New equipment has been adopted by Vitebsk paratroopers

The first batch – nine "Kaiman" armored vehicles – was ceremonially handed over to the personnel of the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade by the Deputy Minister of Defense for Armament – Chief of Armament of the Armed Forces, Major General Sergei Simonenko.

The commander of the special operations forces of the Armed Forces, Major General Vadim Denisenko, told journalists about the advantages of the new combat vehicle. The vehicle is the first development by Belarusian designers and is made almost entirely of domestic components. "This moment is very important for us, as it allows for technical support within Belarus," he emphasized.

The mobile vehicle is designed for the movement of mortar units and their joint operations with airborne units in the same formation, which allows for inflicting fire damage and ensuring the safety of personnel. In terms of its technical characteristics and combat capabilities, the vehicle is not inferior, and in some indicators, it surpasses similar models in service with foreign armies. A machine gun module can also be installed on the vehicle – it all depends on which units it is intended for.

"This is a completely different class of equipment. The requirements that we set for this development have been fully met. This is a fundamentally new machine, created from scratch to meet the requirements of the special operations forces," emphasized Vadim Denisenko. The commander of the special operations forces of the Armed Forces also noted that the rearmament began last year with the 103rd Brigade, as it is the only unit from the Armed Forces of Belarus that is part of the collective rapid deployment forces of the CSTO. In total, in 2018, this formation received 32 BTR-70 MB1 armored personnel carriers and 18 units of the 2B23 towed rifled semi-automatic mortar.

"Nona M1". The planned continuation of this process is currently underway. In parallel, Brest paratroopers are also being equipped, having also received a divisional set of 2B23 "Nona M1" mortars. In July, their combat capabilities will increase due to the delivery of BTR-70 MB1 armored personnel carriers.

The combat qualities of the "Kaiman" will be tested in action at the Brest training ground. "In a month, we will be testing this equipment in full. During the main military inspection, it will undergo a full check, and the personnel will demonstrate the skills they will acquire in the near future for its mastering (shooting, driving). Everything will be according to plan," added Vadim Denisenko.

BELTA.