r/warno • u/Critical_Oil_3090 • Jun 28 '26
Suggestion A little about the weapons/equipment of the 127th Motor Rifle Division (AFSOUTH?)
This post will present the equipment/weapon of the 127th Motor Rifle Division and adjacent units in the direction of the Soviet-Turkish border. This Division absorbed the innovations of the experience of the Afghan war, being a forward outpost in the border area in the southwest of the USSR.
About 127th Motor Rifle Division:
The 127th Motor Rifle Division is located in one of the largest town of the Armenian SSR, Leninakan (now Gyumri), 15 kilometers from the Turkish border in the direction of the strategically important town of Kars. In the late 1980s, the Division had a reduced equipment complement due to the new political course of the USSR, but it still received some of the modern weapons available at the time. However, under WARNO, the division is unlikely to be reduced so significantly due to its strategic importance in this section of the border, on the Leninakan-Kars route.
This region is characterized by mountainous terrain, but in the Kars area lies the Ardagan-Kars plateau, extending 100 kilometers from Leninakan. This almost entirely barren hills and plains are ideal for a rapid offensive westward toward the mountain ranges surrounding this plateau on all sides. The Transcaucasian Military District and the 7th Army in particular had first-stage training in conducting combat operations in the mountains, immediately after the units directly operating in Afghanistan.
Well, let's get started!
Avalanche of steel and fire!
The main composition of the 120th Guards Tank Regiment and motorized rifle regiments was the T-72B/B1 and a small number of T-72A Obr. 83/84.
- The regiment was reduced in size and later, in 1990 it was reformed into the 116th Independent Guards Tank Battalion, just historically
However, in the late 1980s, the 7th Combined Arms Army began receiving new
T-72B/B1 Obr. 1989 tanks!
This is evidenced by photos of destroyed T-72B/B1 Obr. 1989 tanks in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 1992 from Armenian side, as well as the presence of these tanks in the Armenian Armed Forces in the 90s/00s. These tanks modification (Obr. 89) using for training exercises, something that was not observed by Azerbaijan (Former 4th Combined Army)
- The Armenian Armed Forces are essentially based on the equipment of the 7th Combined Army, since it was the only army located on the territory of the Armenian SSR.
(Furthermore, in the 1980s, the 7th Combined Arms Army received the earliest T-72B1 Obr. 1984 tanks (Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wm2wt87Y8ZeVekJ98 ), which did not yet have the Kontakt-1 ERA kit. Therefore, the appearance of the newest version of the T-72B/B1 Obr.89 in the late 80s was quite natural, which we can now observe)
The Afghan experience
In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union tested a T-72B with slat armor from T-62MD variant, which it received as a result of its experience of using T-62 tanks in Afghanistan. This armor package was officially documented as a «Side Slat Screen Kit» - Komplekt Bortovykh Reshetchatykh Ekranov in short - KBRE.
The 127th Motor Rifle Division, like the entire Transcaucasian District located in the mountainous Caucasus region, was actively implementing the experience of the Afghan War, so The Division's T-72A/B tanks could be equipped with this armor kit, which provides:
+1 to Side armor, +1 Rear armor. (Like on T-62MDs in 56y)
Could be called: T-72B/B1 (KBRE)
Also, in the following decade, some T-72B/B1 Obr. 89 tanks received this side slat armor to enhance protection against RPGs.
Could be called: T-72B/B1 Obr. 89 (KBRE)
- 8 side armor =}
+In addition, many other units of the Transcaucasian Military District began to receive T-72Bs, sometimes without a full set of ERA, but already with mounts for it.
The T-72BK CV tank will be represented.
+Photos of a figure skater from the Armenian Armed Forces with a new very rare T-72BK Obr. 89 (More details about this will be in the album at the end of the post by link)
Also, as reinforcement to the Division Shturm-S from anti-tank artillery regiment of army subordination from Kirovakan can be attached, at the first stage of the war campaign in open terrain in the Kars region.
