Twenty new BTR-82A joined the fleet of the Brest airborne brigade

Soldiers lined up in straight rows on the parade ground, and new armored personnel carriers froze nearby. In their strict silhouettes - power, speed and readiness at any moment to perform the task. On the Day of National Unity, September 17, in the 38th Brest Separate Guards Airborne Assault Vienna Red Banner Brigade, a landmark event took place - 20 BTR-82A were handed over to the personnel, writes sb.by.

The new batch of combat vehicles was received as part of the planned rearmament of the special operations forces of the Armed Forces of Belarus. Formulas and keys to armored personnel carriers were handed over to servicemen in a solemn atmosphere. However, familiarity with the technology was not limited to the ceremony: the capabilities of the BTR-82A were demonstrated in action.

On the parade ground played an episode of a combat clash. Everything happened quickly, almost in real life. The unit entered into a conditional battle, and armored personnel carriers provided its support. The roar of engines, clear commands, fast maneuvers - a revealing episode allowed to see how the new technique helps paratroopers operate on the battlefield.

The BTR-82A is a deep modernization of the BTR-80. The machine received a 30-millimeter automatic gun, modern digital means of communication, sights of domestic production and enhanced protection. The new characteristics increase the firepower of units and the safety of the crew, and the wheelbase allows you to quickly move both on public roads and on rough terrain.

Deputy armaments commander, head of the armaments department of the special operations command, Colonel Alexander Gusev, noted that the arrival of armored personnel carriers was the next stage of the system renewal of the technical park:

BTR-82A is characterized by higher maneuverability and firepower. It is especially important for special operations forces to receive advanced and reliable equipment, since paratroopers are constantly practicing operations at training grounds and carry out an intensive combat training program. We are closely cooperating with the military-industrial complex, and the rearmament will continue. The units will receive new armored personnel carriers, communications and special vehicles.

For Brest paratroopers, the BTR-82A is already a familiar sample. Such machines are used by one of the battalions of the brigade and managed to show their effectiveness during training and performing combat training tasks. The servicemen studied their structure and features of operation, so the new batch will be able to organically complement the existing fleet.

The commander of the 38th Guards Airborne Assault Brigade of the Guard, Colonel Valery Bulygo, stressed that the received armored personnel carriers meet modern requirements for the technique of landing units:

- These machines can significantly increase the firepower and maneuverability of units. They move well on public roads, have high cross-country terrain, and the installed 30-millimeter automatic gun in its capabilities is comparable to the armament of infantry fighting vehicles. The BTR-82A has already confirmed its high efficiency during combat training, the personnel know all the features and subtleties of their use.

A special sound to the event gave the date of the ceremony. On the Day of National Unity, the replenishment of the brigade’s technical park became a symbol of readiness to protect the peace, sovereignty and security of the country. Before the beginning of the service, armored personnel carriers were consecrated by the rector of the Brest Garrison Church, Father Vitaly Khanovets.

- The symbol of our brigade is a black eagle with two powerful wings. One embodies the power of technology, military training and power; the other, the power of faith. It is only when both wings are reliable that the bird is able to ascend into the sky. Today, the brigade has become stronger, and new equipment should serve for the benefit of the people and the country, be the guarantor of our independence, freedom and security, he said.

A team sounded above the parade ground, and the servicemen moved with a clear combat step in a solemn march. At this time, the rector of the Brest garrison church, Father Vitaly Khanovets, sprinkled holy water on the paratroopers passing in front of him. Then along the parade ground with the roar of engines, new armored personnel carriers followed - military equipment was consecrated.