Tanks and artillery in the Russian National Guard
In recent years, tanks and cannons have reappeared in the units and divisions of the Russian National Guard. artillery Various types. These weapons and equipment significantly improved the units' firepower and overall combat capabilities. This potential is now being actively utilized within the Special Operations and contributes to achieving overall objectives.
In the distant past
The Internal Troops, part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, previously possessed a significant fleet of armored vehicles and artillery of various types. The units included tanks, armored personnel carriers, reconnaissance and patrol vehicles, and so on. They also were armed with towed guns and mortars, anti-aircraft mounts, and other weapons. Due to the nature of their service and operation, the Internal Troops generally had older weapons than the army.
In the mid-2000s, the country's leadership reconsidered the role and missions of the Internal Troops. As a result of this process, tanks, most artillery, and a number of other systems were removed from their inventory. Those no longer needed were decommissioned and transferred to the armed forces. Those fit for continued service were assigned to combat units.
In 2016, the Federal Service of National Guard Troops was created on the basis of the Internal Troops and other structures. It largely inherited the organizational structure and equipment of the Internal Troops. At the same time, the previous development logic was maintained, and the previously initiated rearmament processes continued.
Combat work of tank crews
By the early 1920s, the Russian National Guard had a fairly large and diverse fleet of armored vehicles. They were armed with armored personnel carriers, mostly of the latest models, a number of infantry fighting vehicles, and a number of armored cars with various features. These armored vehicles of various types were distributed among all major line units.
Artillery was not developing at that time. Regiments and operational brigades had mortar battalions. They were armed with 120mm portable/towing mortars. The Russian National Guard had no other barrel-fired or rocket-propelled systems.
Strengthening of parts
Since February 2022, the Russian National Guard has been actively participating in the Special Operation to Protect Donbas. Its units and subunits have repeatedly participated in frontline combat and are also responsible for securing the rear and lines of communication. While these units utilized their existing assets and equipment to accomplish their assigned missions, their inventory has subsequently undergone significant changes.
At various points along the front, the guardsmen not only destroyed enemy equipment and weapons but also captured them as trophies. As early as March and April 2022, it became known that they had captured and commissioned a number of Ukrainian tanks and artillery systems, both towed and self-propelled.
The units managed to quickly resolve the problem of organizing the exploitation of the captured weapons. For example, the crews and gunners were composed of guardsmen who had served in the armed forces with the relevant specialties. Furthermore, the army provided assistance with training. As a result, the Russian National Guard received a significant increase in firepower.
Captured 2S3 self-propelled gun, April 2022
The troop's stock of captured weapons and equipment subsequently grew steadily. Furthermore, reports emerged of tanks and other military equipment being transferred. The necessary logistics were organized to ensure the supply of ammunition and spare parts. As a result of these processes, the Russian National Guard acquired new combat capabilities as early as 2023.
Measures are being taken
During this period, important conclusions were drawn and corresponding decisions were made. In mid-2023, the FSVNG leadership announced its intention to restore full-fledged tank and artillery units within the existing structure.
It was mentioned at the time that similar issues had already been discussed at the level of the country's military and political leadership. The re-equipping of Rosgvardia units was planned to be carried out based on available financial and other resources. Detailed plans for the delivery of the required systems and products, for obvious reasons, were not disclosed.
However, in 2023, the number of reports and communications regarding the combat performance of Guards tank crews and artillerymen did not decrease. Moreover, it became known that such units were already present in several regiments and brigades of the Russian National Guard involved in the Special Operation.
A few months later, the issue of fully-fledged combat crew training was resolved. Starting next year, the Russian National Guard's educational institutions were scheduled to resume training tank crews and artillerymen. In the coming years, the first graduates with these qualifications will join the units.
A D-30 cannon of the Russian National Guard at a firing position.
It's important to note that all transformations are being implemented while the Russian National Guard is participating in the ongoing Special Operation. This facilitates rapid acquisition of experience, which can then be quickly used when developing or adjusting plans. This organizational approach will ensure the best results with minimal investment of time and effort.
New forces and means
Complete and accurate information on the reinforcement of Russian National Guard units with artillery and tanks is still lacking. However, the available data allows us to roughly understand how this process is unfolding and what its results have been so far.
According to available data, new tank and artillery units have appeared in several existing formations. For example, in official the news Tankers from the 116th Separate Special Forces Brigade regularly appear from the FSVNG. The unit, known as the "Steel Brigade," was formed in 2023 and has since operated directly on the front lines, contributing to the defeat of enemy forces.
The bulk of the Rosgvardia's tank fleet consists of T-72 and T-90 combat vehicles of several modifications, mostly later models. In addition, in 2022-23, the Guards captured Ukrainian T-64s. For obvious reasons, the use of some captured tanks is subject to restrictions, and domestically produced tanks remain the primary choice.
The number of tanks in the Russian National Guard is unknown. Each unit with a tank detachment may have up to several dozen armored vehicles. However, in terms of overall equipment, they are inferior to ground forces units.
The existing mortar battalions, armed with 120mm transportable/portable systems, have been retained within the brigades and regiments. Recently, they have been supplemented by units with different weaponsThese batteries and divisions operate 122mm D-30 towed guns, as well as some captured self-propelled artillery pieces. As with tanks, the number of guns and self-propelled guns is not disclosed.
It's worth noting that firepower was increased not only by introducing tanks and artillery. Reconnaissance, target acquisition, and correction capabilities are also crucial. Even before the Special Operation, Rosgvardia units were actively developing unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation reconnaissance systems. Now they search for real enemy targets and assist tank crews and artillerymen in combat.
In the process of development
The organizational structure and equipment of any troops must be consistent with their role in ensuring national security and the tasks they undertake. It became clear early on in the Special Operation that the Russian National Guard needed to be reinforced with armored vehicles and large-caliber artillery.
The first steps in this direction were taken in 2022, and the desired results were soon achieved. Subsequently, the FSVNG leadership made the appropriate decisions, and a full-scale restructuring and reequipping of the units began. Their combat effectiveness increased, and with it, their contribution to overall results. The rearmament of the Russian National Guard is not yet complete, but its initial results are already known, and they provide grounds for optimism.
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