1490th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
Unit Identification and Designation
The 1490th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, designated as military unit 28037, is a key component of the Russian Aerospace Forces' air defense network. The regiment holds the 'Guards' honorific, indicating a distinguished service record and elevated status within the Russian military hierarchy. The unit is primarily equipped with the S-300PS surface-to-air missile system, a legacy yet still capable platform for medium- to long-range air defense.
Location Analysis
The headquarters and primary garrison of the 1490th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 28037) are situated in the Moscow region, a strategic area for the protection of the Russian capital and its critical infrastructure. The positioning of this regiment reflects its role in the layered air defense of Moscow, forming part of the wider defensive perimeter that integrates multiple regiments and air defense systems.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The regiment's infrastructure includes hardened command posts, missile launch sites, radar installations, and maintenance facilities. These assets are designed to ensure high readiness and rapid response to aerial threats. The sites are typically dispersed to enhance survivability against precision strikes and are supported by secure communication links for integration into the national air defense command structure.
Operational Equipment
The 1490th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment is equipped with the S-300PS (NATO reporting name: SA-10B Grumble) system. The S-300PS provides engagement capabilities against aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain ballistic missile threats at ranges up to 90 kilometers and altitudes up to 27 kilometers. The system consists of mobile launchers, target acquisition radars, and command vehicles, allowing for flexible deployment and rapid repositioning.
Strategic Role and Integration
As part of the Moscow air defense belt, the 1490th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment plays a critical role in the multi-layered protection of high-value assets. The regiment operates in coordination with other air defense units equipped with S-400 and Pantsir-S systems, providing overlapping coverage and redundancy. Its integration into the broader Russian Aerospace Forces' command-and-control network enhances situational awareness and response effectiveness.
Recent Developments and Readiness
Recent years have seen ongoing modernization efforts within Russian air defense forces, although the 1490th Regiment continues to operate the S-300PS system. The unit maintains a high state of readiness through regular training exercises and technical upgrades to its command and control infrastructure. There have been no public indications of imminent re-equipment with newer systems as of mid-2024, but the regiment remains a vital element of the Moscow region's air defense.