The Special Rapid Response Unit or SOBR, comprises a spetsnaz unit of the Russian Interior Ministry (MVD). Russian SOBR units, staffed by senior-ranking police officers, receive better training than the members of OMON (which is a cross between riot police and paramilitary police). They carry out SWAT-type special operations under the jurisdiction of the MVD, including the apprehension of dangerous criminals, high-profile raids, etc.

The Special Rapid Response Unit or SOBR (Russian: СОБР - Специальный Отряд Быстрого Реагирования, Spetsial'niy Otryad Bystrovo Reagirovaniya, lit. Special Unit [of] Quick Response), from 2002 to 2011 known as OMSN (Otryad Militsii Spetsial'nogo Naznacheniya, Special Police Unit), is a spetsnaz unit of the National Guard of Russia.

Due to the military nature of their equipment, overalls and training, the OMON and SOBR constitute a rapid-reaction and rapid-insertion military force available to the regular police, normally to be employed at a police’s local command discretion. They can be compared to SWAT.

SOBR also continues to exist in many post-Soviet countries such as Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.



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