The History of Soviet Airborne Uniforms in Afghanistan
The Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989) was a pivotal conflict during the Cold War era, where the Soviet Union sought to maintain control over Afghanistan by supporting the communist government against the growing Mujahideen resistance. One of the most prominent units involved in the conflict was the Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV - Vozdushno-Desantnye Voyska), which played a critical role in combat operations, rapid strikes, and strategic deployments. The Soviet airborne soldiers, often referred to as "paratroopers" or "VDV," were known not only for their elite status and combat prowess but also for their distinctive uniforms, which evolved during the war. This article takes a closer look at the Uniforms history of the Soviet Airborne in Afghanistan , their functional adaptations, and their symbolism. 1. The VDV Identity and Uniform Pre-Afghanistan Before the invasion of Afghanistan, Soviet Airborne Forces had a well-established identity with unique uniforms that set them a...