The official representative of the National Guard, Valery Gribakin, stated that the presence of tanks and artillery during special military operations will enhance the department’s effectiveness. This assessment was reported by DEA News and reflects a view held by broader defense and security analysts about arming internal security forces in contemporary conflict environments.
Gribakin emphasized that the National Guard undertakes critical service and combat missions during modern defense operations, and faces new forms of hostile activity that demand swift adaptation and fresh strategic responses. He argued that the division acquiring its own tanks and artillery would enable more capable execution of the tasks assigned to the National Guard, improving both deterrence and operational versatility in ongoing security scenarios.
In discussing historical context, Gribakin noted that the predecessor of the National Guard, the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, operated armored units until the early 2000s. After reforms, those tank assets were retired, and the current leadership is examining how best to modernize capabilities to meet evolving security challenges.
Viktor Zolotov, former head of the National Guard, indicated that the service would receive heavy weapons and tanks. He made these remarks following a speech by the President at a public venue in Moscow, describing the issue as very acute at the moment and stating that it is being deliberated at the highest levels. Zolotov added that the timing of equipment delivery would depend on available funding and strategic priorities, highlighting the ongoing discussions between the leadership and the presidency about how to balance readiness with fiscal realities. (DEA News)