Russian Paratroopers to Get First Advanced Armored Vehicles in 2015

Deputy Commander of the paratroopers Maj. Gen. Andrei Kholzakov stated that first multi-purpose armored vehicles will be put in service with the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) this year after approval by a state commission.

MOSCOW, January 15 (Sputnik) – The first multi-purpose armored vehicles will be put in service with the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) this year after approval by a state commission, deputy commander of the paratroopers told Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday.

"The vehicles proved themselves as technology of the future: they roved in differing climatic conditions, airdropped, tested in water, including being redeployed at sea. All of this was noted by the commission, which recommended to supply the VDV [with the vehicles] this year as a result of testing," Maj. Gen. Andrei Kholzakov said.

Kholzakov added that the decision came as field tests of BMD-4M airborne fighting vehicles and BTR-MD Rakushka armored personnel carriers concluded successfully in 2014.

According to earlier reports, the planned rearmament of the VDV was set to begin in 2015, with over 1,500 new BMD-4M and 2,500 BTR-MD Rakushka expected to be developed by 2025.

The 13-ton BTR-MD Rakushka can carry 13 paratroopers, while the BMD-4M can carry six and is equipped with a 100-mm gun.