The Czech command decided to create a full-fledged airborne forces as a "third maneuver force" and has been building the 43rd regiment for several months on the basis of the former airborne battalion "Hrudim". Prior to this reorganization, this unit was equipped with light assault vehicles (LUV category) LR Defender Cayman (special forces ride LR Defender Cowboy).
- it is noted in the publication CZDefence, referring to the words of Colonel Robert Dziak, who headed the new unit.
Considering that "there are not enough heavy helicopters and large transport aircraft in Europe," the Ministry of Defense decided to limit the mass of new equipment for the airborne regiment to 9.5 tons. For example, the Cayman available in the Czech Army weighs about 4 tons, and Iveco LMV armored vehicles (local designation – LOV 50) – up to 7-8 tons.
The Czech Republic's NATO partners offer to buy Supacat Jackal, Zetor Gerlach, Oshkosh JLTV armored vehicles to replace the Caymans, but the military transport aviation available in the country is not able to transport them, since only CASA C-295M/MW military vehicles are in service in this niche. In the near future, the army will receive Bell UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters, which are purchased primarily for airborne support.
- indicated in the publication.
As the author explains, the most effective helicopter in this niche is the Mi-17:
Heavy transport helicopters (CH-47 or CH-53), medium and large military-technical forces are available in only a few NATO countries and then in small numbers. Therefore, "the Czech army will have to rely only on itself when transporting the airborne regiment." But to do this, it is necessary to solve the problem with the excess weight of the car intended for paratroopers, otherwise there will simply be nothing to transport them on.
