Ukrainian elite brigade's new push: What it means for Russia
The 80th Air Assault Brigade has joined the offensive in the Kursk region, which could mean even more problems for the Russians. This brigade is well-trained and well-equipped, using both Soviet-era and Western equipment. We explain specifically what equipment is in use.
The Centre for Eastern Studies reported that early in the offensive in the Kursk region, the 82nd Air Assault Brigade and the 22nd Mechanized Brigade were involved. These brigades are amongst the best-equipped in the entire Ukrainian army. Now, as reported by Forbes among others, the 80th Air Assault Brigade has also crossed the Russian border. This unit is also considered an elite Ukrainian force.
Another Ukrainian brigade near Kursk
Because of its efficiency and speed, the 80th Air Assault Brigade's involvement emphasizes the scale of the Ukrainian operation, according to Forbes. Pictures and video recordings on social media confirm that this unit has an interesting combination of Soviet-era and Western weapons.
Listed among the equipment assisting in the breach of Russian territories are the following: T-64BV or T-80BV tanks, UR-77 mine-clearing vehicle, IMR-2 engineering vehicle, BTR-80 armoured personnel carriers, and American Stryker vehicles. American journalists assert that "only the 80th Air Assault Brigade has such a combination of Soviet-era and American vehicles."
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American vehicles in the Ukrainian offensive
The Stryker is an American armoured vehicle with 8x8 drive and a 260-kilowatt engine. On paved surfaces, it can reach speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour.
The armament and additional equipment depend on the variant of this transporter. In the most popular variants, Americans have used a transport section that can hold up to nine soldiers, as well as a Browning M2 12.7 mm machine gun with a range of about 2 kilometres and a Mk 19 40 mm grenade launcher.
It is worth adding, however, that a specialised Stryker M1132 variant has also been spotted in the Kursk region. This variant is designed to create safe paths through minefields and was indispensable during the crossing of the border, which the Russians likely heavily mined. The Stryker M1132 also has an additional feature – it can automatically send information about the safe paths defined to other accompanying vehicles.
