173rd Guards Reconnaissance Battalion Patch

8x10cm – subdued field insignia of the elite 173rd Separate Guards Reconnaissance Battalion, a unit within the 106th Guards Airborne Division (VDV). This patch is made of fabric and features a Velcro (hook) backing for attachment to field gear and combat uniforms.

The battalion operates under Order No. 300, issued as part of structural reform and modernization of reconnaissance forces in the Russian Airborne Troops. As a dedicated recon element, it specializes in deep surveillance, forward observation, and sabotage operations.

The patch design typically follows VDV field style: low-visibility tones, airborne or reconnaissance iconography, and numerals or identifiers related to the 106th Division.

Historical Background – 173rd Guards Reconnaissance Battalion:

Part of the legendary 106th Guards Airborne Division, the 173rd Reconnaissance Battalion is one of the newer structural units formed to enhance reconnaissance and special operations capability within VDV formations. Its formation under Order No. 300 reflects the Russian military’s initiative to increase autonomy and tactical flexibility at the battalion level.

The 106th Division, headquartered in Tula, is one of the most honored formations in the VDV, with a legacy stretching back to World War II. The recon battalion continues that tradition by executing high-risk missions requiring stealth, mobility, and precision.

Patches for such units are worn by active-duty personnel and are highly valued among collectors of airborne and reconnaissance insignia.