13th Missile Division
Location Analysis
The 13th Missile Division, designated as military unit 68545, is headquartered in Dombarovsky, Orenburg Oblast, Russian Federation. This area is strategically significant due to its remote location, which reduces vulnerability to conventional strikes and facilitates secure command and control. The division's missile regiments are dispersed across hardened silos and support facilities within the region, optimizing survivability and operational readiness.
Organizational Structure
The 13th Missile Division comprises several subordinate units, including the 175th Missile Regiment (military unit 26164), 368th Missile Regiment (military unit 07393), 494th Missile Regiment (military unit 39986), 621st Missile Regiment (military unit 34074), and 767th Missile Regiment (military unit 21424). The division is further supported by the 618th Communications Node (military unit 08301), which provides critical communications infrastructure for command and control.
Missile Systems and Capabilities
The division is equipped primarily with the R-36M2 Voevoda (NATO designation: SS-18 'Satan') intercontinental ballistic missile system. The 175th, 368th, 494th, and 767th Missile Regiments are confirmed operators of this system. The R-36M2 is a silo-based, liquid-fueled ICBM with a range of up to 16,000 kilometers and the capability to carry up to 10 MIRVed warheads, each with a yield of up to 750 kilotons. This system remains a cornerstone of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The division's infrastructure includes hardened missile silos, underground command posts, maintenance and storage facilities, and secure communication links. The silos are designed to withstand significant overpressure from nuclear detonations, enhancing the survivability of the missile force. The 618th Communications Node ensures redundant and secure data transmission between regiments and higher command echelons, supporting reliable launch authority and operational coordination.
Operational Readiness and Modernization
The 13th Missile Division maintains a high level of operational readiness, with regular training exercises and system checks. While the R-36M2 system is approaching the end of its service life, ongoing modernization efforts include upgrades to command and control systems, silo hardening, and the phased introduction of next-generation ICBMs. The division's continued focus on readiness ensures its strategic relevance within the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces.
Strategic Significance
The 13th Missile Division represents a critical component of Russia's nuclear triad, providing a credible second-strike capability. Its geographic dispersion, hardened infrastructure, and advanced missile systems contribute to deterrence stability. The division's assets are routinely monitored by international arms control regimes, and its activities are a focal point for strategic intelligence assessments.