Technique, tools and techniques. Development of the Russian Airborne Forces in 2021
The continuous process of renovation and development of the Russian airborne forces continues. Units and subunits regularly receive promising materiel and equipment, and are also constantly studying and looking for new methods and techniques of tactical actions. As a result of such events, the combat effectiveness of the Airborne Forces is constantly growing, and this is confirmed by the ongoing exercises.
Results of the year
On December 6, Krasnaya Zvezda published an interview with the deputy commander of the Airborne Forces, Major General Anatoly Kontsev. He revealed both general renewal processes and individual measures of this kind. In addition, the main results obtained for the year are named.
The main goal of combat training and other processes this year was still to further improve their performance, as well as to develop the Airborne Forces as the main component of the Rapid Reaction Force. Such tasks are solved by obtaining modern materiel, mastering new tactics and methods, as well as by constantly conducting exercises of various scales.
So, this year more than 3 thousand different combat training events were held. Of these, about 2,5 thousand accounted for live firing and tactical exercises. In addition, the Airborne Forces took part in the major maneuvers Zapad-2021 and Interaction-2021.
Modern technology
According to reports from the recent past, in 2021, various airborne units received regular consignments of modern equipment and weapons. First of all, these are BMD-4M airborne combat vehicles and BTR-MDM armored personnel carriers. Other types of armored vehicles, automotive equipment, etc. are also supplied. New means of landing are being mastered.
Parachute systems of new types are already being tested in practice. So, as part of one of the exercises this year, the Tula Airborne Force parachute landing of a full battalion on a BMD-4M using modern means.
Much attention is paid to control systems and other means. The Airborne Forces is already using the Andromeda-D automated control system, and now it is being integrated with similar complexes of the ground forces. The same projects are being implemented to integrate the ACS of the Airborne Forces into the control loops of military districts.
The supply and development of unmanned aerial vehicles continues. aviation intelligence complexes. Also, the development of means of electronic warfare is being carried out, designed to cover the airborne forces in battle. In addition, research is being conducted to improve their combat strength and organizational structure.
Preparation tools
In order to improve the indicators of personnel training, modern training aids of various kinds are being introduced. For this year, it was planned to build new facilities and supply various training complexes. Plans of this kind are almost completely fulfilled, and the last samples will be received in the near future.
For the Tula airborne unit this year, a new Kolomensky training ground was completed and equipped. In the interests of the Ivanovo compound, the Blue Sedge object is being built. The Seltsy training ground in the Ryazan region was modernized - an Army Tactical Shooting Center appeared there, which was already used for holding international competitions.
During the year, 24 sets of polygon equipment with 400 technical means were received. One of the most popular were the "Tankodrom" kits for training in driving combat vehicles: 11 units were delivered. For the first time, simulators for driving and fire training of BMD-4M and BTR-MDM crews were obtained. Two such complexes are already operating at the Ryazan School, and two more will appear at the Omsk Training Center by the end of the year.
New tricks
During the 2021 exercise, the Airborne Forces held a number of events for the first time. So, within the framework of "West-2021" for the first time, a parachute landing of a full battalion of BMD-4M was carried out. Also, for the first time, they worked out a massive night landing on an unfamiliar site. In a similar episode, for the first time, an airborne hospital with all the necessary components was dropped and deployed.
New tactics have been tested by practice. New troop formations were practiced, such as the "strike mobile echelon" and the mobile reserve. We also tested the potential of a mobile strike echelon when interacting with an airborne assault battalion. The airborne assault units also interacted with the army aviation. Helicopters effectively solved the tasks of transferring and supporting paratroopers in different conditions.
UAVs of various types have been supplying the Airborne Forces for a long time. As reported, the experience of their operation is constantly being studied, and on its basis new methods and techniques of application are created. However, specific ideas and tactical solutions were not named. The situation is similar in the field of electronic warfare. This year, new examples of the use of electronic warfare have been worked out, the essence of which, however, has not been disclosed.
New designs and ideas are tested by the engineering units of the Airborne Forces. This year, we tested, studied and introduced a new method of overcoming minefields into the training system of airborne assault formations. It provides for making passages in barriers up to 200 m deep using the so-called. sweeping groups. A new element of the combat / marching order of engineering units has been created, called the mobility support detachment.
Research and practical activities in the field of troop protection continue. Various options for field fortification are being improved and tested during exercises. Also this year, for the first time, they tested the option of covering the troops with the help of false heat targets, distracting the controlled weapon the adversary.
Plans for the future
In an interview for Krasnaya Zvezda, Major General A. Kontsevoy notes that the command of the Airborne Forces has collected and summarized a large amount of materials about the events of the year. Now this data will be carefully studied, and the conclusions drawn from the basis will affect future plans for the development of troops, combat training programs, etc.
The first results of such events will show themselves in the near future - already in the new academic and calendar year. The command plans to continue all the processes already begun, aimed at maintaining and increasing the combat capability of the troops. The construction of facilities will continue, new models of equipment and auxiliary systems are expected, improved tactics will be created and tested, etc.
Thus, the level of equipment of the Airborne Forces with modern models will remain at the required level or gradually increase, having a positive effect on the indicators of combat effectiveness. In addition, increased attention to personnel training issues, implemented in the form of new training grounds, training facilities, simulators and permanent exercises of various levels and scales, will also contribute to them.
By now, the airborne troops have become one of the most efficient components of the Russian armed forces. They also acquired the status of the basis of the Rapid Reaction Force and confirm it during all inspections carried out. According to the results of the completed year of study and the ending calendar year, the indicators and capabilities of the Airborne Forces have significantly increased - and created the basis for future growth.
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