Reference News Network, February 26 report: An article titled "How the Special Military Operation Transformed the Russian Armed Forces" was published on the website of Russia's "Izvestia" on February 24. The full translation is as follows:

The special military operation has become a catalyst for large-scale transformation of the Russian armed forces. All branches have undergone profound transformation: from adapting to combat conditions, to reforming structural organization and tactics, and then significantly increasing the production of weapons and military equipment.

Force Structure Adjustment

The structure of the Russian armed forces has undergone significant changes. In February 2024, 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 joining NATO, which increased the direct border between Russia and NATO. In addition, the Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Zaporozhye Oblast, and Kherson Oblast were incorporated into the Southern Military District.

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

Combat methods have also changed. Comprehensive campaign operations have been replaced by mobile strike groups. The use of BAJA vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road motorcycles allows soldiers to quickly pass through open areas, achieving "invisibility" for enemy artillery.

In 2025, unmanned systems units entered the armed forces. This decision was a practical necessity: today, drones carry out 80% of fire strikes on the contact line. The establishment of this new branch with an independent command system will be completed in 2026, making the Russian army the first in the world to formally assign such a level to unmanned combat operations.

Regarding unmanned equipment, the application of ground unmanned systems is also noteworthy. Logistics transport, area mining, acting as mobile firing points, and evacuating injured personnel—these are some of the tasks that unmanned equipment can already perform.

Weaponry Upgrade

The Russian military has modernized 190 types of equipment based on combat experience. Air defense systems can now shoot down Storm Shadow missiles and the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Military vehicles are equipped with additional armor, and armored equipment is fitted with passive and active protection systems against drones.

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

The emergence of the "Kinzhal" missile system is a milestone. After its first deployment in November 2024, Russia began mass production of this missile system. By the end of 2025, the first missile brigade had already been established.

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

On December 17, 2025, Russian Defense Minister Belousov announced that the first regiment equipped with the S-500 air defense missile system has begun combat duty. This system not only defends against aerial targets—airplanes, drones, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles—but can also shoot down near-space targets.

During the special military operation, troops were also equipped with new high-mobility self-propelled artillery "Kalinovka" and "Sosnovka-K." These new self-propelled artillery pieces 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 major changes. In 2022, the Azov Sea became again a Russian inland sea. The navy completed the underwater mine clearance work at Mariupol Port and established the Azov Naval District within the Black Sea Fleet's formation.

Since autumn 2022, a long stretch of the front line extended from the suburbs of Zaporozhye along the Dnieper River to the Black Sea. To operate on the river and along the coast, Russia established the Dnieper Flotilla.

The Russian Marine Corps once again demonstrated their courage and heroism, and all units were awarded the honorary title of "Guard." The Marine Corps is transitioning to a division-level structure. Marine divisions will be responsible for defending remote territories such as the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kaliningrad exclave, the islands of the Kurils, and remote Arctic areas.

In general, all naval forces have gained extensive combat experience in missile strikes—whether by surface ships, submarines, shore-based missile systems, or naval aviation forces.

The navy has also gained important experience in air defense and anti-unmanned equipment. The navy has learned to effectively counter NATO countries' anti-ship missiles, drones, and unmanned surface vessels under enemy electronic interference. At the same time, Russian naval forces have also been equipped with domestic drones and unmanned surface vessels for striking various targets and performing reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and supply delivery missions.

The navy has also been equipped with underwater vehicle carriers—the nuclear submarines "Belgorod" and "Khabarovsk." It is reported that they can carry the latest "Poseidon" underwater unmanned submersibles powered by nuclear propulsion.

In 2025, the Northern Fleet welcomed the first icebreaker patrol ship "Ivan Papanin." These ships will play an important role in potential confrontations in the Arctic.

In conclusion, the Russian army in 2026 is no longer the old, cumbersome structure it used to be, but a highly technologically advanced organism. Digital command, artificial intelligence in drones, and hypersonic strike capabilities are deeply integrated with the valuable experience of thousands of soldiers and officers. (Translated/Wei Lianglei)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7611078218761863689/

Statement: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.