Soldiers of the SSO. Armament of special forces. Survey of technologies and products. i component MTR from MO
In our country, there are many holidays dedicated to certain military professions, types and branches of the military.
Two years ago, a new holiday date appeared in the military calendar: February 26, 2015 - Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 103 "On the establishment of the Day of the Special Operations Forces", and now every year on February 27 Russia celebrates the "Day of the Special Operations Forces of the Russian Federation" .
The Special Operations Forces of the Russian Federation (SSO RF) is a highly mobile army grouping of forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, designed to solve not only military, but also military-political tasks where Russian interests extend - including foreign countries and territories.
The tasks of the MTR of the Russian Federation include: protection against attacks on Russian citizens in other countries, evacuation of embassies, important officials, as well as special operations, which mean preventive measures to destroy the leaders of bandit groups, infrastructure facilities or weapons of other countries, as well as countering saboteurs, protection of strategic facilities within our country.
In their activities, the fighters of the special operations forces use methods and methods of combat operations that are not typical for ordinary troops. The composition of the Special Operations Forces is secret, as is the vast majority of operations in which the Forces participate.
From open sources: at present, the Special Operations Forces have two special-purpose centers: Kubinka-2 and Senezh, but other units of the Russian army can be introduced into the MTR as necessary.
The employees of the MTR units are armed with a variety of units and ammunition. The “nomenclature group” includes: the Glock 17 pistol, the AK-74M assault rifle, the APS underwater assault rifle, the Pecheneg machine gun, the Saiga-12S self-loading rifle, the AGS-17 Flame automatic grenade launcher.
The list of sets of uniforms of the MTR of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes more than a dozen items. For example, anti-fragmentation suit FORT "Reid-L"; wetsuit GKN-7; anti-fragmentation helmet 6B7-1M; body armor 6B43; armored shield "Fan-6".
MTR units use various types of vehicles, including armored vehicles, ATVs, helicopters, combat (transport) robots.
Detachment "Senezh" is the most closed division of the army, one can say the elite of military intelligence, whose fighters are able to carry out tasks of any degree of danger. It is no coincidence that it was on the basis of this unit that the Directorate of Special Operations was created in 2009, subordinate to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
The service in the MTR of the Russian Federation is carried out by regular officers and contractors of non-commissioned officers. Almost every serviceman of the SO RF Forces has several specialties. A characteristic feature: compulsory knowledge of foreign languages.
Not every soldier can become an employee of an elite unit. Representatives of the SSO actually select candidates with the necessary knowledge and abilities themselves. Training is carried out in a special center, as well as directly at the points of permanent deployment.
Training sessions are held in conditions as close as possible to combat (on mountain training grounds, in the Arctic, etc.).
Many SSO employees are graduates of the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School and the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School.
The debut of the MTR of the Russian Federation was participation in the events of three years ago - in the course of the well-known events in the Crimea, which became one of the manifestations of the "Russian Spring". The servicemen provided the Crimeans with the opportunity to exercise their free will, which resulted in the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia. It was those events that served as the choice of the date for the new military holiday.
On the night of February 27, 2014, units of the Ukrainian armed forces in Crimea were blocked and disarmed without a single shot being fired, and all the strategic facilities of the peninsula were occupied by Russian SOF fighters who behaved politely and correctly both towards the Ukrainian army and the inhabitants of the Crimean peninsula . The politeness of the Russian military was the birth of the concept known all over the world today: "polite people." This is one of the names of Special Operations Forces Day - Polite People Day.
Since 2015, units of the Special Operations Forces have been used in Syria for additional reconnaissance of targets for Russian air strikes.
The officers of the Russian Special Operations Forces, not sparing their lives, performed tasks in various provinces of Syria, including the province of Homs, when the heroism of the Russian military personnel helped the Syrian army liberate ancient Palmyra from terrorists - the pearl of the architectural, cultural and historical heritage of all modern civilization. Today in Syria, units of the MTR of the Russian Federation ensure the security of the air force base in Khmeimim.
Over time and gradual technical evolution, new devices and technologies were included in the activities of the military. This has led to the fact that the art of warfare is largely implemented remotely, through computer technology, relatively new physical principles, including the principles of aiming modern weapons at a target.
However, there are tasks that simply cannot be handled with the help of "machines". It is necessary to involve people with a special level of training, people who are able to perform the task as efficiently as possible.
And there are such people in our country. They are not recognized on the street, they are not "promoted" by the media. We know them by business, not by name - their personal files are kept under the heading "Secret". They are known among the people, and this has already been noted, as "polite people", and officially - the military personnel of the Special Operations Forces. And today these heroic people have a holiday.
"Military Review" is not ready to ignore the courage and heroism of the military personnel of the MTR of the Russian Federation and congratulates all those involved on the holiday. Complete the tasks set by the command and return home safe and sound!
For the first time, the Special Operations Forces (SOF) appeared in Syria, according to unofficial data, in October 2015. The military department reported on the first task of the detachment - the protection of the perimeter of Russian military facilities.
SOF were created in 2009. Their tasks are mainly sabotage and reconnaissance operations and guidance of aircraft on targets in remote areas. The MTR special forces groups are armed with a wide range of weapons from small arms to the latest armored vehicles, high-precision sniper systems and anti-tank missile systems.
Structure of the MTR
The detachment is capable of conducting operations both outside the country - for this they will use the Senezh special forces of the Ministry of Defense, the Airborne Forces, special forces brigades (GRU special forces), as well as the Grom special forces of the FSKN - and inside - internal troops, units of the Federal Penitentiary Service, special forces of the FSB and other services.
