Introduction

The following introduction is taken from the ICM website:

The modern Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were created in 2016 on the basis of existing units and subunits, most of which already had some combat experience. As of the summer of 2023, the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces are based on two special purpose regiments – a special purpose maritime centre, a special operations centre and several other units. Their main tasks include in-depth reconnaissance, combat raids behind enemy lines, search and evacuation of captives or hostages, and anti-terrorist activities. The selection process for Special Forces units is very rigorous, with only 10% of all candidates passing the

selection process. Special attention is paid to the equipment of the Special Forces units. The weapons, equipment and facilities include the most modern models, both foreign and Ukrainian, such as the special Vulcan assault rifle, which has been supplied to Special Forces units since 2017. Also in 2020, the Special Operations Forces were the first in the Armed Forces of Ukraine to adopt the structure of NATO army headquarters. During 2022-2023, Ukrainian Special Forces units successfully performed the most difficult combat missions in all areas of combat operations.

Review

This offering from ICM arrives in a sturdy flip top cardboard box, with a separate card lid showing the artwork. Inside the contents are packaged in a re-sealable plastic bag. The moulding quality is good, as is access for part removal. Mould seams are for the most part very minor, and no obvious issues jump out at me.

The figures all have the same basic breakdown that modellers will be familiar with. The uniform is a little difficult for me to identify, as I believe that most of Ukraine’s forces have been issued with donated equipment and clothing due to the attrition rate being suffered. However, the trousers have ankle pockets on them which is not a feature that I am familiar with as regards which armed forces these belong to. Thigh pockets are also present, and knee pads have been equipped throughout. The jacket of the uniform appears to have pockets on the upper arms, being present on both arms does not aide in identification. Body armour is present in all cases, and I particularly like the elasticated webbing on the body armour, with a pair of scissors tucked into it on one of the figures - which is an interesting visual touch. The helmets are supplied separately are are typical of the Special forces tactical helmets you see for other forces - where it is high at the front and lower at the back providing protection for the head. 

The faces of the figures all have mouth and nose covered with cloth, with just the eyes and the bridge of the nose showing. All of the figures are wearing gloves, with the quality of the moulding detail varying regards depiction of the gloves, but finger and thumb detail is good throughout. All figures are provided with a hand held radio with flat ribbon arials. 

Ammunition pouches are provided with most having the banana type clips as used in the AK family of weapons, and I believe that presently most Ukrainian forces are now using western European weapon systems, rather than Russian produced ones. 2 identical sprues are provided coverings weapons and some equipment. You are offered 4 different types of rifle, with 2 of the items provided having the option of a silencer or not and the AK rifle variant with folding stock is also being provided with or without a grenade launcher. Moving to small arms, 3 automatic pistols are offered on each of the identical sprues and all of which are holstered. 3 knives are present - 2 of which seem to be military issue of a Commando style knife, the third being what I would describe as a typical hunting knife. A missile launching tube is provided, but I have been unable to identify this to my satisfaction. The night vision is also present here for mounting on the helmets - it is monocular, with a very high level of detail. Lastly earphones are provided for each of the figures and so comms are particularly well covered on troops fighting in this war. An additional separate item released specifically for this figure set is one of ICM’s 6 pot paint offerings - with the colours as follows:

1028   Off White

1072   US Dark Green

1058   Tan Earth

1062   British Khaki

1054   Chocolate

1031   Warm Grey

Conclusion

Detail on these figures is very good, and while I am unable to identify uniform due to the various types being utilised the detail on it is well defined for the most part with good and natural creases present. The weapons options I am sure will meet with approval, as you can pick and choose what you want, and have plenty of spares in reserve. Price wise both figure and paints sets will come in at about £20, which is an affordable and reasonable price for what you get.