Introduction:

The Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War began in September 2015, after an official request by the Syrian government for military aid against rebel and jihadist groups. The intervention initially consisted of air strikes by Russian aircraft, followed by Russian military advisors and special operations forces in ground combat roles. In August 2018, the Russian defense ministry claimed that over 63.000 Russian military personnel had “received combat experience″ during the operation in Syria.

Review:

Assault Models released two 1/35 scale figures depicting Russian Army troops in Syria. This review covers the first figure of the pair - Soldier, Russian Army, Syria 2016-2018 (AM-35019), while the review of the second figure can be seen here: link.

The kit is packed in a top-opening plastic box featuring an image of assembled and unpainted miniature. Opening the box reveals a zip-lock bag securing resin pieces. The kit consists of just three pieces:

- complete body with legs and arms,
- head,
- weapon.

The pieces are cast in grey resin. Closer inspection reveals no imperfections in the resin whatsoever, with the intricate details impressively delivered. Casting blocks are large, and although casting carriers on the weapon feature minimal attachment points, some extra care is suggested for cleaning this piece. After taking the photos for the review, I noticed a slight warp to the barrel of the weapon which should be straighthened using warm water.

Assembling the figure was a breeze. The head fits perfectly to the torso and the weapon is easily fixed to the sling on the figure’s shoulder, noting its correct orientation.

The figure represents Russian Army soldier in the current Ratnik garb and gear. Over the uniform, the figure wears 6Sh117, a tactical MOLLE vest with various pouches attached. As for the communication equipment, this figure sports latest generation of communication and observation gear by Radioavionica, with a tablet computer which includes GLONASS (the Russian alternative to GPS) navigation module and provides control and orientation to commanding officers. With this computer, the officer can give orders to his team or send videos and photos to headquarters. The figure also wears 6B51 knee and elbow pads, secondary weapon in drop leg holster, as well as 6B47 helmet. Finally, the figure is armed with AK-74 assault rifle.

It is not easy finding correct designation of all the equipment pieces, so Russian military experts reading this review are welcomed to comment and correct any mistakes on my part. However, with all the reference photos I gathered on the internet I can definitely confirm the figure looks very accurate. Moreover, the miniature was initially designed for the Russian Army, which is probably the best guarantee of its authenticity.

Produced using 3D scanning technology the figure looks super realistic. The folds on the uniform, the sharp details on the equipment, the facial features… very impressive. I especially like the poses of both miniatures in the pair as they work together well as a team surveying the perimeter and relaying the data to the mission headquarters.

Conclusion:

Assault Models is spoiling us by offering a super realistic 1/35 scale miniatures produced using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology. The Soldier, Russian Army, Syria 2016-2018 (AM-35019) is a very impressive figure all around… perfectly cast in resin and easy to assemble, the figure provides an authentic representation of a current-day Russian soldier. Together with his pair (AM-35020), the miniature team can provide a focal point to various vignettes featuring Russian military vehicles.