Emblem
From the weapons and uniforms, I managed to make out:
Modern modification of the Kalashnikov assault rifle - AK.
A Bushnell TRS-25 collimator sight and optics are mounted on the Picatinny rail on the receiver cover.
Ballistic helmet "Spartan" and helmet type 6B7-1M.
Lightweight anti-fragmentation raid suit, created on the basis of the FORT "Reid-L" protective kit and designed to protect special forces officers from primary and secondary fragments. The suit provides protection against fragments of 270 m/s.
Bulletproof vest "Redut-M", unique ASP-M1 steel armor panels protect the chest and back from bullets with a heat-strengthened core (TUS) of AKM, AK-74 assault rifles, LPS bullets from the SVD rifle, but also from bullets with a highly hard tungsten carbide core.
Active headphones Peltor Com Tac XP
Machine gun Utes and Pecheneg
Where were the MTRs of the Russian Federation involved
Aleppo
In just two days, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) radically changed the course of the operation in Aleppo. In a short time, the allies liberated the quarters: Sheikh Fares, Sheikh Kheder, Haidaria, al-Sakur, Khilak, Baedin, Ard al-Hamra, Jabal Badro, Bustan-Basha, Inzarat.
The success in Aleppo, the Syrian army owes much to its allies. Russian special forces and SOF units were involved in the operation to liberate the city. Russian aviation, including naval aviation, worked along the supply routes for militants, thereby minimizing the reserves of terrorists.
Palmyra
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin that the Syrian Armed Forces, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces, had completed the operation to capture Palmyra.
The city was liberated with the participation of the MTR fighters.
"The operation was planned and carried out under the guidance of Russian military advisers"
Successful interactions between the Syrian army and the Russian side have proven to be effective. The tactics of the battle has undergone drastic changes after the intervention of the Russian military in the course of the case. Each operation takes place under the strict guidance of the commanders, the coordinated actions of the detachments allowed the army to attack the enemy on a wide front, which does not give the terrorists a chance to retreat or regroup.
The fact that Russia used its secret weapon in Syria officially became known only at the end of 2016, but rumors about elite fighters of the MTR appeared even earlier. They were able to identify elite fighters by solving combat missions. The competent and successful outcome of the operation became the hallmark of the elite unit.
In a certain sense, special forces soldiers can be compared to doctors. Both of them save lives. Often, in order to stop a war and save an entire region, or even a country, special forces soldiers must work quickly, accurately, by performing “local surgery”. However, acting as part of special forces is not as easy as it seems at first glance.
Sea Devils
Even from the point of view of planning an operation, PDSS (short for "Underwater sabotage forces and means") fighters face tasks atypical for the ground forces. Behind a short description of the tasks that "sea devils" can perform lies something more than just extremely difficult work. Combat swimmers are referred to the navy only nominally. In fact, the battlefield for such specialists is air, water and land. 
Landing on a captured object? You are welcome. Stealth approach to a given area and complete the task? Good. To land from the sea and do the work on the shore? No problems. The equipment and weapons of combat swimmers are as unusual as the people themselves. What is the special underwater pistol SPP-1 specially designed for the PDSS fighters, or the equally unusual special underwater machine APS. "Needle" ammunition for such weapons even outwardly differ from conventional rifle and pistol cartridges. 
They are significantly longer and fire such ammunition mainly underwater. The timid and frail are not taken to the PDSS. Even from the point of view of ordinary service in the army, the health requirements of candidates for the PDSS are much higher than usual. It is difficult not only physically, but also psychologically, to withstand landing from a submarine, when the exit in full equipment is carried out through a torpedo tube. The special equipment and “clothes” of the PDSS fighters are much more complicated. The technologies for manufacturing special heavy-duty fabric for a diving suit, its composition, place of production - all this information is top secret. In exactly the same way, the situation is with the special set of underwater equipment "Amphora". The closed-loop breathing system is one of the most modern developments for special forces. Contrary to popular belief, Amphora is not just fancy, modern military scuba gear.
In addition to the breathing apparatus, the system also includes a special communication complex, and even a special body armor with a suspension system. All specialized equipment, including protective equipment and weapons, is needed by the "sea devils" with one goal - to act as discreetly and as quickly as possible. Experts explain that although the number and organizational structure of the PDSS in the Russian Navy is classified, one thing is for sure - the geography of the work of combat swimmers is not limited to the borders of the Russian Federation.
Spetsnaz GRU
The history of the special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces is a topic for a separate film, if not for a voluminous scientific work. The period of combat work of the GRU special forces in Chechnya during the first and second campaigns in this case is worth studying especially. In order to effectively counter the militants in mixed terrain, it took not only all the experience of combat work, but also great courage. Experts still talk with admiration about the enormous effectiveness of the GRU General Staff special forces during the hostilities in the Caucasus.
They say about special forces soldiers - generalists. During the fighting in Chechnya, the special forces soldiers performed, perhaps, in all possible roles. They acted as part of sabotage and reconnaissance groups, directed aircraft at the target, destroyed caches and caches of militants, hunted leaders and field commanders, and much more. A high degree of autonomy and secrecy are the two main qualities that helped the GRU special forces to operate in difficult conditions. One of the main achievements of the special forces fighters and the command of special operations was the violation of the logistics of the militants. 
