
Caption	Flag of the Russian Naval Infantry
Dates	1705–present
Country	Russia
Branch	Russian Navy
Type	Marines
Role	Amphibious warfare
Size	~35,000 personnel
Command structure	Russian Armed Forces
Garrison	Saint Petersburg
Nickname	"Black Death", "Black Berets"
Battles	Great Northern War, Russo-Turkish Wars, Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, Russo-Japanese War, World War I, Russian Civil War, Winter War, World War II, First Chechen War, Second Chechen War, Russo-Georgian War, Annexation of Crimea, Russian military intervention in Syria, 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Current commander	Colonel-General Aleksandr Kolpachenko

Naval Infantry (Russia). The Naval Infantry, known in Russian as *Морская пехота* (Morskaya Pekhota), is the amphibious force of the Russian Navy. Tracing its origins to 1705 under Peter the Great, it has served as a key component in Russian power projection and coastal defense for over three centuries. Renowned for their distinctive black berets and often called the "Black Death," these forces are trained for rapid deployment in complex littoral and ground combat operations.

History

The first official unit was formed by decree of Peter the Great during the Great Northern War, seeing action in engagements like the Battle of Gangut. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the force participated in numerous Russo-Turkish Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Borodino. It was disbanded in the early 20th century but re-established during World War I, with its personnel later fighting in the Russian Civil War for both the Red Army and the White movement. The modern incarnation was solidified during World War II, where Naval Infantry units earned fame in the defense of Odessa, Sevastopol, and during the Siege of Leningrad. The Soviet Navy expanded its amphibious capabilities during the Cold War, with the force being heavily involved in the First Chechen War and Second Chechen War.

Organization

The Naval Infantry is subordinate to the four main fleets of the Russian Navy: the Northern Fleet, Baltic Fleet, Pacific Fleet, and Black Sea Fleet. Each fleet maintains at least one naval infantry brigade, with the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade and the 336th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade being among the most prominent. The Russian Armed Forces reorganization in the 2000s integrated these units into newly formed Coastal Troops districts. The force also includes specialized units such as reconnaissance, artillery, anti-aircraft warfare, and engineer battalions, with the elite Russian Special Operations Forces occasionally drawing personnel from Naval Infantry reconnaissance units.

Equipment

Naval Infantry units utilize a mix of standard Russian Ground Forces equipment and specialized amphibious hardware. Their primary armored vehicles include the BTR-80 and BTR-82A amphibious armored personnel carriers and the MT-LB multi-purpose tracked vehicle. For heavy firepower, they operate T-72 and T-80 main battle tanks. Amphibious assault is supported by the Raptor-class patrol boat and larger landing ships like the Ropucha-class landing ship and Ivan Gren-class landing ship. Infantry weapons consist of the AK-74M rifle, PKP Pecheneg machine gun, and anti-tank systems like the 9K115-2 Metis-M and 9M133 Kornet.

Training and doctrine

Training is conducted at dedicated facilities such as the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School and the Far Eastern Higher Combined Arms Command School. Doctrine emphasizes combined arms operations, focusing on seizing beachheads, conducting reconnaissance and sabotage raids, and defending naval installations. Exercises like Zapad and Vostok regularly integrate Naval Infantry in large-scale maneuvers with other branches of the Russian Armed Forces. Their training incorporates Arctic warfare skills, particularly for units of the Northern Fleet, and urban warfare tactics refined during conflicts in Chechnya and Syria.

Deployments and conflicts

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Naval Infantry has been continuously deployed in combat operations. It played a significant role in the First Chechen War, notably in the Battle of Grozny (1994–1995). In 2008, elements were involved in the Russo-Georgian War. The force was instrumental in the Annexation of Crimea in 2014, securing key infrastructure around Sevastopol and Kerch. Naval Infantry have also been deployed to the Russian military intervention in Syria, protecting the Tartus naval facility. Since February 2022, multiple brigades have been heavily committed to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, suffering significant casualties in campaigns in regions like Mariupol, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Insignia and uniforms

The most recognizable item is the black beret, which is worn with a standard naval uniform or field camouflage. The standard field uniform is the digital Digital Flora pattern, though newer Ratnik equipment and Multicam-style patterns have been observed. The sleeve insignia features a golden anchor on a red star background, with specific brigade patches displaying unique heraldry. Dress uniforms are consistent with those of the Russian Navy, adorned with awards such as the Order of Nakhimov and the Guards Unit badge, a distinction held by several brigades for their World War II service.

Category:Naval infantry units and formations of Russia Category:Russian Navy Category:Amphibious units and formations