The Soviet airborne forces, known as Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (VDV), were established in the early 1930s. They were created with the intention of using them for strategic deep-penetration, however during WWII, logistical challenges and the scale of the Eastern Front often forced them into ground roles. The structure of the airborne forces was adaptable, with units disbanding as needed to be used as the core of new formations. VDV troops were organized into corps (division sized) and brigades. By the end of 1941 there were 10 airborne corps, at the end of 1942, another 10 were established and by the fall of 1943, 6 more airborne divisions were added.
Their uniforms generally matched standard Red Army attire. Unlike German paratroopers, Soviet ones used standard infantry uniforms on the ground with a light blue field cap. Jump suits were issued when available along with standard infantry webbing and rucksacks. The ShL-41 padded helmet was used for jumps. This could be made from leather or canvas. Their weapons included Mosin-Nagant rifles, PPSh-41 submachine guns, and DP-28 light machine guns, light artillery, and mortars.
VDV troopers were considered elite formations and were usually designated as Guards units. Despite being used mostly as regular infantry during the war, they were often employed in an offensive manner. This was befitting of their elite status, as they were highly motivated and well-trained and could create and exploit gaps in in crucial sectors of the front. In times of crisis, they could also be deployed in a defensive role, as was the case when they were sent to help at Stalingrad. There, they were involved in brutal urban combat and the subsequent counteroffensives.
In terms of airborne operations, a couple stand out. The Vyazma Operation in January of 1942 aimed to encircle the retreating German forces of Army Group Center by deploying the 4th Airborne Corps behind them. Launched in severe winter conditions with limited supplies, the paratroopers faced fierce resistance and a lack of air support. This resulted in only a brigade from 4th corps being dropped, about 2100 men, and many were scattered far from their designated landing zones. Despite the initial shock and disruptions to the Germans, and follow up drops of another 1500 paratroopers in February, the VDV units were gradually encircled. Some paratroopers linked up with partisan groups and engaged in guerrilla warfare. Others managed to break through German lines and made their way back to Soviet forces. In the end, the operation failed to achieve its intended objective and resulted in very high casualties.
The Dnieper Operation in September 1943 sought to secure bridgeheads on the Dnieper River to support the Red Army's advance. Poor planning and execution of the drops, along with robust German counterattacks by troops which found themselves fortuitously on the drop zone, resulted in significant losses, with many paratroopers landing off-target. Of the 6500 troopers which were supposed to be dropped, only 4500 did, and they were scattered over an area 20 times larger than the intended DZ. As was the case with the Vyazma operation, the paratroopers were either hunted down, joined the partisans, or fought their way back to friendly lines as they pressed on after crossing the Dnieper. Having failed in its main objective, the operation turned out to be mostly a nuisance, diverting German resources and creating confusion temporarily.
Following this failure, the Soviet Army did not conduct any more airborne operations until August of 1945 when airborne forces were used to secure airfields and other key objectives during the invasion of Manchuria against the Japanese. Throughout the war the VDV troops distinguished themselves in combat, displaying exceptional bravery, even at the expense of high casualties. Their effectiveness as ground units, while born of necessity, highlighted the inherent quality and versatility of the VDV soldiers. Their experiences not only contributed to the overall effort to win the war, but they also helped shape the development of Soviet airborne doctrine and tactics in the postwar era.
In terms of toy soldiers, this is a service branch that had been neglected by manufacturers until very recently. This year however (2025), I have come across a couple sets which have begun to represent these courageous men. Let's take a look.
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