MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Russia’s Airborne Troops will this year receive over 2,000 items of modern armaments, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said Tuesday at a meeting of the ministry’s board.

"Over the past four years, the Airborne Troops have received over 3,000 items of new and modernized specimens of armaments and military hardware. This year, there are plans to supply another 2,000 items of armaments and modern hardware," Shoigu said.

He said the Airborne Troops already comprise three air assault brigades and five reconnaissance battalions. "This year, the formation of another three reconnaissance battalions and six tank companies will be completed," the minister said.

Besides, Shoigu said, the intensity of troops training rose by 17%

Earlier, the plans to create six tank companies in the Airborne Troops by the yearend were voiced by Airborne Troops Commander Col. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov. According to data of a TASS high-ranking source in the Airborne Troops Staff, there are plans to transform the companies into tank battalions by the end of 2018.