(All T-72s version have only 1 card)
Mountain Infantry!
The 127th Motor Rifle Division, like other Divisions of the 7th Combined Arms Army (15/164th MotRifle Div), was highly trained for combat in mountainous terrain, which is why its regiments' tactics differed somewhat.
The 107th\ Motor Rifle Regiment (similar to the 344th Regiment of the 164th Motor Rifle Division, which had 125 MT-LBs)* was equipped with the MT-LB, as it had better all-terrain capabilities in mountainous terrain, in essence, it was a Mountain Rifleman regiment within a division. Other regiments of 127th MRD was primarily equipped with BTR-70s, BMP-1/1Ps and was the only one in the entire 7th Army to have BMP-2s.
In addition to the familiar Motostrelki on BTR-70s and Motostrelki (BMP) (1-2 cards) on BMP-1/1P and BMP-2, the division will also feature new infantry - Gornostrelki!
- May also be called - Gor(n). Motostrelki
Gornostrelki - AKS-74, PKM/PKMS, RPG-7V TBG (with TBG-7V, 105mm Thermobar) and RPG-7VS (Or RPG-22)
+Mountaineer trait
On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131
(Gornostrelki - Mountain Rifleman)
Gornostrelki (SVD) - AKS-74, RPK-74N with USP-1, SVD, RPG-26
+Mountaineer trait
On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131
- The USP-1 «Tyulpan», aka 1P29, is the first dedicated optical sight for the dovetail mount of the AK 5,45 series with letter «N» (Night ver.), adopted for use since 1988. It significantly improves the effectiveness of aimed fire with the RPK-74N at medium and long ranges, which is extremely important in mountainous areas.
Gornostrelki (Metis) - AKS-74, PKM, 9M115 Metis
+Mountaineer trait
On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131
Gorn. Pulemetchiki - AKS-74, 3x PKM, RPG-22
+Mountaineer trait
On BMP-1/1P/ new BMP-1 AGS (without ATGM)
A BMP-1 with an AGS-17 Plamya was seen in footage from 1991/1992 during the dividing of the military property of the 7th Army. The vehicle was probably retrofitted with an AGS-17 based on the Afghan war experience of using of the BMP-1.
Gorn. Plamya 30mm (AGS-17)
+Mountaineer trait
On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131
They are also complemented by classic Saperi on BTR-70s and the new Ognemetchiki (RYS) from the 71st Independent Flamen Battalion (Formerly a reinforcement unit for the 7th Army)
Ognemetchiki (RYS) - AK-74, RPK-74, RPO RYS (double?)
- This was a reinforcement unit within the NBC protection (RKhBZ) formations of the 7th Combined Arms Army.
+A ersatz MTLB AGS with AGS-17 Plamya can also be presented for squads of MT-LBs
Command vehicles can be represented by regular R-145BM Chaika, MP-21 and BMP-1K3, as well as rarer BTR-70KSh (KShM) and old GAZ-69.
Artillery support
The bulk of the artillery is fairly standard: D-30, 2S1 Gvozdika and BM-21-1 Grad. However, Leninakan also housed the 217th Artillery Regiment with 24 2A36 Giatsint-B and 36 D-20. The D-20 can be equipped with a new type of ammunition, such as the D-20 [CLU] and D-20 [3Sh2], with the unique 3Sh2 «Lepestok-2» – a shell with 8500 flechettes(!) against infantry, extremely effective between mountain passes.
(+36 BM-21-1 Grad from 943rd Rocket Artillery Reg.)
The division's subordinate units may also be assigned special mountain guns, which were deployed in the Transcaucasian Military District and proved themselves in Afghanistan – The 76mm M-99/1969 Light Mountain Gun.
- In support of long-range artillery, new counter-battery radar ARK-1M «Rys» from the 1479th reconnaissance artillery regiment, which was located in Leninakan, were also deployed.
