GRU Army Spetsnaz:

Seventy years ago today, Spetsnaz forces were created in the Red Army October 24, 1950.

https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12321027@egNews

Army special forces in Russia decided to revive at a new level

In the combined arms and tank armies that are part of the Ground Forces of Russia, the formation of separate special-purpose units has practically ended. They, in contrast to the brigades subordinated to the command of the districts, came at the disposal of the army commanders.

All eleven combined-arms armies of the country, linearly deployed from St. Petersburg to Vladikavkaz and from Samara to Ussuriisk, as well as the 1st Guards Tank Army, received separate special-purpose companies at their disposal.

By now, their formation is almost complete, the companies have begun combat training classes. This work includes not only the development of skills in shooting from all types of small arms, but also training in the use of communications equipment, parachute jumps, handling mine explosives, and the ability to provide first aid to the wounded. In addition, this training forms in servicemen a high endurance and moral conviction in the rightness of their cause.

Earlier in the USSR and for some time in the Russian Federation, separate special-purpose companies existed in each combined arms and tank army and army corps. In total, there were more than thirty such units, the number of which in wartime states reached about 120 people.

Such companies could theoretically deploy from three to nine reconnaissance groups, ranging in size from squad to platoon, for operations behind enemy lines. Or the company formed a reconnaissance detachment that could carry out the most important mission in the enemy rear.

The main tasks of the spetsnaz companies were operations behind enemy lines aimed at identifying nuclear attack weapons: missile batteries or individual installations, warhead storage sites, command posts, communication centers, ammunition depots and similar important objects.

Having identified such an object, the special forces were obliged to destroy it - either on their own, or by aiming aviation, artillery, and, in the most important situations, tactical missiles at it.

In some cases - for example, if the war took on a character similar to that of the Great Patriotic War - the special forces could be tasked with destroying those responsible for decision-making - the military and political leadership - in enemy territory.

However, in the mid-90s of the twentieth century, almost all companies were disbanded, and in the early 2000s, the remaining two were also disbanded. The reason is the general reduction of the armed forces and the desire to preserve the special forces brigades, where it would be possible to train specialists with better quality.

And now, now the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has again come to the decision to return the special forces companies to the subordination of the armies. Having preserved the list of the main tasks, the new companies also received a number of innovations that distinguish them from the special forces units of the model of the mid-90s. In particular, the reconnaissance and strike capabilities of the special forces were increased.

Due to the arrival of new models of electronic reconnaissance and target designation systems into service with the army, which have passed combat "run-in" in the desert conditions of the Syrian Arab Republic, small special forces groups have received the broadest opportunities to detect and destroy enemy targets.

First of all, the "Strelets" intelligence, command and communications complex (KRUS) deserves attention, with the help of which an "electronic battlefield" is actually formed, where the commander can see almost the entire tactical situation in the required territory. He can control the actions of subordinate forces, request support from senior commanders, and report on the results of combat work.

In the same Syria, from the moment a worthy target was discovered until it was covered by artillery or aircraft, when using the KRUS “Strelets”, literally a few minutes passed - a previously unattainable result.

The scouts from the mid-90s had to calculate the coordinates of the identified targets literally on their knees, on a paper map, inevitably getting a large error in the accuracy of their determination. Now this is out of the question, however, modern special forces are still taught to work with paper maps - just in case.

The development of the Iskander-M strike missile systems, the Caliber naval complexes, as well as the missile armament of front-line aviation allows modern special forces to solve much broader tasks. It also takes into account the fact that today a reconnaissance group operating behind enemy lines can use unmanned drones, minimizing the risk of losses among personnel while guaranteeing the completion of a combat mission.

Of course, the formation of separate special-purpose companies will become an important factor in strengthening the defense capability of our country in such a difficult time.
Author: Alexey Sukonkin

Military personnel of the special purpose unit of the combined arms army of the Eastern Military District (VVO), stationed in the Trans-Baikal Territory, together with representatives of the "Russian Geographical Society", climbed Mount Pallas, located on the Yablonovo Ridge, at the watershed of the Amur, Lena and Yenisei river basins. The unique event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the "World Water Day".

https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12350546@egNews

NOTE: keep hearing about this unit for the past few months. Does anyone have any info on it? Could it be;
- the new company sized unit attached to each Combined Arms Army?
- detached unit from the 14th Spetsnaz brigade now stationed here?
- or a new Spetsnaz unit completely?

