The VSS Vintorez: Whisper Of Spetsnaz

In use since 1987, the Vintovka Snayperskay Spetsialnaya finds its home in Special Forces, conducting clandestine missions when targets need to be taken out from close range up to distances of 400 meters.  Nicknamed the ‘Vintorez,’ or thread cutter, it’s an extremely effective design, and uses two important elements that enable it to live up […]

Special Operations reading list: A few of my favorite hidden gems

I love reading about Special Operations history. It’s amazing what information can be found in published sources if you’re prepared to dig around. There’s a whole hidden history that can only be compiled by doing some deep research and really looking for sources. Thankfully, some former operators penned books that are well worth tracking down. Here […]

Kalashnikov unveils new kamikaze drone, already being used by Russian military

During the international defense exhibition known as IDEX 2019, the Kalashnikov Group, the famous rifle manufacturer, revealed a kamikaze-style drone. Judging from the limited information available, the KUB-BLA Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is very small, with dimensions of 1210 х 950 х 165 mm. “This is an extremely precise and very effective weapon, incredibly hard to […]

Malware messages and phone calls: How Russian Special Ops won in Ukraine

While America and its allies have been fighting insurgencies in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Russians have been perfecting their conventional capabilities. Recently, however, they have been also building on their hybrid warfare skills. A recent study by West Point reveals how Russian special operations forces, known as Spetsnaz, have been employing hybrid warfare methodologies in […]