During the current edition of the Zapad-2021 exercises, Russian and Belarusian forces rehearsed a large airborne assault maneuver, for which 32 helicopters of the Mi-8 family were used, protected by 14 Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28N Night Hunter attack helicopters.
The Zapad-2021 maneuvers, held from September 10 to 16, are one of the largest military exercises in Europe, in which 200,000 soldiers and a multitude of air, land and maritime assets from Russia and Belarus (with minority participation of other invited nations) will be deployed along a 2000 km long front, starting from the Baltic Sea. A clear show of force to NATO.
Large-scale air assault
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a decision was made to conduct a tactical air landing, in order to prevent the approach and deployment of enemy reserves (simulated) to the front line. For this purpose the air assault unit of the Ulyanovsk Airborne Guard Troops was deployed.
The landing of the units was carried out from 32 Mi-8 transport and combat helicopters. The helicopters also landed Sarmat-2 special vehicles, and D-30 howitzers with their ammunition, to provide the troops with heavy fire support and mobility.
To provide protection in the area where the Mi-8s were being deployed, 14 Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28N Night Hunter attack helicopters patrolled the area, equipped with rockets, anti-tank missiles and 30mm guns.
The presence of the ubiquitous Mi-24/35 could also be observed, beating simulated enemy positions by cannon and rocket fire.
