Luftsturmregiment 40
Encyclopedia
Luftsturmregiment 40 LSTR-40 (1986–1990) was the 40th Air Assault Regiment of the East German National People's Army (German: Nationalen Volksarmee, NVA). It was formed in 1986 by expanding the existing parachute battalion 40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger
with additional air assault companies and support capability. Although initially formed based on the parachute battalion, this unit had a different mission and organization. The Luftsturmregiment 40 came about as the result of a change in Soviet tactics based on their recent experience in Afghanistan. These tactics emphasized the more mobile warfare afforded by the use of helicopter air assault operations.
Until its dissolution in 1990, this unit was stationed in the vicinity of the military training area on Lehnin
near Potsdam, Germany. On 3 October 1990, Luftsturmregiment 40 was taken over by the West German Bundeswehr
. On March 31, 1991, LSR 40 was disbanded by the German Federal Armed Forces Command East.
The Luftsturmregiment 40 never saw combat or deployment outside East Germany, except for Warsaw Pact
training exercises. The events leading up to to the Fall of the Wall saw the only "real" use of the Regiment. The East German leadership saw this unit as particularly politically reliable. As a result of the Monday demonstrations in Leipzig in November 1989, the Luftsturmregiment 40 and other selected units were prepared to to be deployed to the city. A few days before the announced Monday demonstration, several hundred members of Luftsturmregiment 40 were sent to Leipzig, and housed in local military barracks. This was done at night and under the strictest secrecy. The unit was to be used to assist the police and special units of the of Stasi Department XXII (Counterterrorism) to suppress the popular resistance. However the order to use this unit was never issued.
40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger
40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger was the only airborne infantry formation of the East German National People’s Army . The battalion was based in Prora on Rügen island and later near Potsdam...
with additional air assault companies and support capability. Although initially formed based on the parachute battalion, this unit had a different mission and organization. The Luftsturmregiment 40 came about as the result of a change in Soviet tactics based on their recent experience in Afghanistan. These tactics emphasized the more mobile warfare afforded by the use of helicopter air assault operations.
Until its dissolution in 1990, this unit was stationed in the vicinity of the military training area on Lehnin
Lehnin
Kloster Lehnin or Lehnin is a municipality in the German state of Brandenburg, about southeast of Brandenburg an der Havel.-Overview:It was established on April 1, 2002 by the merger of 13 villages:...
near Potsdam, Germany. On 3 October 1990, Luftsturmregiment 40 was taken over by the West German Bundeswehr
Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr consists of the unified armed forces of Germany and their civil administration and procurement authorities...
. On March 31, 1991, LSR 40 was disbanded by the German Federal Armed Forces Command East.
The Luftsturmregiment 40 never saw combat or deployment outside East Germany, except for Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
training exercises. The events leading up to to the Fall of the Wall saw the only "real" use of the Regiment. The East German leadership saw this unit as particularly politically reliable. As a result of the Monday demonstrations in Leipzig in November 1989, the Luftsturmregiment 40 and other selected units were prepared to to be deployed to the city. A few days before the announced Monday demonstration, several hundred members of Luftsturmregiment 40 were sent to Leipzig, and housed in local military barracks. This was done at night and under the strictest secrecy. The unit was to be used to assist the police and special units of the of Stasi Department XXII (Counterterrorism) to suppress the popular resistance. However the order to use this unit was never issued.