Russian Special Forces Gear

Introduction:

The Russian Federal Security Service, or FSB, is the most modern iteration of the Soviet-era KGB. Within it, the FSB utilizes a variety of special forces, or Spetsnaz, units. The most famous of these units is Alpha. Alpha is a Spetsnaz unit within the FSB that focuses on counterterrorism and paramilitary operations both domestically and internationally. Although todays post is going to take a general look at some gear utilized by Russian Special Forces, I wanted to mention Alpha group specifically because of how famous they are for their gear in particular. Alpha group and others use an interesting mix of Eastern and Western technology and equipment. I thought that it would be fun today to find some examples of some Russian Spetsnaz soldiers and do a deep-dive into their gear.

Details: 

Source: https://www.theakforum.net/forums/17-krinkovs/235353-photos-izhevsk-made-aks74un-specnaz-fsb-russia-alpha.html

First off, we have this heavily modified AK-74U. From what I've seen, Russian special forces really like Western optics. Here we see a Trijicon reflex sight mounted to a side-rail picatinny mount. Unlike many side rail options on the US commercial market, this one puts the sight significantly higher up. Toward the front of the weapon, we see some classic Russian Zenitco accessories. These include the 'gooseneck' rail that is used to mount what appears to be a Zenitco light directly under the muzzle. Speaking of the muzzle, it looks like the normal 'booster' style AK-74U flash hider has been replaced with what appears to be a "Strela" flash hider. From what I can gather, these flashhiders are more effective and are preferred over the standard ones. 

Source: https://vk.com/konstantin.lazarev1982?z=photo123450606_456246847%2Fphotos123450606

Next, we'll take a look at this guy and his 9mm Vityaz submachine gun. Once again, we see the use of a Western optic. This time around, its an Aimpoint Micro T or H series. Continuing on the western theme, we see that this guy's Vityaz is equipped with a buffer tub adapter, onto which he has a Magpul CTR-type stock. The Russian-made porducts on his gun seem to just be a Zenitco extended charging handle, the suppressor, the rail (likely Zenitco), and the laser. 

The gear that the soldiers are wearing also seems to mimic the style of Western special forces. Russian special forces are known to wear a mix of legitimate and clone gear. Here, we see what looks like either an OpsCore helmet or a similar clone. On one of the soldiers in the background. We see what looks like the cummerbund of a Crye Precision JPC, which is a popular choice among Western special forces.

Source: https://vk.com/konstantin.lazarev1982?z=photo123450606_456247239%2Fphotos123450606

Finally, we'll take a look at this guy. The rifle this soldier is using a new AK-type rifle with a RPK-stlye trunnion. This is is the same family as the AK-12 rifles. As you can clearly see, every rifle in the picture has a Western optic. The one in his hands has an Elcan SpecterDR scope, while the rifles on the table in front of him appear to have Aimpoint Micro H-series red dots. 

The stock, while obviously not a typical AK stock, may actually be a variant of the OEM stock seen on the new AK-12 series of rifles. These seem to use a buffer-tube-like system, although I believe they differ dimensionally.

Conclusion:

One funny thing I find about many of these Russian operators with Western optics is that in many cases, there are restrictions on exports of optics to Russia. In many cases, high-level soldiers with many connections are able to get EO Tech sights, for example, either through diplomats that travel to unrestricted counties, or on Russian aftermarket/black market. It really goes to show how Russian optics technology seems to be lacking compared to the West. Many Russian red dots and holographic sights have a blue or purple tint to the lens, whereas Western optics are clear. 

Pictures taken of soldiers in training, like in today's post, often show more than it may seem. Digging into what gear is being shown can give insight into proficiencies and deficiencies in Russian manufacturing. Clearly, the West is doing something right in terms of protective gear and optics, because its so good that even the Russians can't help but like it.