Spetsnaz[note 1] (Russian: Спецназ) are special forces in many post-Soviet states. Historically, this term referred to the Soviet Union's Spetsnaz GRU, special operations units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Soviet General Staff (GRU).
Spetsnaz, an abbreviation of “special purposes forces” in Russian, is a term that describes the specialized units of the Russian military, law enforcement, and intelligence services.
The Russian acronyms SPETSNAZ (spetsialnogo naznacheniya) and OSNAZ (osobogo naznacheniya), both meaning "special purpose", are general terms used for a variety of special operations forces (or regular forces assigned to special tasks).
Spetsnaz refers to elite special purpose forces within Russia, a term that has become widely recognized globally. These units are integral to Russia’s military and security apparatus, undertaking a range of complex and high-stakes operations.
The GRU Spetsnaz are special covert forces under the Russian Federation’s Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (GU/GRU). The GU is Russia’s main wing of foreign military intelligence, and reports directly to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of General Staff.
Spetsnaz missions vary from battlefield reconnaissance and behind-the-lines sabotage to training guerrillas and, increasingly, supporting allied regimes against insurgencies and protests. They have played a significant role in all recent deployments, including in Crimea, the Donbas, and Syria.
Spetsnaz refers to a wide range of Russian special forces units, known for their rigorous training, versatility, and involvement in high-risk military operations and covert missions.
This thesis focuses on the evolution of the Spetsnaz from 1979–2021 as part of a more extensive examination of how Russia executes its irregular warfare strategy.
Russia’s Spetsnaz special forces have acquired something of a mythic status in both Russia and the West, yet while there has been a certain amount of study of their roles, organisation and capabilities, little is still known about the men who make up this force.
Spetsnaz refers to special forces units in Russia, renowned for their rigorous training, stealth tactics, and versatility in various types of warfare. Originating in the Soviet Union, these elite soldiers undertake missions ranging from reconnaissance to direct combat and counter-terrorism.
Spetsnaz[note 1] (Russian: Спецназ) are special forces in many post-Soviet states. Historically, this term referred to the Soviet Union's Spetsnaz GRU, special operations units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Soviet General Staff (GRU).