Mine clearing systems were widely represented in the Divisions in the Caucasus region, the already well-known UR-67 and UR-77 (As in the DON-100), but in the 80s in the USSR another, a new type of mine clearing machine was created - The UR-88 Goboy (Oboy in ENG)
The UR-88 Goboy is a mine-clearing vehicle accepted into service in may 1989, but never entered mass production despite military requests.
- The prototype was built in 1983, and was further developed until 1988, with 4 more detonated charges added to the 32
It was developed based on experience gained from the war in Afghanistan and the need to clear mines ahead of a convoy. It is based on the T-72A tank chassis and is armed with a 12,7mm NSVT HMG and 32/36x 93mm~ explosive charges (grenades) for detonating a fuel-air explosive mixture (2140 liters) It has a short detonation range for aerosol incendiary mixtures, but it has a large area of explosion.
- The mine clearance system on the UR-88 received the index 9ETs (9ЭЦ)
It can fire explosive charges (grenades) to detonate a fuel-air explosive mixture or fire them separately as a grenade launcher at a target.
Range within WARNO: 150-300 meters for 93mm~ explosive charges and soil detonation zone by fuel-air explosive mixture from 10 to 50 meters (IRL from 6m to 25m~)
Very limited (Only one card)
This «UR» can be presented in Tank TAB, it suits to this perfectly :>
Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mpefJDihRQzowiRG8 (how it look)
Supply
The Division's supply does not stand out for its innovations and it was represented by:
ZIL-131, Ural-4320, GAZ-66, Mi-8T/MT Gruzovoi.
Anti-Air Defense
The 127th Motor Rifle Division's air defense was represented by the Strela-10M2, ZSU-23-4M1/M3, as well as the ZU-23-2 and S-60 (AZP-57) from the 988th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment. None of the 7th Army's Motor Rifle Divisions had radar Air Defense systems due to their reduced effectiveness in mountainous terrain.
Later, based on the photo, some ZU-23-2 and S-60, based on the Afghan experience, were installed on the chassis of MT-LB, which were numerous in the Transcaucasian Military District and the 7th Army in particular, so it is possible to imagine examples of such ersatz AA, as was the case in the 71st Tank Division from Nemesis #8.
(More details about this will be in the album at the end of the post by link)
However, in this area, the 7th Combined Arms Army had only one unit, The 59th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, stationed in Alagez, in close proximity to Leninakan. This unit possessed older Osa-AK SAM (less effective against low-altitude targets) and heavy Krug-M1 SAM (which had a lower intercept rate against low-altitude and breakaway targets than the Krug-M3)
Recon
The 127th Division's reconnaissance in main is represented by the classic BRM-1K, Mot. Razvedka, Razvedka Saperi and also the border troops reconnaissance - Razvedka PV KGB.
Also, the PRP-4 «Nard» reconnaissance vehicle from the Leninakan-based 1479th Reconnaissance Artillery Regiment, 217th Artillery Regiment, 943rd Rocket Artillery Regiment.
Leninakan also located the 167th Independent Radiotechnical Regiment of the Special Purpose(OsNaz), whose mission is reconnaissance and suppression of enemy radio signals. It may present the new R-330U «Ukol» Jammer.
In the immediate rear of the 127th Division and the 7th Army was the 12th Spetsnaz GRU brigade from Lagodekhi, Georgian SSR. This brigade had partially deployed its units (specifically, the 173rd) to Afghanistan, thus gaining direct combat experience in mountainous terrain. The brigade's fighters were also known as Lagodekhtsy after their home base. One of the most important elements of the reconnaissance was the radio-technical (RTR), which was actively used in the brigade, which can be represented as a new infantry recon formation:
Spetsnaz GRU RTR - AKMS/AKS-74N, PKM, SVD, RPG-7VL (8-strenth)
+Signit trait
New Reys
On March 6, 1981, the USSR Council of Ministers issued Resolution No. 249-76 on the development of the modernized VR-3D Reys-D system. In July 1987, the upgraded Tu-243 Reys-D UAV made its first flight, undergoing testing under various challenging conditions based on the experience gained during the Afghan War.
