On Wednesday, in Buryatia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev presented a battle standard to the 11th Independent Air Assault Brigade in the Eastern Military District.
On Wednesday, in Buryatia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev presented a battle standard to the 11th Independent Air Assault Brigade in the Eastern Military District.
The unit, which is deployed near the republic’s capital, Ulan-Ude, dates from 1968. In 1981-87 it took part in military operations in Afghanistan and in 1987 was awarded the pennant of the USSR Defense Minister for courage and military bravery.
“Air assault units are usually known to operate where the situation is difficult and the missions are particularly challenging. Officers from your unit have fulfilled their international duties in Afghanistan, taken part in peace-keeping operations in many other hot spots and have always displayed commitment, bravery and loyalty to their oath and our Fatherland,” Medvedev said, addressing the brigade lined up on the base’s grounds.
The supreme commander-in-chief noted that the brigade’s area of responsibility includes a strategic region of Russia where coordinated efforts are essential not only with other units of the Russian army, but also with allied armed forces.
After receiving their new standard and official unit symbol, the paratroopers marched instep past the Russian president and Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, who was also present at the ceremony.
The 11th Independent Air Assault Brigade in the Eastern Military District was formed in 1968 in the town of Mogocha, Chita Region. The brigade comprises air assault battalions, an artillery battalion and other subunits. The brigade has 2,500 service personnel. The unit is armed with BMP-2s, 122mm D-30 howitzers, and Konkurs anti-tank guided missile systems.
Supreme Commander-in-Chief Dmitry Medvedev and Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov at the 11th Air Assault Brigade training center.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the 11th Air Assault Brigade training center in the Eastern Military District during his working visit to the Siberian Federal District. Background right: Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.
