How will this affect the combat capabilities of the "winged infantry"
The airborne troops will be reinforced with helicopters and tanks. Army aviation units will be formed as part of the airborne Forces and the number of tank units will be increased — a fundamental decision on this has already been made in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, sources in the military department told Izvestia. The Blue Berets will receive Ka-52, Mi-28 and the latest Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters. The number of tanks in the amphibious formations will also increase significantly. Experts note that such an increase will be made based on the experience of a special military operation in Ukraine. Its goal is to increase the combat capabilities of the "winged infantry".
New features
As part of the Airborne Forces, new army aviation units will appear and the number of tank units will increase. The aviation component will be equipped with Ka-52 and Mi-28 attack helicopters, which have proven themselves well during the special operation in Ukraine. The paratroopers will also receive the latest Mi-8AMTSh-VN attack and transport helicopters. A fundamental decision on the creation of new units has already been made in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, sources in the military department told Izvestia.
The interlocutors of Izvestia recalled that before the start of the SVO in the Airborne Forces they wanted to form an entire brigade with army aviation. At that time, these plans were abandoned. Now they have been revived.
Then, in an interview with Izvestia, the commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov, said that with the use of army aviation helicopters, amphibious assault units can effectively counteract the highly mobile formations of a potential enemy "in various physical and geographical conditions" and do not depend on the airfield network.
According to him, the use of army aviation significantly reduces the likelihood of landing by enemy fire, increases the speed of movement, increases the range of delivery of fighters to the desired area.
— During the exercises that took place before the start of the special operation, the airborne brigade from Ulyanovsk was used as an experiment as a new type of compound, — the chairman of the Union of Paratroopers of Russia, Colonel Valery Yuryev, told Izvestia. — She was then given helicopter units, the analogues of which were supposed to be included in the staff in the future. The exercises showed that the paratroopers had significantly increased firepower and maneuverability. The brigade could destroy the enemy standing in its way in the shortest possible time. It's a good idea.
Mi-28NM helicopter
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Zurab Javakhadze
Amphibious units are now rarely used for their intended purpose — for landing behind enemy lines, the expert noted.
— At the beginning of the special operation in Ukraine, we saw a tactical landing in Gostomel — this is our element, — he noted. — Now the airborne forces are used as motorized rifle units. And the tank for them is the basis of firepower, ensuring the result. It is impossible to storm enemy strongholds with only machine guns.
The time has come to strengthen the airborne forces, including on the basis of the experience gained during its own, military expert Viktor Murakhovsky told Izvestia.
— Now the production of Ka-52, Mi-28 and Mi-8 helicopters of various modifications, as well as tanks, has increased, — he noted. — Helicopters will allow the Airborne Forces to conduct effective amphibious operations at a shallow depth. Tanks remain on a par with artillery and heavy BPM as one of the main striking forces during operations on land. They will help the paratroopers in breaking through the prepared defense and when entering the depth of the landing of the tactical landing. In addition, the Airborne and ground Forces artillery is now receiving new automated fire control systems. They will allow you to hit targets even more effectively. In the complex, all this equipment will increase the capabilities of the airborne forces.
A formidable newcomer
The Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter, which the paratroopers will receive, is a fairly new machine. The contract for the supply of the first 10 vehicles was signed at the Army forum in the summer of 2019.
Mi-8AMTSH-VN helicopter
Image source: Photo: Rostec/Anton Tushin
These are universal helicopters that combine broad combat and amphibious capabilities, necessary units of the Airborne Forces, MTR and special forces. They are equipped with a more powerful engine modification than their predecessors. The machine can work at any time of the day and in any weather.
It carries weapons for hitting both air and ground targets. On its external suspension, you can install two 12.7-millimeter course machine guns, blocks of unguided missiles and cannon containers.
The sighting system allows the use of anti-tank missiles "Attack". He can also use aerial bombs.
Depending on the tasks and the chosen weapon, the helicopter is able to fight ground structures, armored vehicles and other helicopters.
Ka-52 helicopter
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Alexander Polegenko
The Ka-52, like the Mi-28, is capable of hitting armored and unarmored vehicles, manpower and aerial targets on the battlefield. Both proved themselves well during the special operation. The Ka-52 enjoys a reputation for its unpretentiousness as a "workhorse" that will never let you down. The vehicle is armed with a 30-millimeter cannon, can use unguided aircraft missiles, anti-tank missiles "Whirlwind", bombs and other weapons.
The Mi-28NM is an all—weather helicopter that can take to the air at any time of the day. Its efficiency is much higher than that of previous generation machines. If earlier it was necessary to use the Mi-24 link to solve some task, now it can be done with the help of a pair of machines.
A new light multi-purpose guided missile, known as the "product 305", is being installed on the Ka-52M and Mi-28NM. As SVO has shown, both helicopters work perfectly in pairs.
Heavy, but super-mobile
A few years ago — even before the start of the SVO — the military leadership decided to rethink the concept of the use of "blue berets". The troops began to revive the airborne assault units. These are heavier formations than airborne divisions. They are equipped with tanks, artillery, drones.
And since 2021, a new type of battalions has been created in the airborne troops - airmobile units must land from helicopters and immediately engage in battle.
It is believed that their presence allows you to concentrate forces as quickly as possible in the direction where the enemy does not expect a blow.
Replenishment of one of the airborne assault regiments conducts combat coordination classes
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexey Maishev
In fact, the reform of the Airborne Troops of the Russian Federation is currently underway. Their role and application have been largely revised recently.
So, in the Soviet Union, "blue berets" were trained for mass amphibious operations in the European theater of operations. Airborne regiments and divisions in full strength had to be parachuted into the enemy's rear. There they had to deliver quick but powerful strikes on the most important enemy targets and constrain the approach of reserves to the front line.
Based on the specifics of the application, the Soviet "winged infantry" did not have heavy weapons and equipment. She did not receive it in the post-Soviet period, when airborne units were used as well-trained light infantry in local conflicts. Now the Airborne forces will be seriously strengthened.
Alexey Ramm
Bogdan Stepovoy
