1723rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
Location Analysis
The 1723rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, designated as military unit 26292, is primarily stationed in the Russian Federation. Open-source intelligence and satellite imagery indicate that the regiment's headquarters and main deployment area are situated in the vicinity of Vladivostok, within the Primorsky Krai region. This strategic location enables coverage of key airspace over the Russian Far East, including critical infrastructure and military assets in the region. The proximity to the Pacific coastline and major transportation corridors enhances the regiment's ability to respond to aerial threats approaching from the east and southeast.
Organizational Structure
The 1723rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment operates under the command structure of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), specifically within the Air Defence branch. The regiment is organized into several battalions, each equipped with its own command post, radar units, and missile launch batteries. The standard structure includes a regimental headquarters, technical support units, and logistics elements, ensuring operational sustainability and rapid deployment capabilities.
Equipment and Armament
The regiment is equipped with the S-300PS (NATO reporting name: SA-10 Grumble) surface-to-air missile system. The S-300PS is a mobile, long-range air defense system capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain types of ballistic missiles. Each S-300PS battalion typically consists of multiple transporter erector launchers (TELs), target acquisition radars, and engagement radars. The system is known for its high mobility, rapid deployment, and ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously at ranges up to 90 kilometers and altitudes up to 27 kilometers.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The regiment's infrastructure includes hardened command posts, vehicle shelters, missile storage facilities, and maintenance workshops. The headquarters complex is equipped with secure communications, data processing centers, and backup power supplies to ensure uninterrupted command and control functions. The deployment sites are designed to facilitate rapid redeployment and concealment, with access to both paved and unpaved roads for mobility.
Operational Readiness
The 1723rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment maintains a high level of operational readiness, conducting regular training exercises and live-fire drills. The regiment is integrated into the broader Russian air defense network, enabling real-time data sharing and coordinated responses to aerial incursions. Maintenance cycles and personnel rotations are managed to ensure that a significant portion of the unit remains on alert status at all times.
Strategic Significance
The regiment plays a critical role in the layered air defense of the Russian Far East, providing protection for key military installations, industrial assets, and population centers in the region. Its deployment enhances the overall deterrence posture of the Russian military, particularly in light of increased regional tensions and the presence of foreign military forces in the Asia-Pacific theater. The S-300PS system's capabilities contribute to the denial of air superiority to potential adversaries.