MOSCOW. August 2 (Interfax-AVN) - Airborne Forces Commander Alexander Kolmakov said that over 20 new weapon systems and vehicles had recently been developed for the Airborne Forces.
For instance, according to him, the new Bakhcha airborne fighting vehicle will be fielded in the near future.
"It is a modification of the BMD-3 airborne fighting vehicle, which will enter the inventory very soon," he said.
In addition to that, according to him, the Airborne Forces will soon be equipped with the 125-mm Sprut artillery system, designed to fire tank projectiles and capable of being airdropped.
He also said that Airborne Forces units would be re-equipped with new small arms, night-vision systems, and future communications systems.
New outfits for Russian paratroopers have been designed and will soon be delivered to airborne units.
"At the present time a new paratrooper combat helmet is being refined. It is designed to accommodate micro communications systems," he said.
A special Barmitsa flak jacket is yet another innovation to be fielded with the Airborne Forces. "The flak jacket, designed not to harm a paratrooper during the airdrop, is being refined," he noted.
Designers are also testing new combat boots, designed taking into account the fact that mines and explosives are widely used on the battlefield. Kolmakov also said that as early as next year an airborne unit would be completely equipped with new D-10 parachutes.
"Today everything depends on the economy, the Airborne Forces could have all these systems and more yet, if the economy allowed," Kolmakov said.