The first units of the USSR Airborne Forces appeared in Afghanistan in July 1979. Battalion 111 of the parachute regiment of the disbanded 105th airborne division was deployed to guard the airfield in Bagram. Later on, the unit was included in the 345th airborne regiment. Initially the Airborne Forces carried out the tasks to protect crucial facilities, but as soon as in the early 1980 the ‘winged infantry’ was used to suppress the rebellions in the local military units.
During the ten years of the war in Afghanistan, 17 paratroopers became the heroes of the Soviet Union, more than 24 thousand airborne soldiers were decorated with government awards for their courage and heroism. Airborne Forces units participated in more than 200 planned combat operations against the rebels.
During the ten years of the war in Afghanistan, 17 paratroopers became the heroes of the Soviet Union, more than 24 thousand airborne soldiers were decorated with government awards for their courage and heroism. Airborne Forces units participated in more than 200 planned combat operations against the rebels.
