Russian airborne troops will receive new weaponry and equipment to increase their effectiveness and to make up for recent shortcomings evident in the recent combat with Georgia.

The paratroopers will receive a battalion of ten Nona self-propelled guns and two fire-control vehicles in August as well as an increase in the amount of wheeled armoured vehicles including the latest BMD-4 airborne infantry vehicle.

The army is also planning to modernise and procure the TIGR armoured multipurpose vehicle for reconnaissance units.

Commanders have also indicated that in line with current military reforms the airborne troops will be acompnaied by reconnaissance spy drones, and will soon adopt a tactical radio communications system with a range of 10km (6.2 miles).