Russian Media: The Russian Armed Forces Undergo "Profound Transformation"

Reference News Network, February 26 The Russian newspaper "Izvestia" published an article on its website on February 24, titled "How the Special Military Operation Transformed the Russian Armed Forces," authored by Dmitry Korneyev. The full translation is as follows:

The special military operation has become a catalyst for large-scale reforms in the Russian Armed Forces. Various branches of the military have undergone profound transformations: from adapting to combat conditions, to restructuring and reforming tactics, and significantly increasing the production of weapons and military equipment.

Troop Structure Adjustments

The structure of the Russian Armed Forces has undergone significant changes. In February 2024, Russian President Putin signed an order to split the Western Military District into the Moscow Military District and the Leningrad Military District. This is a response to Finland's accession to NATO, which has increased the direct border between Russia and NATO. Additionally, the "Donetsk People's Republic," "Luhansk People's Republic," Zaporizhzhia region, and Kherson region have been incorporated into the Southern Military District.

Today, the Arctic region is also receiving more attention, as it is becoming a new stage for confrontation with the West.

The methods of warfare have also changed. Comprehensive campaign operations have been replaced by mobile strike group tactics. The use of armored vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road motorcycles allows soldiers to quickly traverse open areas, achieving "no trace in, no trace out" for enemy artillery.

In 2025, unmanned systems units will be integrated into the Armed Forces. This decision is driven by reality: on the front lines, drones now account for 80% of fire strike missions. The formation of this new branch with an independent command structure will be completed by 2026, making the Russian military the first in the world to officially grant such a level of unmanned combat capability.

Speaking of unmanned equipment, the application of ground unmanned systems is also noteworthy. Logistics transport, area mine laying, serving as mobile fire points, and casualty evacuation—these are some of the tasks that unmanned equipment can now perform.

Weaponry Upgrades

The Russian military has summarized combat experiences and modernized over 190 types of equipment. Air defense systems are now capable of shooting down "Storm Shadow" missiles and the U.S. Army's Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), military vehicles have been fitted with additional armor, and armored equipment is equipped with passive and active protection systems against drones.

In 2024, the Russian Armed Forces began using the new TOS-3 "Buratino" heavy flamethrower system. Its launch system is based on the T-72B3 tank chassis and has 15 launch tubes for thermobaric munitions. Compared to previous models, the range has significantly increased while maintaining the combat effectiveness of incendiary munitions.

The emergence of the "Hazelnut" missile system is a landmark milestone. After being put into service in November 2024, Russia began mass production of this missile system. By the end of 2025, the first missile brigade has been formed.

The fifth-generation fighter Su-57 has been participating in combat since the first year of the special military operation. Recently, the Russian Aerospace Forces received a new batch of this type of fighter. They are capable of carrying the latest Kh-69 long-range cruise missiles, which are suitable for internal bays and have a range of up to 400 kilometers.

On December 17, 2025, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu announced that the first regiment equipped with the S-500 air defense missile system has begun combat duty. This system can defend against aerial targets—aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles—and can also intercept near-space targets.

During the special military operation, the troops were also equipped with new high-mobility self-propelled artillery "Mallow" and "Hyacinth"-K. These new self-propelled artillery systems are equipped with advanced navigation systems and digital fire control systems.

Naval Power Enhancement

Over the past four years, the Russian Navy has also undergone significant changes. In 2022, the Sea of Azov once again became a Russian inland sea, and the Navy completed mine-clearing operations in the port of Mariupol, establishing the Azov Naval District within the Black Sea Fleet.

Since the fall of 2022, a considerable front line has extended from the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia along the Dnieper River to the Black Sea. To operate on the river and coastal areas, Russia has formed the Dnieper Fleet.

The Russian Marine Corps has once again demonstrated their courage and heroism, with all units being awarded the honorific title of Guards. The Marine Corps is transitioning to a division-level structure. The Marine Division will be responsible for defending remote territories such as the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kaliningrad exclave, the Kuril Islands, and the remote areas of the Arctic.

Overall, all naval forces have gained extensive combat experience in conducting missile strikes—whether from surface ships, submarines, coastal missile systems, or naval aviation forces.

Naval forces have also gained important experience in air defense and countering unmanned equipment. The Navy has learned to effectively counter anti-ship missiles, drones, and unmanned combat boats from NATO countries under conditions of enemy electronic interference. Meanwhile, the Russian Navy has also equipped itself with domestically produced drones and unmanned boats for striking various targets and performing reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and logistics transport tasks.

The Navy has also commissioned underwater vehicles—the "Belgorod" and "Khabarovsk" nuclear submarines. It is reported that they can carry the latest "Poseidon" underwater unmanned vehicles equipped with nuclear power systems.

In 2025, the Northern Fleet welcomed its first icebreaking patrol ship, the "Ivan Papanin." This type of vessel will play an important role in potential confrontations in the Arctic.

In summary, the Russian military of 2026 is no longer the bloated old structure of the past, but a highly technological organism. Digital command, artificial intelligence in drones, and hypersonic strike capabilities are deeply integrated with the invaluable experience of thousands of soldiers and officers. (Translation/Wei Lianglei)