Caravans with weapons for Chechen fighters from the territory of neighboring states were organized according to all the rules of military science. Special Forces soldiers who retired long ago say that "on the other side" they knew well who was hunting for militants. “It was well understood that foreign sponsors were working on the issue of organizing the supply of weapons, equipment, money and everything that provided the “work” of the militants. When approximate routes were discovered and successful sorties began, tactics were changed almost immediately. They began to let in one or several "false" caravans, empty, and along the way they threw in "misinformation" via satellite channels. It was necessary to find out what paths the real caravan was taking with valuable cargo, ”one of the former scouts explained in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel.
To track the "recipients" and destroy the caravan with weapons and money, not only modern means of electronic intelligence and interception were required, but also high intelligence. Experts note that the leadership of special forces of this level is trusted only by the most experienced officers who have proven themselves more than once.
surgeons of war
The MTR of the Russian Ministry of Defense is in some way the quintessence of experience, technology, methods and the result of colossal work. Experts say that numerous speculations about SOF fighters and ways of entering the service are largely untrue. Retired military men say that it is unlikely that they will be able to get into such a unit of their own free will. In most cases, a candidate with combat experience, an impressive track record and special skills is “invited for an interview”, and only then is the issue of enrollment in the detachment decided. 
For a general understanding of the differences between the fighters of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense and other special forces in the Russian Armed Forces, it is important to understand that the MTR is a kind of "dad" to all special forces combined. Specialists of the special forces formed in 2009 can do everything. They are trained in sabotage work, they operate equally well under water and on land, they land from many kilometers in height, carrying, in addition to light small arms, even anti-tank missile systems.
MTR of the Russian Ministry of Defense - surgeons of modern warfare, acting in all directions at once. For a long time, the very fact of the existence of the MTR was hidden, but more recently, the presence of specialists from the Special Operations Forces was officially confirmed. The combat path of military personnel unique even by army standards in Syria is already being studied, because it was not least thanks to the actions of the MTR fighters in Syria that phenomenal accuracy was achieved when delivering air strikes. 
A separate line in the combat work of the MTR fighters in Syria is the use of special equipment for reconnaissance and detection of the enemy. Infrared sights, thermal imagers, reconnaissance small drones and combat robotic platforms. The entire experience of the military-industrial complex and special training for ten years is combined into one. The actions of MTR specialists in Syria fit best into the concept of "military surgical intervention": operating deep behind enemy lines with the help of sniper weapons, you can achieve significantly greater success than weeks of continuous bombing. 
Despite the fact that the MTR is a young unit by army standards, certain qualitative changes are already on the way. One of the founders of the MTR of the Ministry of Defense, and now a member of the board of the Military-Industrial Commission of Russia Oleg Martyanov told the Special Operations Forces Day that the Ministry of Defense, together with the FPI, is implementing a project to combine all components of equipment into a single system. According to Martyanov, we are talking about the Defender of the Future project, in which sighting, observation and other devices, as well as communications and protection equipment, will be combined into a single whole. In general, in the history of domestic special forces, this happened extremely rarely. Of course, specialists performing unique tasks in the combat zone have always received the most modern equipment and weapons, but such a rapid qualitative leap forward in terms of support, equipment, and, as a result, efficiency has been observed for the first time. However, such a phenomenon cannot be called a surprise. Behind all this is competent planning, financing and control, thanks to which Russia will celebrate Special Operations Forces Day every year on February 27th.
The Day of the Special Operations Forces is celebrated on February 27 among professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of Russia in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation of February 26, 2015.
On this day, February 27, 2014, armed men in unmarked camouflage over the building of the Supreme Council and the government of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which at that time was part of Ukraine, and in the following days over the airport in Simferopol and other strategic objects on the peninsula.
In addition, they helped ensure order and security during the March 16, 2014 referendum on the annexation of Crimea to Russia. The emphasized correctness of their behavior led to the expression "polite people".
On April 17, 2014, answering questions from citizens during a "straight line", Russian President Vladimir Putin, that we are talking about Russian military personnel who "correctly, decisively and professionally" provided conditions for the free expression of the will of the Crimeans. Since then, the phrase "polite people" has become synonymous with those who serve in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of Russia.
Under special operations as a form of employment of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation understands the coordinated actions of specially trained and equipped forces using methods and methods of combat operations that are not typical for conventional troops. These are reconnaissance and sabotage, subversive, counter-terrorist, counter-sabotage, counterintelligence, partisan and anti-partisan actions, and others.
MTRs are kept in constant readiness for immediate use and can solve tasks in peacetime, in conflict situations and during war, acting both as part of heterogeneous forces in the theater of operations, and independently. The operations carried out by them, as a rule, are covert and are under the direct control of the highest military leadership or commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces in the theaters of war.
It is intuitively clear that special forces, based on the nature of their tasks, should accordingly be equipped with "special" weapons. However, to be more precise, this implies a careful selection of the best "tools", taking into account special tasks or, no doubt, even one specific task.
Indeed, the weapons used by Special Operations Forces (SOF) soldiers are "special" not so much in terms of their specific design and characteristics, but rather due to the fact that the special forces themselves have the privilege of choosing them, despite issues of standardization or any other industrial or logistical considerations, based solely on their own assessments and preferences.
Indeed, a very large part of the SOF mysticism consists in using different weapons than are prescribed for a normal infantry unit, and it is not uncommon to see a SOF soldier inside the same unit wearing a different weapon.
