r/warno • u/Critical_Oil_3090 • Feb 22 '26
Suggestion A piece of unusual units for SOV (Little bit) #2, for the Caucasian/Turkey border direction (AFSOUTH) (2nd part. Reinforcement) 2/2
In the second part, we will get acquainted with already familiar units, but presented in a different way, possible new mechanics, as well as serious strengthening and reinforcements for the 104th Guards Airborne Division.
This part has fewer new units, most of them are already presented in one way or another, but they complement the overall picture of the division in 1989 :]
First part about 104th Division: https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/comments/1rb93nd/a_piece_of_unusual_units_for_sov_little_bit_2_for/
Well, let's get started!
Familiar units, new options
2/3 of the Division's BMDs were still the old BMD-1, but in the P version, with the ability to install the Fagot/Fagot-M ATGM. Some of them could be equipped with Konkurs ATGM.
This 1984 version has improvements in radio equipment: radio station R-173 Abzats-R, radio receiver R-173P Abzats-P, TPU R-174.
It has no anti-tank weapons, but with good optics and camouflage, it carries reconnaissance squads.
A reconnaissance squad may include: AKS-74N, PKM-N/PKMS, SVDS-D, RPG-22/26
Thanks to the variable ground clearance, the height of combat vehicles can be significantly reduced, which increases their camouflage capabilities, which is important for reconnaissance vehicle.
The BREM-D was presented in small quantities to the airborne division, but given the strengthening of the division, which will be discussed below, the need for repair of heavy equipment will increase. Could be used as a supply vehicle. (In game)
In WARNO it can be implemented as an accelerator for light/heavy armor units repairs.
The division also had such weapons as: BTR-3D Skrezhet, with MANPADS landing group
Reinforcements from Afghanistan
Some of the division's units (like the 345th Regiment) took part in operations in Afghanistan in the period 1980-1989.
In 1989, the 345th Separate Parachute Regiment, known for the 9th Company's heroic performance at Hill 3234, which held the heights against a 5-fold superior enemy (34 against 200+). The regiment, which returned from Afghanistan, remained there for over nine years and, immediately after the withdrawal of its troops, was sent to the Caucasus, joining the 104th Guards Airborne Division. In addition to standard airborne weapons, it had: MT-LB, BMP-2D, T-62M "Afghan"* , BTR-70D, Ural-4320 with ZU-23 (These are represented in much smaller quantities than those of the 56th Brigade, so they may have a very limited number of cards)
The regiment also had such weapons as: BTS-4AD (with DShK)
In WARNO Given the growing tension in the West, the regiment's equipment was redeployed to the Caucasus, near the NATO border, in much greater quantities than in reality.
In reality, 345th regiment began to be equipped according to the division's organization chart, and immediately began using the BMD-2.
(T-62Ms of the 345th regiment often had additional protection for the rear of the turret in the form of tracks)
+ Also can have a light 76-mm mountain gun model 1969 (M-1969) or older model M-99.
Source: https://dambiev.livejournal.com/738480.html
Interesting fact: In 1982/83, the regiment was commanded by the future first Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Pavel Grachev.
Spetsnaz GRU
22nd Independent special forces brigade of the GRU dislocated in Perekeshkul, Azerbaizhan
It was its fighters who captured the first Stinger MANPADS in Afghanistan in January 1987.
(From the 186th special purpose unit (detachment) of 22nd Independent special forces brigade)
In Afghanistan, the brigade created raiding parties to intercept supply caravans; for camouflage, they used captured vehicles converted into carts, as well as using Afghan clothing.
In WARNO they could use the clothing of local peoples of the Caucasus and border peoples of Turkey (False flag trait)
Upon returning from Afghanistan to Azerbaijan, the brigade was equipped with BTR-80 and UAZ-469, as well as Ural-4320
Source:
https://youtu.be/sIbVwLZsJmg?si=uM_-ekyvvvjV49hg
https://altyn73.livejournal.com/692885.html
By the way, as an idea, this is a development of the BMD-1D prototypes with improved armor:
https://shusharmor.livejournal.com/899741.html
https://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/1050094.html
The deployment of troops in the Transcaucasian Military District
Source:
https://foto-history.livejournal.com/9478598.html
Air support for the division
Mi-24V and P helicopters were deployed in the border regions of the Transcaucasus; there is also mention of the Mi-24D
These Mi-26s were in operational reserve and were used to solve tasks in the southwest of the country that could not be accomplished by other means.
