SPETSNAZ GRU
RUSSIAN MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SPECIAL FORCES | GLVR
“Выше нас только звёзды” (Above us only the stars)
Unit Overview
Spetsnaz GRU (Special Purpose Forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate) are the Russian military’s premier special operations forces, operating under military intelligence command rather than conventional military structures.
Originally created for deep reconnaissance, sabotage, and assassination behind enemy lines during the Cold War, modern GRU Spetsnaz have evolved to include counter-terrorism, direct action, and unconventional warfare capabilities.
Standard Equipment
- AK-12 / AK-74M Assault Rifle
- AS Val Integrally Suppressed Rifle
- Tiger-M Special Forces Vehicle
- 1PN93 / 1PN139 Night Vision Devices
Known Operations
Spetsnaz conducted reconnaissance, ambushes, and interdiction missions against mujahideen supply lines and leadership.
GRU Spetsnaz units involved in Crimea annexation and ongoing operations in Eastern Ukraine, often operating without insignia.
Advisory and direct action missions supporting Syrian government forces, including artillery spotting and targeting.
CLASSIFIED: Training & Organization
GRU Spetsnaz training emphasizes extreme physical endurance, hand-to-hand combat (Systema), survival skills, and foreign language acquisition. Training lasts 2-3 years and includes parachuting (including HALO), mountain warfare, and Arctic survival.
The GRU maintains at least 8 Spetsnaz brigades (2nd, 3rd, 10th, 14th, 16th, 22nd, 24th, and 346th), each with specialized capabilities. Each brigade contains approximately 1,300-1,500 personnel organized into battalions and companies, with further specialization into reconnaissance, sabotage, and counter-sabotage units.