Pictured is the Elcan SpecterDR, used by the German special forces, an innovative product that combines a reflex red dot sight for close combat and a 4x optical sight for longer range combat. Also note the non-standard attachment of accessories to the G36 assault rifle - a hallmark of special forces around the world
Another aspect of "exclusivity", which consists in a thorough search for absolutely optimal solutions in the field of equipping the MTR, is that personal and crew-served weapons, as a rule, are almost never used in the MTR in the configuration originally manufactured by the manufacturer; weapons should receive a whole series of design changes, improvements and additional devices.
personal weapon
Automatic pistols (and in some cases also revolvers) represent a very strange paradox in the equipment of the MTR. While quickly falling out of favor as a standard combat weapon, even including secondary tasks such as self-defense or arming for non-combatant personnel, they are still an integral part of the MTR arsenal and have indeed effectively replaced the combat knife as a symbol of close combat. The use of MTR pistols is usually associated with the "liquidation" of specific people, but in reality it is much more important to provide a deliberate close defense.
Prudence necessarily requires the elimination or reduction of the noise of the shot. An important difference in this regard is silent weapons (i.e., created as such or capable of using silent ammunition) and the so-called "silenced", usually due to the installation of a silencer.
Typical examples of silent pistols are the Chinese Type 64 and Type 67, both chambered for the 7.65 x 17 rimless cartridge, based on the expansion chamber concept. The Russians, for their part, have developed a whole family of silent / flashless cartridges that are used in the single-action (non-self-cocking) trigger mechanism.
The first corresponding weapons for special forces were two small models of large caliber, MSP (SP2 cartridge 7.62 × 35) and S4M (SP3 cartridge 7.62 × 62.8), whose obvious limitations led in 1983 to the introduction of a semi-automatic (special self-loading pistol) with a magazine for 6 rounds . The PSS still has no analogues in the West, it is currently armed with several units of the Russian special forces (for example, the capture groups of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Alpha group of the FSB).
The PSS pistol fires SP4 7.62×42 cartridges with a 13-gram steel bullet, designed specifically to get good armor-piercing power, at least against the simplest types of body armor. The Tula KBP recently introduced the OT 38 chambered for SP4, which apparently was aimed at fulfilling the strong desire of the special forces not to leave spent shell casings behind.
Makarov PB is a kind of compromise between silent and muted weapons. It is based on the design of a standard automatic Makarov pistol and fires conventional 9×18 rounds with a traditional detachable silencer, but also has a large expansion chamber around the perforated barrel. More recently, Russian special forces units appear to have adopted a silent variant of the new PYa automatic pistol (known as the MP-443 Grach), chosen in 2003 as the new standard pistol of the Russian Armed Forces.
Western industry and MTR soldiers have never been particularly interested in silent weapons, but, nevertheless, several models of pistols were developed and manufactured specifically for the requirements of special forces (including the well-known Heckler & Koch Mk23Mod0 for the American command of special operations forces); they are all equipped with standard mufflers. The emphasis is rather on characteristics such as maximum stopping power, rugged construction and excellent reliability, while a large magazine, usually the main requirement for military handguns, is less important here.
In 2005, the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) launched the JCP (Joint Combat Pistol) single combat pistol program, it was rather a puzzling and reckless attempt to combine the US Army's Future Handgun System (FHS) and USSOCOM's own projects called Combat Pistol SSO SOFCP (Special Operations Forces Combat Pistol) in a single volume of purchases in the amount of 645,000 pistols.
Less than a year later, the program lost the "J" (Combat Pistol - CP) and was drastically scaled down to USSOCOM's own needs (approximately 50,000 pistols) before being shelved indefinitely until the end of 2006. Be that as it may, several potential competitors have prepared models that meet the mandatory key characteristics of the JCP / CP (cartridge .45 ACP and the use of two magazines of different capacities); these include for example the H&K HK45 and HK45C, the Beretta PX4 SD, the S&W MP45, the FN Herstal FNP45 and the Sig Sauer P220 Combat TV.
IWI GALIL ACE is the latest instance of a 5.56 mm assault rifle, created specifically for the needs of SOF soldiers. Weapon in the picture without a scope
Aimpoint's CompM4 series of red dot sights match the US Army's latest M68 Close-Combat Optic (CCO) variant
A special category includes automatic pistols with a chamber for powerful types of ammunition, originally developed for the PDW (Personal Defense Weapons) class, which, paradoxically enough, were intended to replace pistols. After the abolition of the H&K P46 (4.6×30) project, the only Western weapon in this category is the FN Herstal FiveseveN (5.7×28). FiveseveN has a large capacious magazine (20 rounds), a significant range (100 m), excellent penetrating power and the availability of a full family of special cartridges opens up completely new prospects for the combat use of hand weapons.
The Chinese were also moving in the same direction, and in 2006 the QSW-06 model was introduced to replace the Type 67. It fires Chinese 5.8x21 cartridges (two types: the standard DAP92 with Vo = 895 m/s and the supersonic DCV05), they feed from a 20-round magazine, this pistol is equipped with a standard silencer.
Submachine guns (SMG)
Despite the general trend towards standard military small arms, SMG (sub-machine guns) submachine guns are still widespread in SOF units, despite the recent preference for compact / short-barreled models of assault rifles and carbines in many combat scenarios.
The most common in Western MTRs is without a doubt the ubiquitous series, available in a variety of variants. For highly specialized applications, above all, extreme compactness is valued, therefore, certain interest is shown in such models as, for example, MP-5K, Micro UZI and B&T MP9 (originally Steyr TMP).
