Osprey Publishing ELI231 Soviet Airborne Forces 1930-91

This title explores the history of the airborne troops, the elite striking arm of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, from their inception in 1930 until the fall of the USSR. Established in 1932, the Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (“air-landing forces," or VDV) of the Red Army led the way in airborne doctrine and practice. Though they were initially handicapped by a lack of infrastructure, due in part to a turbulent political climate in the 1930s, they still conducted major drops during World War II, including at the Dnepr River in September 1943. After the war ended, the VDV became independent of the Air Force and were elevated to the role of strategic asset. The newly rebuilt divisions were now organized and trained to conduct deep insertions behind enemy lines, attacking command-and-control facilities, lines of communication, and key infrastructure targets such as nuclear power plants. This training came into play in numerous Cold War confrontations, including Soviet operations in H