The first direction is airdrop of the airborne units. The second one is airborne assault direction, that is the capability of dropping the units jointly with attached combat materiel and heavy weapons.
"The third one is a special direction, which will enable the airborne units to operate effectively in mountainous terrain. The events of the recent years (in particular, the ongoing Federal troops' counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya) showed the need of special airborne units trained to operate in the mountains", Alexander Kolmakov pointed out.
Besides, the Airborne Forces' commander pointed out the progress of the units' combat training already this year.
One of the most important issues is still enhancing the Airborne Forces' mobility, added Lieutenant General Kolmakov.
The Airborne Forces will switch to contract recruitment by 2008. "Presently, the 76th Airborne Division in Pskov (Northwest of Russia) has completely switched to contract recruitment", the commander noted.
According to him, the contract soldiers accomplish assigned tasks at a high professional level. "The experiment of switching (the Pskov division) to contract recruitment gives positive results", he said.
Currently, 20 types of combat materiel have been designed for Russia's Airborne Forces, which will significantly increase the airborne units' fire power.
In particular, according to Lieutenant General Kolamakov, soon an upgraded airborne fighting vehicle (BMD-3) will enter the inventory, its development being at the final phase.
"Besides, works over designing new outfit and protective equipment for paratroopers are underway", stated the Airborne Forces commander.
The present helmet will be replaced with a combat helmet, which can be worn during airdrop. Besides, new boots incorporating fiber-armor to protect from antipersonnel mines will come into service with the paratroopers.
"The available body armor proved to be unsafe during airdrops and requires further development", Mr. Kolmakov pointed out.
Although, according to him, the "pool of materiel in service with the Airborne Forces has grown obsolete and does not fully comply with the up-to-date requirements", nevertheless, "all Airborne Forces' equipment is prepared to perform assigned tasks".