The vast majority of Western SMGs are chambered for the standard 9x19 cartridge and numerous industry attempts to introduce new or MTR-optimized cartridges such as 10mm Auto or .40 S&W, or "resurrect" the respected .45 ACP have met with little commercial success. Even the H&K UMP, firing the new +P variant of the .45 ACP round, goes unnoticed in the global MTR community.
Since the late 1980s, the Russian small arms industry has also reinvented the SMG market and offered an absolutely staggering variety of new designs and models that often show some degree of innovative ingenuity, all of which have been noted to have been "accepted", "approved" or , at least "tested" by special forces.
Partial list might include with helical magazine (suitable for 9x18 PM/PMM, 7.62x25 Tokarev and 9x19), (9x19 and 9x19 7N21 Russian), (9x18), PP-91 Kedr /Wedge (9×18 PMM), PP-93 (9×19 PMM), PP-90M1 with helical magazine (9×19, 9×19 7Н21/7Н31), (9×19), AEK-919K Chestnut (9 ×18), OTs-02 Kiparis (9x18) and SR-3 Veresk (rather a unique design, acting as a gas outlet, fires powerful 9x21 cartridges). The helicoidal magazine is a smart idea to combine a large capacity (64 rounds for the Bison) with a compact size and of course it was immediately copied by the Chinese (Chang Feng 05).
And again, as far as muted SMGs go, this is definitely the best known of the H&K MP-5SD category 1 weapons, which really could be considered an "icon" weapon for the MTR. Due to the presence of concentric expansion / decompression chambers with internal deflecting flaps, the MOP-5SD can fire a standard 9×19 cartridge, which, however, is made slower (subsonic speed) in order to eliminate the most important part - the sound signature (a sign of visibility).
The weapon was also produced in several countries under more or less sanctioned licenses and inspired designs such as the Daewoo K7 (South Korea), the FAMAE SAF-SD (Chile) and the Pindad PM-2 (Indonesia). The IWI Micro TAVOR MTAR 21 (9×19 variant of the compact 5.56mm carbine) is an interesting attempt at an original modular solution, both modules have a built-in silencer.
The main disadvantage of SMGs with a built-in silencer for MTR use is that the already modest stopping power of their pistol-style cartridge is further reduced due to the need to reduce bullet speed to subsonic. The Russians have been at the forefront of work on this issue, and in the past, spetsnaz have almost completely replaced their SMGs with AK-47/AKM assault rifles with a detachable silencer, it fires a special subsonic variant of the 7.62x39 cartridge with a 193 gram bullet.
Beginning in the late 1980s, a more radical approach would be taken to specifically develop specific types of cartridges and weapons to fire them. Subsonic 9 × 39 cartridges SP5 and SP6 showed good performance in terms of practical range (up to 300 m) and penetration. These cartridges are based on the M43 7.62x39 case with a 9mm neck extension and have a heavy, streamlined bullet; The SP5 has a 260 gram bullet for accuracy, while the SP6 has a 247 gram armor piercing bullet with a hardened steel core.
The first automatic weapons designed for these new cartridges were the VSS Vintorez carbines from TsNII Tochmash and AS Val, followed by the 9A-91 and VKS-94 from KBP, the SR-3 Whirlwind from TsNII Tochmash, and the SOO OTs-14 Groza bullpup modular designs from TsKIB and the latest model (in 2007) AK-9 developed by Izhmash Kalashnikov. The basic (i.e. 9×39) Groza variant was reportedly in service with the MTR of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, while the special forces apparently chose the variant with a chamber chambered for the original US 7.62×39 cartridge.
The Western analogue is the .300 Whisper cartridge from SSK Industries, it is based on the .221 Fireball cartridge case expanded for a 7.62 mm bullet; either subsonic (220 g, 1040 ft/s) or supersonic (125 g, 2100 ft/s) versions exist. Several companies (for example, the French Stopson TFM) modified AR15 assault rifles for new cartridges, but very few of these rifles were sold.
As for the PDW (Personal Defense Weapons) class, for a short time it seemed that this weapon completely lost its originally intended market (this, however, has nothing to do with its quality and characteristics), it could find a new an important market niche, effectively replacing the SMG in the arsenals of the MTR units. However, this does not happen.
Despite the clear advantages of the PDW in terms of overall ballistic performance and especially penetrating power, whose importance will further increase due to the current widespread use of reinforced body armor, including non-combatant personnel, the PDW is purchased in relatively small quantities to replace the SMG for certain specific applications, but not for their final replacement.
An important exception is the Chinese army, which appears to be introducing the QWC-05 bullpup rifle chambered for the already mentioned 5.8x21 cartridge, it has a 50-round magazine, and will replace the suppressed Type 79 and Type 85 SMGs in service. MTR. India also seems to be moving in the same direction with the MSMC (Modern Sub-Machine Carbine - a modern submachine gun, carbine) manufactured by DRDO and the unique 5.56x30 cartridge.
Optoelectronic sights for small arms
The broad category of optoelectronic sights (or perhaps more accurately sighting systems) consists of two main groups: laser/infrared and collimator devices. Regardless of the technology, their main function is to assist the shooter in acquiring and destroying targets or a range of targets without the use of standard sights, including in very low light conditions (especially for laser / IR systems).
Laser / infrared pointers
Laser pointers create a beam that is visible as a small red dot on the target, corresponding to the bullet's impact point. This mode of operation makes them suitable for use in special combat conditions where instinctive fire from the hip is relied upon, for example, in close combat inside buildings.
There are currently two main classes of laser pointers available:
— daytime systems operating at frequencies around 620 nm to produce a red dot that is visible to the naked eye under normal daytime conditions;
- night systems operating in the near infrared spectrum and thus creating a red dot that can only be seen with night vision goggles.
