Units of the Russian Airborne Troops may be deployed in the Arctic as part of a permanent multi-branch contingent in the region, the Airborne Troops chief of staff said on Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Nikolai Ignatov said the possibility of paratroopers joining the Arctic contingent was being studied on the orders of the Airborne Troops commander, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov.
“As soon as the analysis is completed, we will submit a report to the Defense Ministry, which will make the final decision,” Ignatov said.
The general also said the Airborne Troops may include helicopter regiments by 2020, when the state arms procurement program is concluded.
“By that time [2020], we will have helicopters and everything else that we need,” Ignatov said.
Russia’s Airborne Troops currently number 32,000 personnel in four airborne divisions, an airborne assault brigade, and a special forces reconnaissance regiment.