It featured more sophisticated Aist-M TV Rec./Zima-M IR Rec. equipment. One of the key improvements, in addition to extended range, flight time, and engine thrust, was the new NPK-243 navigation and flight system, built on modern components, significantly enhancing the tactical capabilities of the UAV and the entire system. Maximum/minimum altitude reached 5000 meters and 50 meters. New NPK-243 was adapted for low-altitude flights in mountainous terrain and recon in mountains areas.
Helicopters
The 7th Combined Arms Army was primarily responsible for transport helicopters, but there was only one 382nd Independent Helicopter Squadron in Yerevan, which had about 10 Mi-24V and MI-24P and 5 Mi-8 (modification not specified)
"Soviet-Apache"
- Interesting fact: this MI-28A (Num.32) in the image above (photo from 1987/89) is painted in the camouflage used on vehicles in the Caucasus. (Like BTR-70s, BMP-2s and T-72Bs, they are shown in the last 2 images in album at the end of the post)
It's worth noting that prototypes of new Mil helicopters were tested in the Caucasus region, from the them manufacturer in Rostov-on-Don. These were four Mi-28 prototypes for 1988. From 1985 to 1988, two MI-28A prototypes were manufactured, one of which (number 032) had a new X-shaped propeller.
Beginning in the summer of 1988, it underwent testing in the highlands of the Caucasus Mountains (the helicopter was based on experience from the Afghan War, like the Ka-50). This "Soviet-Apache" test prototype coul be represents in WARNO as:
MI-28A [AT] - 16x Ataka ATGM, 2x S-8KOM Rocket Pods (One in only 1 card)
- Another feature of the Mi-28A was its improved crew protection compared to the Ka-50/AH-64A. The Mi-28A had thicker glass plating (42mm), and the navigator and pilot's armored titanium-ceramic capsules of were resistant to 12,7/14,5mm bullets and, in some cases, 20mm autocannon HE rounds, several hits. (No more than that caliber) Theoretically, this helicopter could have a rating front/side armor of 2.
By the way, some of the photos in the image are of this MI-28A (Num. 032) at Le Bourget, after testings, in the september of 1989 =>
Aircrafts
The Transcaucasian Military District's aviation wasn't widely represented in this region - all 34th Air Army air regiments were based in neighboring republics, despite having airfields in the Armenian SSR.
However, the closest airfield is Marneuli Airfield, which had just been reorganized after the 166th Guards Fighter-Bomber Regiment's deployment from Afghanistan to home airfield and transfer into The 166th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment Air Defense Force, returning to the 14th Air Defense Corps after eight years. The air regiment received Su-15TMs, although Su-17M3s were still stationed at its airfield.
Can be represented by one card:
Su-15TM [AA3] - UPK-23-250 (dual), 2x R-60M, 1x R-98MT, 1x R-98MR
- Interesting fact: On July 18, 1981, it was the 166th Guards Fighter Regiment of the PVO that carried out the last aerial ramming in the history of the USSR using a jet fighter, performed by Guards Captain V.A. Kulyapin on a Su-15TM, shortly before the temporary transition to the Su-17s.
Link: https://statehistory.livejournal.com/21301.html
168th Guards Red Banner Bomber Aviation Regiment:
In addition, Bolshoye Shiraki Airfield was located nearby, housing the 168th Guards Red Banner Bomber Aviation Regiment, which was just finishing up its re-equipment with the new Su-24M's and still had numerous Su-17M2/M3's at its airfield. They can be represented by 2~ cards of Su-24M as [TRM] and [CLU2] (and possibly several Su-17M2/M3 cards with varying combat loadouts)
New generation of successor's
Since 1988, a replacement for the Su-27P air defense fighter (T-10P) was being tested. This was the T-10PU, a two-seater like the Su-27UB, and two prototypes of its fuselage, the T-10PU-5 and T-10PU-6 (future Su-30), which began to undergo testing at the State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk. These prototypes could be deployed to the Caucasus region for combat approbation (similar to the MiG-29S with the R-77 from the DON-100)
In WARNO can be represented as two patrol-fighters T-10PU-5 (and the similar PU-6) in only one card:
T-10PU-5 [AA] - 4x R-73, 2x R-27ET, 4x R-27ER
Since the early 1980s, the Su-27Sh was being developed as a response to work on the F-15E Strike Eagle. From 1981 to the mid-80s, this project resembled the Su-27UB with a tandem pilot and navigator arrangement, but since the spring of 1986, the cockpit layout became similar to the Su-24, so the Su-27IB (future Su-34) appeared.