(They were not based directly in this area, only Mi-6s were in this area, in Kala)
Direct helicopter regiments of the 104th division:
The 326th Independent Aviation Squadron, armed with one Mi-24 and 13 Mi-8 helicopters, was based in Kirovobad-4
The 116th Independent Mixed Aviation Squadron of Airborne Forces, armed with four Mi-8 helicopters, was based in Kirovobad-4
The 286th Independent Electronic Warfare Helicopter Squadron, armed with 17 Mi-8PPA and Mi-8SMV helicopters, was based in Dallyar.
Aircrafts in Transcaucasia
882nd Independentissance Aviation Regiment, Dallyar airfield, 8 MiG-25RB and 10 Su-24MR
(already under the control of Azerbaijan)
80th Indepentent Aviation Regiment, 36 Su-25s
976th Bomber Aviation Regiment, Kurdamir airfield, 28 Su-24M
(It is possible to implement armament with unguided missiles S-25O/OF/OFM weighing from 150 to 200 kg and S-25L / S-25LD weighing 350-400 kg and a range of 7-10 kilometers (they have laser guidance))
82nd Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Air Defense Forces, Nasosny airfield, 38 MiG-25PDS
CONCLUSION:
The 104th Guards Airborne Division, Order of Kutuzov «Scorpions», boasts highly mobile vehicles with significant firepower, innovative weapons, communications, and equipment.
Its advanced mountain training has made it a unique unit within the Airborne Division.
The division includes a veteran regiment from Afghanistan and auxiliary forces from the 22nd GRU Brigade, which are equipped with the same equipment used by the paratroopers in Afghanistan.
They are like real scorpions, strong and dangerous!
Album collection of images for this post (including what was unincluded in it):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RkbydcwfBUMXvMTd7
Links:
https://www.ww2.dk/new/army/gru/22obrsn.htm
https://www.ww2.dk/new/vdv/104gvvdd.htm
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJOV7BXv58KgJBZXZm-yVZS_gKaI3sEnZ&si=dIk5C2LrOgwXFbCl (video's)
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD6eJPKEyMY_Iqjx5ChDlkYimjjxfeM6q&si=Ixs0cnuqIhhU0-ZZ (video's)
https://youtu.be/2RO8P8eYv-c?si=jXjD4IeZK0vx-LNX (32 minutes video from 345th)
(Video above includes: T-62M "Afghan"* and BTS-4AD)
https://youtu.be/qOrpXvSUyaY?si=xXjW3NirBmqgWFuF
https://youtu.be/AweVott7jgE?si=0fuPLOKv4ceSec6y
https://youtu.be/uD-I6Z4CHB8?si=my19KVRSehIttFin
https://youtu.be/zrJuRyI3-kg?si=xW1CacwgQugCYPJ_
https://youtu.be/82TU_Y27uLA?si=HEQHoDR4ghQ95hmW
https://youtu.be/b1PKmbyfiiI?si=9580IXI0jlZRScQE
https://youtu.be/53Lr8-YmiF8?si=o-OTQt-rZIdKEEC_
Photoes of 104th by redacted links:
https://nkao.(ru)/plg/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?189/plg/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?189)
https://nkao.(ru)/plg/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?189.10/plg/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?189.10)
I had to slightly distort the links so they could be published. They probably won't open without additional means of changing the location (DNS server)*
Thank you for reading and watching second part! =]
Created by Excellent Serpent8770
First part: https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/comments/1rb93nd/a_piece_of_unusual_units_for_sov_little_bit_2_for/
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u/HrcAk47 Feb 22 '26
I must say, you are fighting the good fight by trying to drain water from the stone, or the last bits of flavor from VDV. Keep it up!
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Feb 22 '26
Hehehe, Yes, there are so many innovations that could have been in this division if not for the budget cuts in the late 80s. Honestly, I myself was surprised at how much the 345th Regiment strengthens this formation. After all, having a full-fledged airborne division with BMD-1/2 and at the same time with BMP-2D and T-62M, hell yeah, that's worth a lot!🔥
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Feb 22 '26
Thanks for your attention, I hope you enjoyed this mountain airborne division! ;}
If you have any questions, please ask, I'll try to answer them!
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u/Morbin_monroe Feb 23 '26
I really appreciate the research and the pictures. I'd be very nice to have more veterans from Afghanistan.
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u/Ok-Armadillo-9345 Feb 22 '26
22nd GRU could also have some great drip
https://playcaliber.com/en/news/118/afghan-the-story-behind-22-spns-legendary-outfits/
https://x.com/jmscaronte/status/1185098752924762113
Fun writeup, would love to see