Beyond this basic difference, a number of intriguing variations and improvements are possible. LAM (Laser Aiming Module - laser targeting module) from Insight Technologies Inc., adopted by the US Special Operations Command for the OHWS / H&K Mod pistol. 23.45 ACP. It has a dual laser pointer operating in the visible and infrared spectrum, plus a conventional illuminator + IR source.
Another interesting model is the increasingly popular AN / PEQ-2, which, in addition to the IR pointer, also works as an IR “searchlight”, which allows (through night vision goggles) to identify a target at a long distance, as well as provide adequate combat visibility in absolute darkness (for example, at night inside a building or in a tunnel).
Reflex sights
The so-called collimator (red dot) systems operate on a completely different principle, where the red dot is visualized inside the sight superimposed on the image of the target, and not physically projected onto the target itself as in a laser system. Accordingly, red dot sights have no signature and nothing can be detected on the target.
Leading suppliers of red dot sights to the military and police include the Swedish company Aimpoint, which originally invented the system, and the US companies Tasco and Weaver. The Aimpoint Comp M model was purchased in large quantities, starting with 100,000 sights ordered in 1997 by the US Department of Defense under the designation M-68, plus 10,000 ordered by France in 2000, 60,000 sights delivered to Sweden in 2003-2005, later Italy ordered 24,000 pieces.
The M2 features enhancements such as 4 daylight settings and 6 low light settings, as well as new CET (Circuit Efficiency Technology) diodes to reduce power consumption. It quickly became a popular red dot sight for weapons such as the H&K MP5 SMG, H&K G36 and Colt M16A2 assault rifles, the Colt M4 carbine and the FN MINIMI/M249 machine gun.
The tactical model R3.5 includes additional features such as illuminated reticle and a maximum magnification of 3.5x (previous models were without magnification). An 8 mm exit pupil combined with a wide field of view allows you to quickly acquire stationary and moving targets.
The CompM4 series of sights (in the US Army, a variant of the M68 CCO (Close-Combat Optic)), is said by the company to be the most advanced series of sights it produces. Improvements include high energy efficiency, which means 8 years of continuous operation on a single AA battery! The CompM4 sights have an integrated holder, which eliminates the need for a separate ring, and with the help of vertical and front spacer washers, it can be installed on various weapon systems.
A specific and potentially dangerous characteristic of collimator systems is that, under certain lighting conditions, their front lens can produce reddish reflections. For this reason, some Comp M users equip their scopes with a honeycomb anti-reflection device.
Mirror systems, which could be considered a variant of red dot technology, were first introduced a few years ago by Bushnell. These devices replace conventional light dots with a holographic reticle that becomes visible when illuminated by built-in light sources and that can be selected from several different configurations (traditional or open reticle, double ring, 3-D rising marker, etc.) .
The main advantages of reflex sights over traditional models are the ability to increase the brightness up to 20 depending on the operating conditions and the elimination of possible parallax errors caused by the need for the shooter to simultaneously focus his eye on the red dot and the target, which are on two different focal planes.
SLR systems, such as the Trijicon series, have very high accuracy and extremely high target acquisition speed, while miniaturization components make it possible to create extremely compact and lightweight devices for handguns. For example, this is the Docter Sight sight (46×25.5×24 mm, 25 g) which also has automatic brightness adjustment depending on the lighting conditions in the direction of the target.
A further step forward in the design of sights and their parameters was the SpecterDR model from Elcan (Raytheon), recently adopted by the MTR command. It is claimed that this is the most advanced combat optical rifle sight in the world. The SpecterDR is actually two scopes in one, combining a 1x wide field of view (24°) telescopic sight with a long range telescopic sight (4x magnification, 6.5° field of view).
Switching between the two sighting modes is instantaneous and unlike scopes with zoom mechanisms, the reduction in eye strain and optical design is optimal. The battery-powered LED light has two ranges: one illuminates the entire crosshair for long range applications in low light, and the other illuminates just the red dot in the center in close combat conditions. The null function is included in the built-in mount, the scope mounts on Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails.
The Trijiton RX01-NSN reflex sight is designed for the US military and is designed for close combat. The reticle in all reflex sights are illuminated with both fiber optics and tritium, guaranteeing the shooter a bright, well-defined aiming point in any light. RX01-NSN is part of the SOPMOD M4 weapons systems used by US Army Special Forces
Aimpoint CompM2 in the US Army received the designation M68 CCO
assault rifles
In most cases SOF units are simply equipped with short barreled/folding or compact carbine variants of standard assault rifles with telescopic stocks, these are perceived as more suitable for special operations despite their inherent loss in actual range, accuracy and penetrating power.
More recent examples of variants specifically built for non-traditional combat would be the Colt CAR-15 (later M4 COMMANDO/XM177) and the Russian AKSU-74. The latest development is the Israeli IWI GALIL ACE, based on the proven mechanisms of the GALIL rifle, but with a chamber for a 5.56 mm cartridge, it is equipped with a telescopic stock. ACE is available with three different barrel lengths.