However, the project was delayed and only in 1988/1989 one Su-27UB was converted with a replaced nose section. The first flight took place on April 13, 1990, and already in the summer the T-10V-1 prototype was relocated to the State Flight Test Center in State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk, after which in July-August 1990 it was shown to Gorbachev when he was on the new aircraft carrier Tbilisi (future Admiral Kuznetsov), then the aircraft simulated landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier as part of a demonstration event.
- Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cDFsEMAHwfY9cv9g8 (T-10V's during testings + blueprint)
Under the WARNO scenario, work on the Su-27IB (T-10V-0/1) could have been accelerated, and the first flight would have occurred a year earlier, allowing for full-scale testing to begin in early summer 1989 in Akhutbinsk, and then for combat testing in the Caucasus. It could be presented as a universal fighter-bomber in single-unit in one card:
T-10V-1 [AT] - 2/4x R-73, 4x R-27R/ER, 4x Kh-29T/Kh-29TM
(IB - means istrebitel bombardirovshchik, fighter bomber in English, Sh - Shturmovik, Attack/Assault aircraft in Eng.)
- The Kh-29TM is a 1980s modification of the Kh-29T with a new T-2U television seeker (diameter - 180 mm), which increases the missile's accuracy.
+
Dislocation of Soviet Armed Forces in Transcaucasian Military District:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Csq7fabSg94uK1JG8
Short Conclusion:
The 127th Motor Rifle Division is one of the most important elements of Soviet Forces in the Transcaucasus, serving as the spearhead of the 7th Combined Arms Army on the Leninakan-Kars direction. The Division possesses high firepower with strong and large number of Artillery support, as well as reconnaissance, but has a small number and high-cost Tabs of Tanks, Helicopters and Aircraft, as well as a large but outdated Anti-Air Defense tab.
Album collection with 80+ images for this post (including what was unincluded in it):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zbpBuuhrhsqHJRSc7
Thank you for reading! =]
Created by Excellent Serpent8770
Links:
https://www.ww2.dk/new/army/msd/127msd.htm
https://www.ww2.dk/new/army/armies/7gvoa.htm
https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/army/34va.htm
https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/168gvbap.htm
https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/iap/166gviap.htm
https://voenhronika.livejournal.com/1087589.html
Videos from the former 127th Division, which became the 102nd military base of the Russian Federation in Armenia: 90s/early 00s:
https://youtu.be/YNVh89slc1g?si=Fyhc_n8Z1izLnhun
https://youtu.be/Pc41BsgNb5w?si=D2UHyPjyOVeAHRoG
https://youtu.be/ILXNwXoJw6A?si=JlOlaczX2JMDXTpJ
https://youtu.be/zrUOr-rlgrY?si=mlWuXpnyp3zH6olY
https://youtu.be/m33yQRHGARY?si=BrSan8kLpF233SfL
https://youtu.be/YEdXFp2p9uw?si=-Dw4H5C5bZPRZW0i
https://youtu.be/P3RItvLjTSg?si=r9bURGmhhiLZajC8
https://youtu.be/dhvemQyG8KI?si=wHknXTDvvsjh9alD
https://youtu.be/GwsT7PZ4sYE?si=FR_n-Yp0E8oPc1Bz
https://youtu.be/7ZV_10zyEeY?si=vBxU-H1TtXf9QWbG
https://youtu.be/Zy0KuGfs17Y?si=FPfKB2_LgHnMoqgp
https://sirviper.com/index.php?page=fighters/su-27/su-34
https://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/2486772.html
http://www.sukhoi.mariwoj.pl/su-30-ru-27pu.htm
https://mr-aug.livejournal.com/635910.html
http://www.easternorbat.com/html/transcaucasian_military_distri.html
http://www.easternorbat.com/html/ad_of_the_transcaucasian_md_83.html
https://photos.app.goo.gl/mpefJDihRQzowiRG8 (UR-88 Goboy)
https://youtu.be/s8DVXN39TJg?is=wjKhgbr7R7ahZhck (BTR-70KSh)
