22nd Army Corps
Headquarters and Command Structure
The 22nd Army Corps is headquartered in Simferopol, Crimea, under the command of Lieutenant General Arkadiy Marzoyev. The corps functions as a key element of the Russian Southern Military District, providing command and control over subordinate brigades and regiments deployed throughout the Crimean Peninsula. The headquarters is responsible for operational planning, coordination of joint arms activities, and integration with other Russian military and security forces in the region. The presence of a high-ranking commander underscores the strategic importance of the corps within Russia’s military posture in Crimea.
Location Analysis
The primary garrison for the 22nd Army Corps is located in Simferopol, the administrative center of Crimea. This location offers logistical advantages due to its central position on the peninsula, proximity to major transportation routes, and access to both the Black Sea and land corridors connecting to mainland Russia. The positioning facilitates rapid deployment of forces across Crimea and supports defensive and offensive operations in the Black Sea region.
126th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade
The 126th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade, military unit 12676, is equipped with T-72B3 main battle tanks, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, D-30 122mm howitzers, and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers. This brigade is tasked with the defense of coastal areas, providing both mechanized infantry and armored capabilities. Its assets enable it to conduct combined arms operations, support amphibious defense, and deliver indirect fire support. The presence of modernized T-72B3 tanks enhances its armored warfare potential, while BM-21 Grad systems extend its reach for area saturation fire.
8th Separate Artillery Regiment
The 8th Separate Artillery Regiment, military unit 87714, is equipped with a diverse array of artillery systems, including BM-21 Grad and 2B26 Grad-K multiple rocket launchers, 9P140 Uragan heavy multiple rocket launchers, and 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers. This regiment provides the corps with significant long-range firepower and the ability to conduct both area denial and precision strikes. The inclusion of 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers offers enhanced mobility and survivability, while the Uragan system increases the regiment’s capacity for high-volume, rapid-response fire missions.
127th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade
The 127th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade, military unit 67606, is responsible for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and target acquisition in support of the corps’ operations. The brigade employs a variety of reconnaissance assets, including unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare equipment, and specialized reconnaissance teams. Its activities are critical for situational awareness, early warning, and the provision of actionable intelligence to command elements. The presence of this brigade enhances the operational flexibility and responsiveness of the 22nd Army Corps.
133rd Separate Logistics Brigade
The 133rd Separate Logistics Brigade, military unit 73998, provides comprehensive logistical support to the 22nd Army Corps. Its responsibilities include supply chain management, transportation of materiel, maintenance and repair of equipment, and provision of medical and technical support. The brigade’s capabilities ensure sustained operational readiness and enable the corps to maintain prolonged operations in the field. Its presence is vital for the effective functioning of all subordinate units.
4th Separate NBC Protection Regiment
The 4th Separate Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Protection Regiment, military unit 86862, specializes in defense against weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials. The regiment is equipped with detection, decontamination, and protective equipment, and is trained to operate in contaminated environments. Its role includes both preventive measures and response operations, ensuring force protection and operational continuity in the event of NBC threats.
1096th Separate Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
The 1096th Separate Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, military unit 83576, is equipped with 9K317 Buk-M2 and 9K33 Osa surface-to-air missile systems. This regiment provides layered air defense coverage for the 22nd Army Corps, capable of engaging a range of aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions. The Buk-M2 system offers medium-range engagement capabilities, while the Osa system provides short-range, highly mobile air defense. Together, these assets significantly enhance the corps’ ability to protect critical infrastructure and maneuver forces from aerial attack.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The military infrastructure supporting the 22nd Army Corps in Crimea includes fortified garrisons, maintenance depots, ammunition storage facilities, and training ranges. The region benefits from upgraded road and rail networks, enabling efficient movement of personnel and equipment. Airfields and naval bases in proximity further augment the corps’ operational reach and logistical sustainability. The robust infrastructure underpins the corps’ ability to conduct sustained, high-tempo operations across the peninsula and into the broader Black Sea area.
Strategic Significance
The 22nd Army Corps constitutes a central element of Russia’s military posture in Crimea, providing a combined arms force capable of both defensive and offensive operations. Its composition, including armored, artillery, reconnaissance, logistics, NBC protection, and air defense units, ensures a high degree of operational autonomy. The corps’ deployment in Crimea serves both to deter potential adversaries and to project Russian military power in the Black Sea region, supporting broader strategic objectives.