Collimator principle. The lens is used to create a virtual image (top) of a red object. By collimating the image using a reflective lens (middle) or refractive lens (bottom), the image can be projected to infinity
In early 2004, the US Special Operations Command issued a SCAR (Special Forces Combat Assault Rifles) requirement for a family of combat assault rifles for the MTR. The basis of the requirement is two different calibers, high interchangeability of parts and identical ergonomics. After the first tests in the preliminary selection, the SCAR system developed by FN Herstal remained the first and only choice of the command. The SCAR system consists of two highly adaptable modular rifle platforms, i.e. 5.56x45mm NATO SCAR-Light (or SCAR-L) and 7.62x51mm NATO SCAR-Heavy (or SCAR-H), and an improved grenade launcher (EGLM or FN40GL ). Both SCAR platforms are available with two different barrel lengths: a CQC barrel for close combat and a standard barrel for longer ranges.
The search for increased combat flexibility by US military personnel led, firstly, to the development of the so-called SOPMOD kit (Special Operations Peculiar Modification - a special modification for special operations), it consists mainly of commercial ready-made accessories for the M4 carbine. Although originally developed by the SOF command for themselves and issued to special forces personnel, the SOPMOD kit quickly became very popular among infantry units, partly due to its inherent advantages, but also partly due to some kind of "Mystery of the SOF".
However, in 2003, the USSOCOM command - also exploiting the growing interest in SSOs due to the brilliant results of their use in the open phases of Operation Permanent Freedom - decided to move beyond SOPMOD and launched a bold program for a new assault rifle, specially created for their individual requirements - SCAR ( SOF Combat Assault Rifle - combat assault rifle for MTR).
Initially, SCAR was conceived as a multi-caliber modular system capable of using (of course, due to the replacement of the barrel and other main parts) not only Western samples of cartridges, but also Russian cartridges "released" after operations, but since then practical considerations have led to a narrowing of the choice : cartridges either 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm NATO standard. FN Herstal, acting through its US subsidiary FNH, developed a new family of weapons in an incredibly short period of 10 months, and after a series of comparative tests won the corresponding contract.
The extreme flexibility of the SCAR will allow USSOCOM personnel to configure their weapon as a very compact 5.56mm carbine for urban combat on the one hand, and as a 7.62mm carbine for reconnaissance with long-range precision fire on the other. An "H" (Heavy) variant will also be available to increase penetration. In practice, USSOCOM thus cut the Gordian knot of the supposed lack of lethality of the 5.56mm cartridge by simply adopting, i.e., switching to the old 7.62mm cartridge if necessary.
SCAR is the only Western assault rifle designed specifically for the use of the MTR and put into service. In USSOCOM, it should replace five types of weapons: Mk18 CQBR, M4A1, Mk12 SPR, Mk11 SASS and Mk14 EBR.
One can also consider a special category as an intermediary between SMGs and assault rifles, although in technical terms it would be more accurate to say that this is a variant of the latter. It is represented by weapons that are available in 5.56mm and 9mm variants, or more interestingly, the user can easily switch from one caliber to another. The main logic of this two-caliber weapon is to simplify logistics, it will also allow training on one weapon, while providing a flexible solution for SOF personnel.
A typical recent example of this class is the IWI X95 based on the . It is interesting to note that IWI originally developed and marketed only the 9mm weapon, known as the Mini-TAVOR. This was a requirement of the Israeli SOF, which led to the fact that the Mini-TAVOR was abandoned and was replaced by a two-caliber model.
The MTR units were the initiators and first users of the currently popular large-caliber long-range rifles to destroy manpower and materiel. In the picture, the McMillan TAC-50 is in service with the American MTR
IWI X95 is a typical rifle from a special category of two-caliber weapons. Allows you to quickly switch from a 5.56x45 cartridge to a 9x19 cartridge in accordance with the operational task
The silenced Mk11 sniper rifle was originally developed for the MTR based on a commercial product; has since been adopted by the US Army as well
Unlike other military units, SOF soldiers retain a huge interest in pistols and actually use them. Pictured is a Heckler&Koch HK45 pistol in action.
Sniper rifles
SOF units often use the same bolt-action sniper rifles adopted by the army, despite the fact that they could get better (and more expensive) optics on occasion. Another issue, however, is silenced sniper rifles, which are usually of little interest to the army (but this is now changing, the evidence is the new M110 SASS for the US army), but extremely important for the activities of the SOF.
The Finnish Vaime SSR Mk1 (7.62mm NATO) is a very popular design, while other models have emerged, such as the Accuracy International AWC Covert with a folding stock (a rare solution for sniper rifles) and a removable barrel/integral silencer for ease of transport, which is rumored to be in service with the 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force group) as part of USSOCOM, the British 22 SAS rifle, and a similar French PGM Ultima Ratio / Suppressed. It must be understood that real jamming requires subsonic cartridges (either due to the design or operation of the silencer), which drastically reduces the maximum range of destruction to 200–400 meters.
However, based on the nature of their tasks, MTR snipers are much more likely to use semi-automatic rifles; this has led in many cases to the adoption of advanced modification kits for existing rifles or models specifically designed for the MTR.
A typical example is the Mk12Mod0/1 SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) with a NATO 5.56 mm cartridge, created by the Crane Division of the US Navy Surface Weapons Research Center. It is based on the AR15/M16 hull, but complemented by off-the-shelf parts, including most notably an 18-inch heavy stainless steel float-mount rifled barrel designed by Douglas Barrel and an M4 rail adapter (RAS) from Knights Armament Company. SPR, in service with the Navy SEALS special operations forces, optimized for the Mk262 cartridge with a bullet weighing 77 g (Mod 0 = HPBT, Hollow Point Boat Tail (cartridge with a notch in the head and with a tapering tail), Mod 1 = OPM, Open Tip Match (increased accuracy)).
