the 45th Guards Spetsnaz (Special Purpose) Detached Brigade (Russian: 45-я отдельная гвардейская бригада специального назначения (45-я ОБр СпН); Military Unit Number 28337) is a special reconnaissance and special operations military unit of the Russian Airborne Troops (VDV), based near Moscow.[1] It was formed in 1994 as the 45th Independent Spetsnaz Regiment, and expanded to a brigade in 2015.[2][3] Their main role is reconnaissance behind enemy lines. They may also conduct kinetic operations against command and control posts and headquarters, and assassination of political or military leaders.[4]