27th Mixed Aviation Division
Location Analysis
The primary headquarters for the 27th Mixed Aviation Division is situated at Belbek Air Base in Crimea, a strategically significant location due to its proximity to the Black Sea and the southern approaches to Ukraine. The airbase provides rapid access to regional theaters and serves as a critical node for Russian air operations in the southern military district. Its infrastructure supports a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets, facilitating both offensive and defensive operations in the region.
Organizational Structure
The 27th Mixed Aviation Division encompasses several key aviation regiments, each specializing in distinct operational roles. The division includes the 37th Mixed Aviation Regiment, the 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment, and the 39th Helicopter Regiment. The 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment maintains its headquarters at the same location, indicating a consolidated command structure that enhances coordination and operational flexibility. Each regiment is assigned a unique military unit number, reflecting their formal integration into the Russian Aerospace Forces' order of battle.
Aircraft Inventory and Capabilities: 37th Mixed Aviation Regiment
The 37th Mixed Aviation Regiment (military unit 46451) operates a diverse fleet comprising 6 Su-24M strike aircraft, 6 Su-24MR reconnaissance variants, 13 Su-25SM close air support aircraft, and 1 Su-25UB trainer. The Su-24M and Su-24MR provide deep strike and tactical reconnaissance capabilities, respectively, while the Su-25SM fleet enhances the regiment's ground attack potential. The presence of the Su-25UB allows for pilot training and proficiency maintenance, supporting sustained operational readiness.
Aircraft Inventory and Capabilities: 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment
The 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment (military unit 80159) fields a robust complement of air superiority fighters, including 13 Su-27SM, 2 Su-27, 9 Su-27P, 1 Su-27UP, and 6 Su-30M2. The Su-27SM and Su-30M2 are modernized variants equipped with advanced avionics and multirole capabilities, enabling both air-to-air and limited air-to-ground missions. The Su-27P and Su-27UP provide additional air defense coverage, ensuring layered protection of critical assets and airspace dominance in the region.
Rotary-Wing Assets: 39th Helicopter Regiment
The 39th Helicopter Regiment (military unit 46453) operates a mixed fleet of 12 Mi-35M attack helicopters, 16 Ka-52 alligator attack helicopters, 4 Mi-28N night attack helicopters, and 6 Mi-8AMTSh multi-role transport helicopters. This composition provides a balanced capability for close air support, anti-armor operations, battlefield reconnaissance, and tactical airlift. The Ka-52 and Mi-28N are equipped for advanced anti-tank missions and night operations, while the Mi-8AMTSh enhances logistical flexibility and personnel transport.
Infrastructure Capabilities
Belbek Air Base is equipped with modernized runways, hardened aircraft shelters, and extensive maintenance facilities, supporting sustained high-tempo air operations. The base's infrastructure enables rapid sortie generation, secure storage of munitions, and robust command and control functions. The presence of multiple regiments and a diverse aircraft inventory underscores the base's role as a major operational hub for Russian air power in the Black Sea region.
Operational Readiness and Strategic Implications
The combined assets of the 27th Mixed Aviation Division provide Russia with significant operational flexibility and rapid response capability in the southern theater. The integration of strike, reconnaissance, air superiority, and rotary-wing assets allows for multi-domain operations, including interdiction, air defense, and ground support. The concentration of advanced platforms at Belbek enhances Russia's ability to project power, deter adversaries, and maintain air superiority over Crimea and adjacent areas.