Belarusian soldiers ready to endure freezing temperatures

For the first time in the history of our Armed Forces, special operations forces are to parachute onto a drifting ice floe in the Central Arctic Ocean. Liaising with the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the CSTO member states, they will pursue educational humanitarian search and a rescue expedition, towards the North Pole. The soldiers have been training in Pskov, at the 76th airborne assault division base, and are now being transferred to the Kola Peninsula.


The parachute drop will be challenging, due to lack of distinct landmarks, high winds, lack of visibility and low temperatures, notes the Deputy Force Commander of Special Operations on Airborne Training, Colonel Vladislav Stepanyuk, who heads the Department for Airborne Training.

He notes, “The technical characteristics of our parachutes allow us to land in wind speeds of 12m per second at ground level. Before landing in the Far North, all soldiers will have experienced at least 20 jumps using the ‘Arbalet-2’ parachute system, which allows for paratroopers landing in a tight group within a clearly defined area.”

Vladimir Gabrov, who heads the unique Skif military-patriotic special training centre for pre-induction youth, in Rechitsa, notes that specialised equipment and food is being taken on the mission, to suit the tough conditions expected.