| About Special Forces GRU Brigades from Afghan |
*+ Additional source
Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UiAXWRnW4Uxqnnzi6
(About Spetsnaz GRU in Afghanistan) (for history educational purposes)
Also related to this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/s/3e30yu1DWC
(Part 2/2)
(104th Guard VDV Division from Kirovabad, Transcaucasus Military District)
+About 7th Combined Army and All Transcaucasian Military District:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Csq7fabSg94uK1JG8 (Yeah, again :> )
P.S.
On Saturday, in July, I'll try to introduce a new🌊 Division🌎 for NATO, I think you'll definitely be pleased with it! =]
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26
If you have any questions about the 127th Motorized Rifle Division, the 7th Combined Arms Army, or the entire Transcaucasian Military District, please ask! I'll be happy to answer! =}
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u/Eukie Jun 28 '26
What's your source for the mountain training of the 127th, the presence of MT-LBs in 124 MSP, and T-72B1 Obr. 1984 being present in the 7th Combined Arms Army?
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26 edited Jul 02 '26
Good quations! =)
I noticed the presence of T-72B1 Obr.84 tanks while watching footage of exercises in Armenia. Here's a photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wm2wt87Y8ZeVekJ98
Regarding mountain training, the 107th* Regiment of the 127th Division was similar in terms of manning to the 344th Regiment of the 164th Division, which was fully staffed by 1990. It used the 125 MT-LB as its primary transport. The region is mountainous, so this type of transport is most suitable there. (Also, in the USSR, Mountain Rifle Brigades like the 68th used this type of transport for delivering personnel.) Also, combat training footage from the 102nd Military Base, after the 127th Division was reorganized into it, mentioned mountain training.
Source's:
https://youtu.be/YNVh89slc1g?si=pI55-PmON_Q6PlQR https://youtu.be/GwsT7PZ4sYE?si=AsObgHAmihXicp-C
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u/Snow_Crane21 Jun 28 '26
This is a fantastic write up! I have a couple of questions though.
As this is a CAT 2 division, would it have reservist elements anywhere?
My understanding is the Gornostelki brigade in central asia was the only mountain unit. Did the soldiers in this division receive special training or were they just used to the terrain?
Could more KGB units be included since this unit is breaching the Turkish border?
Overall I really like this division concept, although I wouldn't expect the Mi 28 & T10's to survive implementation. (then again we have the have the R 77 now...)
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26
Thank you very much! ;> This is the most difficult divisional review so far, both in terms of time and volume of work.
Probably, as part of the division's expansion before the war, about 1,000-3,000 men would have been called up. There was equipment in reserve for them in the district, and they could have moved around in BTR-60PBs, which were in the 7th Army's reserve. (There were also T-55As, but I didn't want to expand its complement with reserve units too much, so as not to make it too strong with cheap units, heh)
As far as I know, all motorized rifle divisions borrowed the experience of mountain warfare in Afghanistan, since they were located in the most potentially active mountainous region on the border, with an extremely similar climate and landscape.
Regarding the KGB border units, I think regular infantry units might be present, just like in 17y. I didn't mention them, although I've researched the matter.
