Russian Airborne Forces

Russian Airborne Forces
Unit name	Russian Airborne Forces
Native name	Воздушно-десантные войска России
Caption	Flag of the Russian Airborne Forces
Dates	1930–present
Country	Soviet Union (1930–1991), Russia (1991–present)
Branch	Russian Armed Forces
Type	Airborne forces
Role	Airborne infantry, Air assault
Size	~45,000 troops
Command structure	General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Garrison	Moscow
Nickname	"Desant", "Blue Berets"
Motto	"Никто, кроме нас!" ("Nobody but us!")
Colors	Blue and green
Anniversaries	2 August
Battles	World War II, First Chechen War, Second Chechen War, Russo-Georgian War, War in Donbas, Russian military intervention in Syria, 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Current commander	Colonel-General Mikhail Teplinsky
Notable commanders	Vasily Margelov

Russian Airborne Forces. The Russian Airborne Forces are a separate branch of the Russian Armed Forces, forming an elite airborne infantry and air assault force directly subordinate to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. With a history dating to the Soviet Union, they are renowned for their distinctive blue berets and the motto "Nobody but us!" Traditionally held in high regard, they are considered a strategic reserve and rapid reaction force for the President of Russia.

History

The origins trace to experiments in the Soviet Union in the late 1920s, with the first official airborne unit formed in 1930 near Voronezh. They saw extensive combat during World War II, notably in the Dnieper airborne operation and the Battle of Vienna. The post-war era under the legendary commander General Vasily Margelov transformed them into a modern force, pioneering techniques for dropping BMD-1 vehicles with crews inside. They participated in major Cold War interventions, including the Prague Spring and the Soviet–Afghan War. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, they were involved in conflicts such as the First Chechen War, the Battle of Grozny (1994–1995), and the Second Chechen War. In the 21st century, they have been deployed during the Russo-Georgian War, securing key locations like the Roki Tunnel, and in the Russian military intervention in Syria.

Organization

Headquartered in Moscow, the force is organized into several divisions and brigades. The main divisions include the 7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division based in Novorossiysk, the 76th Guards Air Assault Division in Pskov, and the 98th Guards Airborne Division in Ivanovo. Independent brigades include the 11th Guards Air Assault Brigade in Ulan-Ude and the 31st Guards Air Assault Brigade in Ulyanovsk. The 45th Guards Spetsnaz Brigade is a special forces unit under its command. These units fall under four numbered Airborne Forces commands aligned with Russia's military districts. The VDV Headquarters also controls the 242nd Training Center in Omsk and the 38th Guards Airborne Communications Regiment.

Equipment

The forces utilize a mix of specialized airborne combat vehicles and small arms. The primary infantry fighting vehicle is the BMD-4M, supported by the lighter BTR-MDM "Rakushka" armored personnel carrier. Fire support is provided by the 2S9 Nona and 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled guns. For mobility, they employ GAZ Tigr and Typhoon-VDV armored cars. Standard small arms include the AK-12 and AK-74M rifles, the RPK-16 machine gun, and the 9K333 Verba MANPADS. Heavy weapons include the 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missile. Parachute systems like the D-10 and Arbalet-2 are used for personnel, while the PSM platform handles vehicle drops. Aviation support is provided by the Russian Aerospace Forces using aircraft such as the Ilyushin Il-76.

Training and doctrine

Training is rigorous and conducted at dedicated facilities like the Ryazan Guards Higher Airborne Command School and the 242nd Training Center. Doctrine emphasizes rapid deployment via airdrop or air landing to seize and hold key objectives deep behind enemy lines, a concept known as "deep operation." This includes conducting airborne raids, securing airheads, and acting as an operational maneuver group. Exercises like Zapad and Kavkaz regularly test their readiness for strategic mobility. Training incorporates complex night combat operations, urban warfare, and operations in Arctic conditions. The forces maintain a high state of alert, capable of forming battalion tactical groups for immediate deployment.

Role and missions

As a strategic reserve, their primary role is to project power rapidly across vast distances of the Russian Federation and beyond. Core missions include seizing and securing key terrain such as airfields, bridges, and mountain passes to facilitate the advance of ground forces. They are tasked with conducting reconnaissance and sabotage behind enemy lines, stabilizing rear areas, and providing a rapid reaction to regional crises. They also play a key role in peacekeeping operations and counter-terrorism, as seen in the North Caucasus. In modern conflicts, they are increasingly used as elite shock troops and fire brigade units to reinforce critical sectors of the front line.

Notable operations

Beyond historical actions in World War II, notable post-Soviet deployments include the decisive seizure of Pristina International Airport during the Kosovo War in 1999. In the Second Chechen War, they were crucial in the Battle of the Argun Gorge and operations in the Shatoy region. During the Russo-Georgian War in 2008, they secured the Roki Tunnel and advanced towards Poti. Elements participated in the Annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent operations in the War in Donbas. In Syria, they provided security for Khmeimim Air Base and conducted patrols near the Euphrates. Since the onset of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, they have been heavily committed in battles for Hostomel Airport, Kherson, and the Battle of Bakhmut, suffering significant casualties.

Category:Airborne units and formations of Russia Category:Military units and formations established in 1930