SOBR

Special Rapid Response Unit
Специальный Отряд Быстрого Реагирования (Russian)
Patch of the SOBR
Active10 February 1992 (1992-02-10)
Country Russia
Agency National Guard of Russia
TypeSpetsnaz
AbbreviationSOBR
Structure
Officersc. 5,200

The Special Rapid Response Unit (Russian: СОБР — Специальный Отряд Быстрого Реагирования, Spetsialnyy Otryad Bystrogo Reagirovaniya, lit. "Special Unit of Quick Response"), formerly known from 2002 to 2011 as OMSN (Otryad Militsii Spetsial'nogo Naznacheniya, "Special Police Unit"), is a spetsnaz formation within the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya). SOBR units, along with OMON forces, function as elite paramilitary police organizations equipped with military-grade gear, specialized uniforms, and advanced tactical training. Designed for rapid deployment and high-risk operations, they serve a role analogous to police tactical units in other countries and are typically mobilized at the discretion of local police command structures. Similar SOBR-designated formations also operate in other Commonwealth of Independent States, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.