1724th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
Unit Identification and Designation
The 1724th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, designated as military unit 22459, is a Russian Federation Armed Forces formation specializing in air defense. The regiment is equipped with the S-300V surface-to-air missile system, a platform designed for the interception of aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missile threats. The unit's formal identification and repeated references in open-source materials confirm its operational status and integration within Russia's broader air defense network.
Location Analysis
The headquarters of the 1724th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 22459) is situated within the Russian Federation, with its precise location typically withheld from public sources for operational security. However, units equipped with the S-300V system are commonly deployed to strategically significant regions, including those near major urban centers, military installations, and critical infrastructure, to maximize airspace coverage and defense-in-depth.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The regiment's infrastructure is tailored to support the deployment, maintenance, and operation of the S-300V system. Facilities include hardened command posts, missile storage and maintenance hangars, radar installations, and vehicle parks for transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) and support vehicles. The infrastructure is designed to facilitate rapid redeployment and sustain high readiness levels, with integrated communications and power supply systems to ensure operational continuity.
Equipment and Armament
The 1724th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment is equipped with the S-300V (NATO reporting name: SA-12 Gladiator/Giant) air defense system. The S-300V is a highly mobile, track-mounted system capable of engaging multiple aerial targets simultaneously at ranges up to 100 km for aerodynamic targets and up to 40 km for ballistic missiles. The system includes command vehicles, phased-array radars, and a mix of 9M83 and 9M82 missile types, providing a layered defense against a variety of threats.
Operational Role and Integration
The primary operational role of the 1724th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment is the protection of critical military and civilian assets from aerial and missile attacks. The regiment operates as part of a larger air defense network, integrating with other regiments and higher command echelons to provide overlapping coverage and coordinated response capabilities. The S-300V system's mobility allows for flexible deployment in response to evolving threat assessments.
Recent Developments and Readiness
Recent open-source intelligence indicates that Russian air defense regiments, including those equipped with the S-300V, have maintained elevated readiness levels in response to regional security developments. Routine exercises, system upgrades, and personnel rotations are regularly conducted to ensure operational effectiveness. The 1724th Regiment's continued prominence in official and unofficial reporting underscores its ongoing strategic importance within the Russian air defense structure.