Twice

The number of airborne troops of Russia is planned to increase about half-up to 72 thousand people. It is reported by ITAR-TASS with reference to a high-ranking source in the General Staff.

"The relevant proposals of the Airborne Forces command were approved by the leadership of the Ministry of Defense," the agency’s interlocutor said. It is assumed that plans will be implemented by 2019.

At the same time, the total number of armed forces will remain unchanged. "The increase will pass, first of all, due to the formation of third-based landing and parachute-landing regiments in the current compounds of the two-fill composition, as well as due to the reorganization of a number of existing parts in the compounds," the source explained. He recalled that by December of this year the 45th separate regiment of special forces of the Airborne Forces will be transformed into a brigade.

On August 2, President Vladimir Putin, congratulating the personnel of the Airborne Forces on a professional holiday, noted that the paratroopers are rightfully considered the elite of the domestic armed forces.

Airborne Forces - a kind of troops intended to cover the enemy by air and the fulfillment of tasks in his rear in violation of the troops, capture and destroy ground -based elements of high -precision weapons, disruption of the extension and deployment of reserves, and violation of the rear and communications. Also, Airborne Forces are often used as a quick response forces.

On May 17, the commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel General Vladimir Shamanov said that the airborne troops, as well as strategic missile troops and the submarine fleet will become completely contracting by 2020. The commander noted that there are 60 percent of the contract in the Airborne Forces today and this is “really noticeable”, since these military personnel are more motivated in the service.