3rd Airborne Corps (Soviet Union)

The 3rd Airborne Corps was a major airborne formation of the Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV) during World War II. Formed in 1941 from existing airborne brigades, it participated in several significant battles and operations on the Eastern Front.

The corps typically consisted of several airborne brigades and support units, including artillery and engineer elements. Its primary mission was to conduct airborne landings behind enemy lines to disrupt communications, seize key objectives, and support advancing Soviet ground forces.

Operational deployments of the 3rd Airborne Corps included participation in defensive battles during the initial stages of the German invasion of the Soviet Union, and later in offensive operations such as counter-attacks and deep operations. Due to heavy losses and the evolving nature of warfare, the corps was eventually reorganized and repurposed, with its constituent units often being used as elite infantry formations rather than for large-scale airborne operations.

The exact composition and operational history of the 3rd Airborne Corps varied throughout the war, reflecting the changing needs and capabilities of the Soviet military. Like other Soviet airborne corps, it suffered significant casualties during several operations, and its effectiveness was hampered by factors such as limited air transport capacity and the challenges of coordinating airborne assaults with ground forces.