The Russian airborne forces took into account the experience of the armed conflict in the Caucasus in August 2008 and began to actively use unmanned aerial vehicles, ordered new weapons and decided to strengthen the sniper training of paratroopers. This information was provided by the commander of the Airborne Forces, Lieutenant General Vladimir Shamanov.
“In the course of practically all exercises, we try to take into account the experience gained during the five-day war,” said the chief of the paratroopers. He noted that the "blue berets" are increasing the number of all-weather and sniper weapons in the units. "We are now conducting training in the military units in the sniper sector," Shamanov assured. He clarified that the riflemen from the reconnaissance companies received weapons with improved optical properties and capabilities for day and night use. "Some of them are equipped with Shahin thermal imagers," the general said. … He said that 10 airborne snipers underwent special training at the new base and turned into a "gold reserve".
Another important area in the training of "blue berets" was the use of guided parachutes. "During the winter training period, we first used the landing of a special forces parachute group on guided parachutes, which allow us to move horizontally at a distance of 20-30 kilometers. This is a very promising direction, but in this area we need to catch up with the Israelis, who move 40 kilometers," - said Vladimir Shamanov.
In addition, the paratroopers will begin training abroad. In particular, within the framework of cooperation between Russia and NATO, training courses for the military in the United States and Germany are planned. "At the same time, we do not dwell on ourselves and are ready, on the basis of interaction, to host our foreign partners, if appropriate instructions from the Minister of Defense are received," the commander of the Airborne Forces said. He also noted that the paratroopers formed five battalions of primary use, staffed by military personnel with experience in combat operations. "One of the divisions of these battalions is currently carrying out a mission on the territory of Kyrgyzstan," Shamanov recalled.
Turning to the situation with the equipment, he said that the Airborne Forces were selecting for themselves a qualitatively modified combat vehicle. "We are considering a large number of proposals and have already looked at such cars as Tiger, Buggy, Iveco," RIA Novosti quoted the general as saying.
Shamanov also noted that the paratroopers tested the BMD-4, a lightly armored amphibious vehicle that can be airlifted. At the same time, it is equipped with a 100-mm cannon, capable of striking enemy armored targets. "And with the use of a 23-millimeter cannon and reflect the attacks of the main aircraft of the assault and army aviation of a potential enemy," - said the commander of the Airborne Forces. He pointed out that the BMD-4 can be used not only by paratroopers, but also by units of the Marine Corps and light brigades of the Ground Forces.
Speaking about aerial technology, Vladimir Shamanov spoke in favor of the active use of unmanned aerial vehicles. He said that the "blue berets" tested domestic samples, and also began training with the Israeli "Hermes". The general explained this interest by the experience of military operations in the Caucasus. “When we were in Abkhazia, there was a Hermes hanging over us - it was very unpleasant. Igla MANPADS could not take it due to its small size, and the BMD-2 anti-aircraft weapon did not reach the height at which the drone was located, "Shamanov explained. He also said that the General Staff supported his request to create formations in the airborne forces. In addition, the general said that the Defense Ministry intends to purchase An-70 and An-124 Ruslan aircraft.
Vladimir Shamanov also expressed the opinion that the interest of the military department in foreign products revived the domestic defense complex. At the same time, the general admitted that when he visited Russian enterprises, he had mixed impressions. “When people declare that they are ready to produce weapons of the 21st century, and their equipment is from the 30s and 40s (of the last century) - what kind of 21st century can we talk about?” The general stressed. the need to upgrade weapons.
At the same time, Shamanov pointed out that not all foreign weapons are superior to their domestic counterparts. In particular, lightly armored GAZ vehicles performed better than Iveco vehicles, and Russian snowmobiles were more adapted to combat missions than Canadian ones. In this regard, the commander of the Airborne Forces said that it is necessary to carefully monitor "who produces what and, without any" lobbying ", make a decision on what to buy. "My main task is to preserve the life of a soldier and to fulfill the combat mission," the general concluded.
