11th Air Force and Air Defense Army
Organizational Overview
The 11th Air Force and Air Defense Army, headquartered in Khabarovsk under the command of Lieutenant General Vladimir Kravchenko, is a principal component of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Eastern Military District. The Army oversees a diverse array of aviation and air defense units, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities across the Far Eastern region. Its structure integrates fighter, assault, reconnaissance, transport, and rotary-wing assets, ensuring operational flexibility and rapid response capacity.
Location Analysis
The headquarters of the 11th Air Force and Air Defense Army is situated in Khabarovsk, a strategically significant city in Russia's Far East. The location enables effective command and control over vast territories, including the Russian-Chinese border and the Pacific coastline. The dispersion of subordinate units across multiple airfields in the region enhances survivability and operational reach, while also facilitating coverage of key infrastructure and border areas.
Fighter Aviation Capabilities
The 120th Separate Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (military unit 63559) is equipped with 24 Su-30SM multirole fighter aircraft. These platforms provide advanced air superiority, interception, and precision strike capabilities. The regiment's assets are capable of engaging both aerial and ground targets, supporting integrated air defense operations, and conducting long-range patrols. The Su-30SM's modern avionics and weapons systems significantly enhance the Army's deterrence and response posture.
Assault Aviation Assets
The 266th Separate Assault Aviation Regiment, temporarily redeployed due to ongoing construction at its home base, operates 24 Su-25 and 6 Su-25UB aircraft. These platforms are optimized for close air support, battlefield interdiction, and suppression of enemy air defenses. The Su-25UB variant provides operational training and limited combat capability. The regiment's temporary relocation may impact sortie rates and readiness but ensures continued operational availability during infrastructure upgrades.
Reconnaissance Capabilities
The 799th Separate Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron (military unit 78019) maintains a fleet of 12 Su-24MR aircraft. These dedicated reconnaissance platforms are equipped with advanced sensors for imagery, electronic, and signals intelligence collection. The squadron supports strategic and tactical intelligence requirements, enabling effective targeting, battle damage assessment, and situational awareness for both air and ground forces.
Transport and Logistics Support
The 35th Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment (military unit 35471) provides critical airlift and logistical support with a diverse inventory: 8 An-12, 7 An-26, 2 Tu-134, 1 Tu-154, and 1 Il-20M. These aircraft facilitate personnel movement, cargo delivery, and specialized missions such as electronic intelligence (Il-20M). The regiment's Mixed Aviation Squadron (military unit 35471-2) further augments capabilities with 2 An-12, 5 An-26, and 4 Mi-8AMTSH-VA helicopters, ensuring flexibility in both fixed- and rotary-wing transport operations.
Army Aviation and Rotary-Wing Assets
The 18th Army Aviation Brigade (military unit 42838) fields a robust rotary-wing fleet: 18 Ka-52 attack helicopters, 22 Mi-8AMTSh utility helicopters, and 6 Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters. The brigade's assets support a range of missions, including close air support, troop transport, and heavy cargo movement. The Separate Helicopter Detachment (military unit 42838-2) adds 4 Mi-8AMTSh helicopters, enhancing operational flexibility and rapid deployment capability.
Helicopter Regiment Capabilities
The 112th Separate Helicopter Regiment (military unit 78081) operates 20 Mi-24P attack helicopters, 32 Mi-8AMTSh utility helicopters, and Mi-28NM attack helicopters. This combination provides substantial firepower, troop transport, and air assault capabilities. The Mi-28NM, a modernized variant, offers advanced avionics and survivability features, further strengthening the regiment's combat effectiveness.
Additional Rotary-Wing Forces
The 319th Separate Helicopter Regiment (military unit 13984) fields 22 Ka-52 attack helicopters and 20 Mi-8AMTSh utility helicopters. The Ka-52s deliver precision strike and reconnaissance capabilities, while the Mi-8AMTShs provide versatile support for troop insertion, medevac, and logistics. The regiment's composition allows for rapid response to emerging threats and supports combined arms operations.
Command and Control Infrastructure
The presence of an unidentified unit (military unit 07144) and the headquarters element (military unit 10253) underscores the emphasis on robust command and control within the 11th Air Force and Air Defense Army. These facilities likely house advanced communications, planning, and coordination systems, ensuring effective management of dispersed aviation assets and integration with broader air defense networks.
Infrastructure and Redeployment Considerations
Ongoing construction and modernization efforts, particularly affecting the 266th Separate Assault Aviation Regiment, indicate a sustained investment in infrastructure resilience and capability enhancement. Temporary unit redeployments may present short-term operational challenges but are expected to yield long-term improvements in basing, maintenance, and force protection. The overall infrastructure supports high readiness levels and the ability to project air power across the Eastern Military District.