Though small numbers of Soviet troops were dropped in Finland in 1939, the first full scale offensive paratroop drop was undertaken by German Paratroopers, Fallschirmjäger, in Denmark on 9 April 1940. This introduced the World to airborne operations, and since then these troops have earned their elite status. Today they form an important element of German contributions to NATO, EU and UN missions.

All the figures are correctly clothed (as would be expected for a contemporary unit), with all wearing flak jackets and helmets. Their weaponry is also correct, with most carrying the fairly recent HK G-36 assault rifle with 30-cartridge magazine. One man also carries a Panzerfaust 3, the current incarnation of the famous German anti-tank weapon of World War II, and another is loading a Granatpistole 'Grapi' grenade launcher. The last figure is setting up a Milan 3 missile launcher, a most effective anti-tank weapon.

We thought the poses were well thought out and appropriate. All the figures clearly in action are kneeling or on the ground, and everyone is well proportioned and natural. The sniper is an important pose, though his rifle is supported on a bipod that is twisted simply to allow access for the mould. The two pieces that require putting together are well done and fit together nicely, and both easily justify their presence in the set even though they inevitably mean there is only room on the sprue for fewer figures.

As with the majority of Revell sets, these are well presented, with little or no flash and plenty of good sharp detail. Accuracy is excellent, with the range of weapons being entirely suitable (an important consideration of any modern subject). Anyone interested in the armed forces of today should find plenty to admire in this set, which illustrates the continuing work of a proud and highly-regarded unit.