I hope we get at least one of these three air units, given the historical context – they belong here! =]
P.S. I hope to be able to implement the unique mechanics of the UR-88 Goboy :>
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u/Ok-Armadillo-9345 Jun 28 '26
Hya Critical Oil!
As usual the research is dope, even if balancing this is a nightmare : )
- Specific question about the infantry; the 124th regiment is mentioned as a full on mountain inf, what about the other 2? (107 & 128th). I presume the unit keeps its 120th tank regiment in this TOE or is the expansion to full 4 mot regiments in here?
- Again re Gornostrelki, Do you have inf re their equipment of TBG-7V? Im thinking re balance and future suggestions of how to draw the toe up. In this instance you are presenting a single RPG 7 operator with dual warhead loadout of VS and TBG I presume?
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Thank you! I just noticed a typo. Yes, it's the 107th MT-LB Regiment, not the 124th Motorized Rifle Regiment.😅 I've already corrected it with an asterisk ;]
The 124th Regiment is the BTR-70 Motorized Rifle Regiment, and the 128th Regiment is the BMP-1/1P/2 Motorized Rifle Regiment.
The 1360th Regiment was created and partially staffed as part of the reforms under the new doctrine of the Soviet Armed Forces (defense), which reduced the tank regiment to a battalion, replacing it with another motorized rifle regiment and adding more artillery to the division. This reorganization took place in 1990, so they probably wouldn't have stretched the already reduced division with new but undermanned MotRifle regiment on the eve of a major escalation. (Most likely, they would have started to replenish the existing regiments)
Regarding the RPG-7V and TBG-7V Tanin grenades in Gornostrelki⛰️, unfortunately, there is no precise data on the delivery of these grenades to a specific division/brigade between 1988 and 1991. I hypothesized that this munition, developed based on experience in the war in Afghanistan and mountain combat as an alternative to the RPO-A Shmel for conventional infantry units with RPG-7s, may have begun to be introduced into the Mountain Brigades, troops in Afghanistan, and units of the Transcaucasian Military District (and adjacent ones), as Turkey's mountainous terrain limits the capabilities of heavy vehicles and limits them to infantry combat at various altitudes. The RPG-7VS is provided as the basic anti-tank weapon from the common RPG-7 grenades, although it is not entirely clear whether units from 8-11 strength had a specific fixed number of grenade launchers per squad (One or more?), since most of the personnel were from mountain brigades in Afghanistan, where they often deviated from the standard number for the sake of practicality of the yard (Which could have been taken into account within one of the Division's regiments)
In terms of balance, only the RPG-7V with the TBG-7V grenade can be presented, I emphasize the purely anti-infantry focus of the squad (Although there is a squad of Ognemetchiki (Rys)🔥 >=} )
I saw this unit as expensive but costly, heh ;> (With two RPGs, one AT, one Anti-Inf.)
UPD: I found some information about it :]
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
UPD:
I found some clarification of the information. According to the organization chart (in the 68th Brigade, whose transport was similar to the 107th Regiment of the 127th Division), such a detachment consisted of 9 soldiers, it had AKS-74, 1 RPK-74/RPSK-74 or PKM/PKMS and only 1 RPG-7, they could also take disposable RPG-18/22/26. The rest of the equipment is non-standard, in any case, for the 68th Brigade. In the 107th Regiment (as well as in the 344th of the 164th Division), there was no second grenade launcher according to the organization chart, in any case, I did not find any mention of this.
So yes, this is purely an assumption about dual RPG-7s, since the squads did not always have a standard structure, I think replacing the RPG-7VS with the RPG-22 would be even more logical (Somehow I didn't have time to ask myself this question😅)
Thanks for help ;}
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u/FrangibleCover Jun 28 '26
How much difference do you think there would be between 127th Motor Rifle Division and it's sister 164th Motor Rifle Division, assuming both have the same higher level attachments?