Prior to the development of the SPR, USSOCOM introduced the Mk11Mod0 sniper rifle chambered in 7.62mm NATO. This is a modified version of the KAC SR-25 design and has also recently been adopted by the US Army along with the M110 SASS rifle (with minimal additional modifications).
Let's move on to Russia. The SVD-S is a folding stock variant of the widely used Dragunov chambered in 7.62x54R. Originally designed for paratroopers, it was also adopted by special forces. A more SSO-specific design is the SVU-OT 03, introduced in 1991. This is a bullpup weapon (the trigger mechanism and bolt carrier are located behind the fire control handle (inside the butt)) based on the SVD, but having a shorter barrel, while the SVU-A variant has a fully automatic mode. Reportedly, spetsnaz are intrigued by the compactness of the weapon (total length 900 mm, weight 4 kg without accessories).
By and large, MTR units were the inventors and first users of large-caliber weapons for the destruction of people and materiel at long distances, which has since become extremely popular in armies around the world. Also, the requirement formulated by the naval special forces in 1983 for an intermediate cartridge between 7.62 mm NATO and 12.7 × 99 (.50 BMG), which would allow shooting more accurately at distances up to about 1200-1550 m, led to the subsequent introduction and wide distribution of the excellent cartridge .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6 × 70).
The Barrett M82A1/A3 is definitely a 12.7mm anti-materiel rifle that is very widespread around the world, while European models might include the Accuracy International AW-50 (AS-50 is a semi-automatic variant) and the PGM HECATE II. The Russian design, specially designed for the FSB, is very interesting. This is a semi-automatic bullpup rifle. It is equipped with a silencer built into the barrel, a unique subsonic cartridge STs-130T 12.7 mm (case length unknown) with a monolithic bronze bullet weighing 900-1200 grams was created for it.
machine guns
While there are no light (LMG, i.e. 5.56 mm NATO) or universal (GPMG, 7.62 mm NATO) machine guns specifically for the MTR, but again the MTR fighters have an irresistible desire to modify and adapt any weapon that they could take into their arms.
For example, in 2000 USSOCOM accepted the Mk46Mod0 LMG as a deeply upgraded version of the US Army's M249 LAW (FN Herstal MINIMI) after a long process of testing and testing. Modifications included, for example, only belt feed (alternative feed from the magazine was removed), the carrying handle was removed, the barrel was shortened by 40 mm, a titanium bipod was added, a new stock and a Picatinny rail over the cover. The overall length is reduced to 915 mm and weight to 5.9 kg.
Almost the same applies to GPMG. USSOCOM initially adopted the compact variant of the M60 (M60A3/A4) with a shorter barrel, light bipod and forward grip. After some reliability problems due to the very intensive use of this weapon in the hands of special forces, a program was launched for a new light machine gun LWMG (Light Weight Machine Gun). Despite the designation, it retained the 7.62 mm NATO caliber. The competition was again won by FN Herstal with another MINIMI variant classified by USSOCOM as Mk48Mod0. It retains the general configuration of the Mk46, but is longer at 1010 mm with a 502 mm barrel and 8.28 kg heavier without ammunition.
Other Western LMG designs developed for the possible use of the MTR are the NEGEV COMMANDO, the H&K MG4E and the Denel Mini SS and SS77 Compact.
Interestingly enough, Russian gunsmiths followed exactly the opposite path of development. Unlike the West, initially there was no requirement for lighter and more compact LMG / MG, simply because such weapons as the RPD, RPK-74 and PKMS fully satisfied in this sense.
Combat experience in Afghanistan and later in the Caucasus, however, led the special forces to formulate a requirement for a special automatic weapon of the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) department. For this requirement, TsNI Tochmash developed the Pecheneg as a variant of the PKM with a heavier barrel chambered for the formidable 7.62x54R cartridge. Although the mass is somewhat reduced due to the removal of the quick-detachable barrel standard for PKM (the steel casing around the barrel contributes to heat dissipation, allowing you to shoot up to 600 bullets continuously without breaking), but Pecheneg weighing 8.7 kg due to other alterations does not have weight savings.
SWAT seem to be much more interested in long-range accuracy and end-of-trajectory efficiency (a very important feature in mountainous terrain!), which suggests a combination of a powerful cartridge and a heavy, non-removable barrel. As a squad weapon, the SAW should not be confused with an LMG or MG.
Pictured is a muffled MP-5SD with a 9×19 SMG cartridge in the hands of a Finnish combat swimmer
The 5.56 mm M4 carbine with the SOPMOD modification kit is currently the main individual weapon of the American MTR
A Chinese naval special forces soldier armed with a Type 95 5.8x42 assault rifle with a 40mm AG91 automatic grenade launcher
There is a market for PDWs like the FN Herstal P90, but it's not as big as initially expected.
Spetsnaz is currently evaluating a further development of the PKM design, the AEK-999 Badger. It has additional enhancements such as a forward grip, a sophisticated muzzle brake/flash suppressor, a slightly shortened barrel (605mm) and a special silencer.
A particularly interesting model of a special weapon for the MTR is the new 40-mm Mk47 STRYKER automatic grenade launcher. It was specially designed for the USSOCOM command and did not have any special requirements from the MTR. Rather, it was intended to be a direct replacement for the ubiquitous standard Mk19. However, the very high cost of the weapon, as well as its special proximity fuse ammunition, led the Pentagon to limit its production and distribution to USSOCOM units. The only possible rationale for his entry into the SOF is that the more intensive training of the special forces and the expected better fighting qualities will justify the excessive costs.