British Intelligence: Russian Paratroopers Get Weapons They Didn't Have Before

• 11.04.2023, 10:50

This points to the Kremlin's new plans to use the airborne troops.

The Russian airborne troops (VDV) in Ukraine have received TOS-1A thermobaric multiple rocket launcher systems.

A fresh British intelligence report says about it. "The TOS-1A high destructive force, which Russia calls a 'heavy flamethrower', is usually used by Russian specialised chemical, biological and radiological defence troops in Ukraine and has not previously been formally associated with the airborne troops," British analysts noted.

The transfer of the TOS-1A to the airborne forces points to a future role for paratroopers in offensive operations in Ukraine. "It is probably part of an effort to rebuild the Airborne Forces after heavy losses in the first nine months of the war," British intelligence admitted.