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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) 25th Special Mission Forces Division, also known as the “Tiger Forces,” had held a new parachuting exercise with support from the Russian military, TV Zvezda reported on June 24.
The exercise saw more than 100 paratroops from the elite division preforming their first jump from Russian Mi-8AMTSh helicopters.
According to TV Zvezda, the Syrian paratroops received training at a new facility that was built and equipped especially for airborne operations. They were also equipped with Russian-made parachuting systems.
In March, the 25th Special Mission Forces Division conducted its first ever parachuting exercise. Some 60 paratroops took part in the exercise that was overseen by Russian military advisors.
The division, that is known for its urban warfare skills, is currently working to acquire experience in airborne operations with help from the Russian military which has vast experience in this kind of operations. The division is planning to turn all of its personnel into paratroopers.
TV Zvezda revealed that the paratroops of the 25th Special Mission Forces Division will jump in full combat gear, at night, as well as into the water in future exercises.
The division remains the SAA’s main strike force on the frontline with the northwestern region of Greater Idlib, where several factions of al-Qaeda are active. It has been also leading counter-ISIS operations in the central region.
