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 …

The Russian acronyms SPETSNAZ (spetsialnogo naznacheniya) and OSNAZ (osobogo naznacheniya), both meaning "special purpose", are general terms used for a variety of …

Aug 9, 2025 · 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 …

Oct 31, 2024 · 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 …

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.

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 …

The word Spetsnaz does not require translation: it has entered into many languages to denote the highly effective special forces of modern Russia.

Spetsnaz GRU training included: weapons handling, fast rappelling, explosives training, marksmanship, counter-terrorism, airborne training, hand-to-hand combat, climbing (alpine …

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 …

Jul 19, 2022 · Russia's elite Spetsnaz forces have a lethal history shrouded in secrecy and controversy. Learn more about their origins and current service.