Again mention of this unidentified spetsnaz unit

Batch of Typhoon-K armored vehicles with a remotely controlled weapon station entered service with the special forces unit of the combined arms army of the Eastern Military District, stationed in the Trans-Baikal Territory. Currently, the crews of 4 armored vehicles are already mastering the latest technology during practical training on the eve of the upcoming Victory Parade in the capital of the Trans-Baikal Territory - the city of Chita. The armored vehicle "Typhoon" is a module for 16 people with increased security and maneuverability, capable of withstanding the detonation of an explosive device with a capacity of up to 8 kg in TNT equivalent. Typhoon has an original chassis, a domestic engine with a capacity of 450 hp, an automatic transmission and automatic differential locks. In addition, the Typhoon provides high protection of the crew, cargo and vehicle components from small arms, mines and land mines. It has increased cross-country ability due to the 6 * 6 wheel arrangement. At the same time, the maximum speed of the car reaches 105 km / h. The armored module is equipped with embrasures for firing small arms. It can also be equipped with remotely controlled weapons. The vehicle is equipped with 5 video cameras, which provide an all-round view of the crew in the armored module and the driver of the vehicle in case of damage to the windshield. It is also possible to install a remote controlled machine gun module, which will be controlled by the shooter through the remote control and images from video cameras. Press Service of the Eastern Military District

Special Forces of the Russian Federation and the USA: a race for improvements

At the end of 2021, reconnaissance units of formations and military units were for the first time equipped with modernized silent small arms. The reconnaissance and snipers were armed with silent ASM "Val" assault rifles and VSSM "Vintorez" special sniper rifles.

Shot without clap

This weapon is used to hit targets with silent-flameless firing with special subsonic ammunition. Compared to previous versions of the assault rifle, the upgraded "Val" and "Vintorez" have comfortable ergonomics, almost no recoil, flash and sound after the shot.

The effectiveness of firing from silent special rifles "Val" and "Vintorez" at a distance of more than 1 km was confirmed by scouts during exercises. Although officially their firing range is up to 450 m.

The bullet "Vintorez" and "Val" in flight does not pass the sound barrier - that is, there is no cotton heard over long distances. Silent and flameless shooting is combined with a high armor-piercing effect and powerful stopping power.

Reconnaissance and special forces units will be completely re-equipped with Dragunov sniper rifles - modernized (SVDM). They differ from their predecessors in higher accuracy, it is possible to install various sights, a silencer, and additional equipment on them. The first receipts took place at the end of last year in the Southern Military District.

The first samples of SVD are already more than half a century old. They got used to it, even not very skilled fighters fell in love with it, because they hit targets from it at a distance of up to 800 m. This rifle has greater shot power and range than an automatic rifle, it is reliable and simple. The modernized SVD is made of modern materials, has improved ergonomics, and accuracy is improved due to the weighted barrel.

Dude vs Kalashnikov

The Kalashnikov concern has far-reaching plans. First, to finalize the novelty - the Chuvakin sniper rifle (SHF). It is expected that it will hit targets with the first shot at a distance of up to a kilometer. The rifle is designed for the domestic 7.62x54 mm rifle cartridge and for the NATO 7.62x51 mm cartridge.

The reconnaissance units of the Airborne Forces also received the latest AK-12 assault rifles. From this machine gun, you can fire in fixed bursts with a two-shot cutoff. It has a more durable barrel, additional removable muzzle devices, more convenient switching of firing modes. New thermal imagers, silencers and collimator sights are planned for release for him.

The AK-12SP assault rifle is a version of the AK-12. The efficiency of the machine has been increased, moreover, without interfering with the nodes, the design of which is the basis of the reliability of the AK family. The AK-12SP has a new adjustable stock and pistol grip. The butt can be equipped with a folding cheek for the optimal position of the shooter's head when firing using sights. The double-sided fuse can be switched by right and left hand.

The AK-12SP is equipped with an aluminum handguard with a Picatinny rail and standard M-Lok slots - you can install various combinations of optoelectronic devices on the machine.

On and under water

Special Forces weapons are not only machine guns and machine guns. Rybinsk Shipyard (part of the Kalashnikov Group of Companies) has developed the first Russian inflatable assault boat DS-RIB. It will be required for the rapid delivery of special forces.

The boat is filled with compressed air from a cylinder in just 45 seconds, even on the high seas. It is very compact: two such boats will fit in the trunk of an SUV (of course, when folded). The diameter of the folded product is less than 500 mm - it can be used through the submarine's torpedo tube, and the boat in working order can be transported by helicopter on an external sling.

The material of the boat is an innovative drop stitch. Hence the seaworthiness of the inflatable DS-RIB is like that of planing boats with inflatable sides of the RIB type. The drop stitch material allows you to replace the folding "hard floor" with an inflatable deck.

The variant of the boat DS-RIB 450 has a length of 4.5 m, a width of 1.85 m, a weight of 70 kg, and a capacity of eight people. With a 50 hp LS engine. With. cruising speed - 50-60 km / h. The DS-RIB 540 variant can accommodate 10 to 12 people. The length of this boat is 5.4 m, width - 2.34 m, weight - 110 kg. Cruise speed - 40-60 km / h when using two SS engines with a capacity of 30 liters. With.

DS-RIB will be able, of course, to deliver combat swimmers. In addition, the Russian special services received a new two-medium special machine gun - ADS. It is already being mass-produced. Created a novelty in the holding "High-precision complexes". This weapon can be used both on land and under water - only the types of ammunition differ. In 2021, mass production of the two-media machine has begun.

