New assault units will appear in the engineering troops
Sappers at work. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
One of the tasks of the engineering troops of the Russian army is to conduct various types of assaults, independently and together with other branches of the military. According to the latest news, in the very near future such potential of engineering connections will increase significantly. For this purpose, it is planned to form a number of new specialized units within them, as well as to put into service new models of special equipment with the corresponding capabilities.
Needs and plans
Our engineering troops have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to conduct assault operations to support the combat work of other formations. Until recently, such tasks were solved in training grounds, but from 2022 they have to be carried out as part of full-fledged combat operations. At the same time, during the Special Operation, experience was accumulated that showed the need for further development.
On January 23, the Izvestia publication, citing its sources in the defense department, announced new plans for the development of engineering troops. A full-fledged program for improving their organizational and staffing structure and developing a fleet of equipment, aimed at increasing assault capabilities, has been drawn up, approved and is being implemented. The first results of these measures are expected before the end of this year.
Small break. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
The new plans of the Ministry of Defense provide for the creation of assault units as part of all combined arms engineering brigades and regiments. At what level such units will be formed is not specified. We are probably talking about companies or battalions.
The new units will receive special equipment necessary to solve assault tasks. Izvestia mentions a new engineering reconnaissance vehicle, but does not name its type. The units will also receive the UBIM universal armored engineering vehicle. It is noted that UBIM products are already being supplied to the army, while the new reconnaissance vehicle is only being tested.
With the help of such equipment, assault engineering units will be able to identify barriers and other obstacles put up by the enemy, as well as work with them and clear the way. In addition, it is planned to identify and destroy various shelters and structures, make passages in buildings, etc. In fact, the new equipment will be able to do everything necessary to carry out various types of assaults.
Engineering reconnaissance vehicle "Zhuk". Its modern analogue is currently being tested. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
Development vector
In recent years, both before and after the start of the Special Operation, the Russian Ministry of Defense has been gradually modernizing the engineering troops, the purpose of which is to improve overall performance and expand the range of tasks to be solved. As part of this type of troops, certain units of a new type have already been formed, supplies of various promising equipment have begun, etc. These processes do not stop, and new important results will soon be obtained.
It is not difficult to see exactly how the engineering troops have changed by now, and what opportunities they have. Thus, the main goals and objectives of this type of troops remained the same - ensuring the activities of other troops using certain special means. Engineering units conduct reconnaissance of the area and infrastructure, fight obstacles, incl. mine-explosive, and establish crossings, and also create minefields themselves.
Thanks to modern equipment and weapons, it was possible to achieve an increase in performance in solving such problems. In particular, modern mining systems, such as "Agriculture", have improved the ability to create obstacles in the enemy's path, in his rear, etc. Modern demining systems, from the lighter Uran-6 to the heavier Prokhod-1, have simplified and accelerated the process of clearing territories. With all this, modern technology is highly mobile and quickly ready for work.
Universal armored engineering vehicle UBIM. Photo by NPK "UVZ"
In the recent past, engineering assault units were recreated. Their task is to overcome obstacles, penetrate buildings, etc. The fighters of such units have special equipment that provides an increased level of protection, and also use various special equipment to destroy barriers and inflict other damage on the enemy.
During the year, new assault units with armored vehicles are expected to appear. With the help of new reconnaissance systems, they will be able to more effectively study the situation and enemy defenses, and universal engineering vehicles will allow them to clear, dismantle and destroy various obstacles. Assault units equipped with armored vehicles will be able to independently solve various tasks or support the work of other units.
New technology
The latest news about improving engineering troops mentions two examples of promising equipment. The first of them is an engineering reconnaissance vehicle. It is unclear which sample we are talking about. There is fragmentary information about the development of such technology, but there is no complete picture yet. Probably, the domestic industry is creating a modern replacement for the successful but rather old Zhuk IRM, which has been in operation since the early eighties.
UBIM clears the rubble. Photo by NPK "UVZ"
Let us remind you that the “Beetle” product is a floating tracked vehicle weighing 17 tons with bulletproof armor, carrying a set of various equipment. On board there are built-in, manual and diving mine detectors, sonar, various measuring instruments, etc. The crew also has the means to clear mines and/or detonate dangerous objects on site. Apparently, the new IRM will have similar functions, but it will be built on a modern chassis and equipped with the latest model devices.
The tasks of clearing and other assault functions in the new units will be assigned to the UBIM universal armored engineering vehicle. This is a heavy armored vehicle on a chassis tank T-90 with anti-ballistic armor, equipped with a set of various means. In the bow of the hull there is a bulldozer blade with variable wing position. A multifunctional boom is located on the starboard side, intended for use as a loader crane, excavator, etc. A high power winch is provided.
The UBIM crew includes two people. They drive the car and use its standard equipment. There can also be three sappers on board who have the necessary portable instruments and devices. If necessary, they can dismount and independently engage in mine clearance or other operations.
ISDM "Agriculture" at the training ground. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
Other new items in the arsenal of the engineering troops are also of interest. The most famous among the promising samples is the “Agriculture” remote mining engineering system. In essence, this is a specialized MLRS that uses projectiles with anti-tank or anti-personnel mines. It is capable of mining a remote area of the required size and configuration in the shortest possible time, blocking the enemy’s paths for passage or maneuvering.
Consistent improvement
Despite all the difficulties, the Russian armed forces continue to develop. Conducting a Special Operation to protect Donbass, which requires considerable resources, does not interfere with this process. Moreover, during real combat operations, the army gains new valuable experience, which is then used to improve existing structures, forms the basis for new projects, etc.
One of the new steps in increasing the combat capability of the ground forces will be the addition of new engineering assault units to the engineering troops. They will have at their disposal modern armored vehicles with extensive capabilities and high performance. Units of this kind should appear this year, and it cannot be ruled out that they will have time to demonstrate their potential before the end of the current Special Operation.
Information