Ukrainian elite brigade's advanced gear challenges Russian defenses

The 80th Air Assault Brigade has joined the offensive in the Kursk region, potentially adding more challenges for the Russians. This unit is renowned for its training and equipment, utilizing Soviet-era and Western technology. Let’s delve into the specifics of its gear.

The Center for Eastern Studies reported that at the onset of the offensive in the Kursk region, the 82nd Air Assault Brigade and the 22nd Mechanized Brigade were involved. These brigades are among the best-equipped in the Ukrainian army. Forbes and others have reported that the 80th Air Assault Brigade has also crossed the Russian border. This unit is considered elite within the Ukrainian forces.

This development underscores the Ukrainian operation's scale, as the 80th Air Assault Brigade is known for its efficiency and rapid movement. Forbes noted the significance of including this brigade; social media images and videos showcase its mix of Soviet-era and Western weapons.

Listed among the equipment aiding in breaching Russian territories are: T-64BV and T-80BV tanks, UR-77 mine-clearing vehicles, IMR-2 engineering vehicles, alongside BTR-80 armored personnel carriers and American Stryker vehicles. American journalists have stated, "Only the 80th Air Assault Brigade has such a combination of Soviet-era and American vehicles."

The Stryker is an American armored vehicle featuring 8x8 drive and a 350-horsepower engine. On paved surfaces, these vehicles can reach speeds of up to 55 mph.

The armament and additional equipment vary depending on the variant. The most popular variants include a transport section that can hold up to nine soldiers, a Browning M2 12.7 mm machine gun with a range of about 1.2 miles, and a Mk 19 40 mm grenade launcher.

Notably, in the Kursk region, a specialized Stryker M1132 variant was spotted, designed to create safe paths in minefields. This equipment was crucial during the border crossing, which the Russians likely heavily mined. The Stryker M1132 has another useful feature: it can automatically send information about the safe paths it has identified to other accompanying vehicles.