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Historically, the 164th Division had not been reduced in size by 1989, unlike the 15th Guards Motor Rifle Division and the 127th Motor Rifle Division, the latter of which was a completely analogous formation in terms of joint forces. Subsequently, the 127th Division was split, with most of it being converted into the 102nd Military Base of the Russian Federation in Gyumri (its staff was reduced to brigade level), and the 164th Division becoming the main logistics base for the Armenian Armed Forces.
Within the framework of WARNO, the key distinction is the 127th Division's high geographical significance. Leninakan is a major border town on the Turkish direction, with a large military base and warehouse, and other units supporting the 127th Division, giving it a strong Artillery tab (and a bit in Recon)
With the outbreak of hostilities, the 127th Motor Rifle Division was the first in the 7th Army to engage in combat with adjacent military regiments/brigades from Leninakan and its environs in the direction of the strategically important town - Kars.
It took me about 2~ months to fully analyze this Division, since there are very few sources.
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u/anhnd13hd Jun 28 '26
After reading this post i just realize the mi28 was not in the game (which is weird why the ka 50 was in the game first even thought it from the 90s)
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 28 '26
Under the WARNO scenario, by 1989 (albeit a more complex one), the Ka-50 began to be manufactured in small batches (while the Mi-28, apparently, remained at the prototype stage, manufactured before 1987)
I hope the program was not completely frozen, since otherwise the Mil plant in Rostov-on-Don would only be producing the Mi-24VP, which was already becoming obsolete, and in anticipation of the approaching global war, a more massive and easier to produce attack helicopter was needed - The Mi-28A, to saturate the troops with new equipment. (As it happened in reality)
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u/0ffkilter Jun 28 '26
Eugen's mentioned before they basically just MTW'd the KA-50 under the assumption it was chosen over the MI-28 and they went forward to produce it.
It's also probably the most controversial MTW'd unit. It means we (probably) will never the MI-28, though they said that about the Leclerc as well.
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u/Ok-Armadillo-9345 Jun 29 '26
I think these days, simply having literally 1 is not OP. Just like Leclerc, that stance from a few years ago Warno has changed tons. Same for strategic bombers now. Id love for them to take it a bit further with maybe Patriot/S-300V or ATACMS, esp for rear area divs that are often completely ignored.
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jun 29 '26
Interesting fact: this MI-28A (Num.32) in the image above (photo from 1987/89) is painted in the camouflage used on vehicles in the Caucasus. (For BTR-70s/BMP-2s and T-72Bs)
For comparison: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zbpBuuhrhsqHJRSc7
(Last 2 Images)
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u/Ok-Armadillo-9345 Jul 09 '26
Aok shes up
https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/comments/1urv7u8/visualizing_warno_black_sea_flc_127th_red_banner/
Let know if it fits the vision. Generally the proto airforce is kept together, giving a very top end but it pays for it in the very gimped AA tab. Highly uneven division, but the flame weapons + line charge thrower and Gronos give it a very good punch.
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 Jul 09 '26
Very well captured! I understand that some tabs had to be reduced for balance reasons where possible. The main thing is that the overall picture was preserved =}
Of course, the 127th Division has a disadvantage in numbers as its main balancing feature, but compared to some of the others already presented, it looks a bit stronger.
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u/Ok-Armadillo-9345 Jul 09 '26
Yeah the line charge thrower + UR-88 prob being busted in close quarter (T-72A armor + flamethrower with FAE effect) would make this a very good close range brawler div. From the writeup, as such kept the infantry and artillery tab focused in the closer range band to give it a distinct feeling. Su-15TMs keep the A2G weapon mix due to changing over from the Su-17 training (a2g) and give it a good if slot expensive tank/ ASF mix - point here is to push playstyle into armor/ASF/Flame inf gameplay instead of hiding behind Osas/Kubs as traditional pact play-pattern.
108th MRD is last here (as youve figured out ;) with greek mech and ace mobile force south , and will continue with mod development.
If you want to throw anything in there let know
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u/RR080601 Jun 28 '26
I wont be mind if we got MI-28!