Russia sends newly formed airborne division to the battlefield

The Russian army deployed the 104th Airborne Division, which was newly established more than 3 months ago, to the Ukrainian battlefield to compensate for losses in forces.

"The newly formed 104th Guards Airborne Division of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) has likely been deployed to Kherson Oblast," the British Ministry of Defense said in a battlefield situation report on November 30.

The 104th Airborne Division was re-established by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in August, after it was downgraded to brigade level in 1998. The move brings the VDV to a total of five divisions. The paratroopers are considered one of the most elite forces in the Russian military.

The British Ministry of Defense knows that the 104th Division will likely include the 337th Regiment, a mobile regiment, and the 52nd Artillery Brigade. However, the soldiers in this division are likely to be poorly trained and do not meet the elite standards of Russian paratroopers, the agency said.

The Russian Defense Ministry has not commented on the information.

Russian paratroopers during a training session in Zaporizhzhia in January. Photo: RIA Novosti

Based on figures released by General Teplinsky, the British Ministry of Defense assessed that at least half of the VDV's 30,000 paratroopers were killed or put out of action, adding that the force suffered heavy losses due to being deployed in complex battles, which were more suitable for heavily armed mechanized infantry.

Analysts say the huge losses have forced the VDV to supplement its forces with undertrained soldiers, causing the force to lose its inherent eliteness.

Shoigu said in September that Moscow was taking measures to improve the combat capabilities of its airborne troops, including creating new assault units, adding weapons and equipment, as well as strengthening logistics and artillery support.

"By the end of this year, the combat potential of the VDV will increase by 1.3 times, and firepower will increase by 20%," said Mr. Shoigu.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that Minister Shoigu's statement showed that Russia was seeking to transform the VDV's operational structure to resemble a conventional mechanized infantry division, instead of an elite force specializing in performing important tasks.

The situation of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Graphics: RYV

Pham Giang (According to Newsweek )

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