Ukraine, a sovereign nation in Eastern Europe (despite Russian’s best efforst), boasts a long history of military strength and resilience. With a strategic location and a complex geopolitical landscape, Ukraine has faced numerous challenges throughout its history with of course the most challenging being the recent war with Russia. As a result, the country has placed great emphasis on developing a robust and capable military force.
Ukraine’s special forces units play a crucial role in the country’s defense strategy. These specialized units are trained to carry out high-risk operations, counterterrorism efforts, intelligence gathering, and other critical tasks. They have played a very important role in the most recent conflict with Russia and are one of Ukraine’s biggest strengths in the war. Among Ukraine’s impressive array of special forces units, the Kraken Special Forces Unit stands out as a highly regarded and effective force. The Kraken unit was established to tackle some of the most challenging and sensitive missions that require exceptional skills, precision, and adaptability.
Table of Contents
- Formation and History of the Kraken Special Forces Unit
- Training and Selection Process
- Equipment and Gear
- Final Thoughts
Formation and History of the Kraken Special Forces Unit
The Kraken Regiment is a Ukrainian military volunteer unit that is a member of the spetsnaz forces of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine. It was established in 2022 solely in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The unit was founded by Azov regiment veterans as a volunteer unit. With a name inspired by the mythical sea creature known for its strength and power, the Kraken Special Forces Unit embodies those very qualities. It operates with utmost secrecy and is composed of highly trained individuals who excel in various combat disciplines and specialized tactics. The unit’s main objective is to safeguard Ukraine’s national security by neutralizing threats, both domestically and abroad.
The Kraken unit was being formed even before it had a real name or thought. Those who assembled in the Kharkiv hiding places that had been stocked with weapons in anticipation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 included many of the future Kraken Regiment soldiers. Kostiantyn Nemichev, who was in charge of the local National Corps at the time, was also recruiting volunteer soldiers. They participated in the defence of Kharkiv, and by March, after expelling the Russians from Vilkhivka, the unit had begun to take shape to the point where the name ′′Kraken′′ was chosen after a leader of the battalion suggested it based on his past in the Naval special forces.
Training and Selection Process
The Kraken Regiment, like the Azov Regiment, has drawn controversy regarding the recruitment of combatants from extreme right-wing organisations, while the troops of the regiment dispute the assertion as Russian propaganda. Although commanders in the army recognised that it was conceivable for far-right members to serve in the regiment, they said that a varied group of soldiers who were committed to defending Ukraine outweighed them. Although Kraken isn’t a recognised member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, it reports to the Defence Ministry.
The group is believed to be made up of bouncers, “gym rats,” “ultras,” and experienced combat veterans ranging in age from 25 to 60. The regiment’s morale has been characterised as high. As such, training to become a member of the Kraken Special Forces Unit is not for the faint of heart. Candidates endure rigorous physical challenges that test their endurance, strength, agility, and overall physical fitness. Demanding obstacle courses, long-distance runs, waterborne operations, and combat simulations are just a few examples of the physically demanding tasks they must overcome.
Equally significant are the mental challenges that candidates face. They must display mental resilience, the ability to think quickly and decisively under pressure, and adaptability in unpredictable and high-stress situations. The training program incorporates psychological conditioning to strengthen candidates’ mental toughness, emotional control, and problem-solving skills.
Equipment and Gear
The Kraken Regiment can be considered to be well equipped by most standards, especially when compared to some of the Russian units it often finds at the other end in combat.
Members of the Kraken Regiment use variants of the M4 assault rife but some have used Belgian SCAR rifles as well. There are some earlier videos kicking around where they utilize some other guns such as variants of the Swiss B&T APC (advanced police carbine) and the B&T SPC9 (special purpose carbine 9). Although this is believed to have been used more on a what is available basis. All members will also carry a variant of a GLOCK pistol.
Depending on availability, members of the Kraken have deployed a variation of sniper rifles and 50 cal machine guns. They have also been observed routinely using M Alder D Ltd RBG-6 hand grenade launchers which are less common than other grenade launchers but have proven to be a rugged and reliable weapon. All members routinely carry night vision.
Perhaps the Kraken’s most interesting equipment is their use of drones. The regiment will deploy various drones from poket-sized ones to full scale drones to not only recon areas and plan attacks but also to use them in attacks. As a result, the unit has become known for well developed plans that includes even 3-D modelling battlefield areas to help better plan. You will see their members carrying FLIR Black Hornet PR5 drones (pocket-size drone) on a regular basis.
The regiment does also have various tanks and several helicopters at their disposal but this equipment is ever changing and varies on what is available.
Final Thoughts
The Kraken Special Forces Unit plays a pivotal role in Ukraine’s military capabilities. Their specialized training, cutting-edge equipment, and unwavering commitment to excellence enable them to execute missions with precision, efficiency, and the utmost professionalism. The unit’s ability to adapt and innovate based on operational requirements ensures that they remain at the forefront of special operations in Ukraine.
Moreover, the Kraken unit’s impact extends beyond its operational achievements. They serve as role models for aspiring soldiers, inspiring a new generation of Ukrainian military personnel. Their professionalism, discipline, and dedication embody the core values of the armed forces, instilling a sense of pride and confidence within the nation.