Until now, another weapon for combat swimmers is in demand - a special underwater pistol (SPP-1) and a special underwater assault rifle (ASP).

Dazzling "Buttercup"

In general, the arsenal of special services is replenished with very different products. Ruselectronics holding of the Rostec state corporation and the Integral pilot plant of the Vega concern have created the Lyutik-N visual-optical interference station. It will be required during special operations.

The device is installed on helmets, shockproof or armored shields and allows you to temporarily blind the enemy, including those equipped with weapons with an optical sight, at a distance of up to 100 m. The station's operation is based on the modulation of the brightness of light radiation. The effect of temporary blindness is created.

Weight "Buttercup-N" 2.2 kg. The station in a shockproof sealed case operates at temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees. The duration of use in interference mode is 85 minutes. And for 45 minutes, Buttercup-N can, like a searchlight, illuminate dark areas.

The station fits into the global trend of expanding non-lethal means.

Twelve and a half equators

In Russia, in addition to the special services, whose names are well-known, there is one more. Much less known, but necessary for most other secret services, and indeed for all the Russian Armed Forces.

This is the Main Center for Special Communications (FSUE GTSSS). More often the service is called "Spetssvyaz". The main center was established on August 1, 1939. Today GTSSS is a modern, efficient logistics company, a leader in the delivery of special correspondence and especially dangerous goods.

GTSSS is available in all regions of Russia. It delivers correspondence and cargo (with the prefix "special") on more than 1200 planned routes with a total length of more than 500 thousand km (recall, the circumference of the planet Earth is 40 thousand km).

"Spetssvyaz" transports weapons and explosives, prototypes of rocket, torpedo, artillery weapons, military equipment and equipment, cargo of 1-6 and 8-9 hazard classes.

As part of the execution of the state defense order, Spetssvyaz offers turnkey delivery to enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Russia. And the speed and cost of delivering defense-industrial complex goods directly affect the maintenance of the country's defense capability.

In 2020 and 2021, the Main Center for Special Communications carried out transportation in Russia on more than 3,700 applications under the state defense order in the interests of more than 150 enterprises of the military-industrial complex.

The main proof of the need, reliability, and effectiveness of the GTSSS is as follows: the special communication system has been operating in its current form for more than 25 years.

What are the "partners" armed with

A special forces soldier is distinguished from an ordinary soldier by training, personal qualities and weapons. The first place in the list of weapons of the US Special Operations Forces Command (MTR) is occupied by the standard American special forces rifle - M4A1 with an updated SOPMOD I kit (a set of accessories for special operations units).

The kit includes: a muffler, a backup rear sight, a shortened M203 quick-detachable grenade launcher with a rail sight, a PEQ-2A laser infrared designator, a Trijicon TA-01NSN ACOG optical sight, reflex sights, a night vision sight.

The second generation kit includes innovative optics as well as a short version of the M4, a highly reliable close combat variant of the MK18.

The German HK416 assault rifle was adapted to NATO standards. In Afghanistan, FNSCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) rifles from the Belgian company FN Herstal were popular with US special forces and rangers.

Of the US MTR machine guns, the MK46 chambered for 5.56 mm and the MK48 chambered for 7.62 mm are used. The MP5 submachine gun is used in confined spaces, while the CAR-15 and M4 are used for direct action operations.

In April 2021, the US Army entered into agreements with L3 Harris Technology and Vortex Optics to create fire control and test equipment under the NGSW program.

And how will they replenish the arsenal

Plans for the period up to 2025 are also extensive. The new light medium machine gun will use the 338 Norma Magnum cartridge with four times the power of 7.62 caliber cartridges at long ranges. SOF can expect to increase the firepower of small arms - by improving both the types of weapons and the ammunition used.

There is a request to create a light medium machine gun LMG-M by the beginning of fiscal year 2023. There will be new ammo for the machine gun and sniper rifle. Their use reduces the weight of the weapon.

There are fundamental innovations. For example, a polymer sleeve is being developed in the USA. The new cartridge uses polymer instead of brass, and nylon instead of metal bonds. This reduced the weight of the weapon by more than 20 pounds. The novelty will go to users in 2022.

Reducing the weight of ammunition has increased the combat capabilities of the MH-6 helicopters, known as "little birds". Previously, pilots had to choose between filling their tanks with three-quarters of fuel or full ammunition. With the polymer version, these helicopters will be able to operate fully fueled and loaded. This is an additional 30 minutes of work on the goal.

Snipers will also increase their capabilities. For them, they will buy a 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge to replace 7.62 mm sniper rifles. The 6.5mm cartridge is one and a half times longer range compared to the current 7.62mm cartridge. An advanced sniper rifle will be able to fire three different cartridges depending on the task.

https://nvo-ng-ru.translate.goog/armament/2022-01-20/7_1173_versions.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Development of a new method of conducting reconnaissance by special forces of the Central Military

pretty sweet!

They need to purchase a bunch of NATO gear like M4's and Famas rifles and what not, and other gear to simulate enemy patrols and what not. And film it.

A great way to troll NATO.