32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment
Unit Overview
The 32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment, designated as military unit 77979, is a versatile aviation formation within the Russian Aerospace Forces. The regiment is structured to provide a broad spectrum of transport, logistical, and support capabilities, utilizing a diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Its operational flexibility is enhanced by the presence of multiple squadrons and specialized detachments, each tailored to specific mission profiles, including transport, search and rescue, and mixed aviation operations.
Location Analysis
The precise garrison location of the 32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment is not explicitly stated in open-source records; however, units of this type are typically based at major military airfields with robust logistical infrastructure, often in proximity to strategic command centers or regions requiring rapid mobility. The basing strategy allows for efficient deployment across the Russian Federation and supports both domestic and expeditionary operations.
Order of Battle and Aircraft Inventory
The regiment maintains a comprehensive inventory of aircraft, including 3 Mil Mi-8MT, 5 Antonov An-12, 4 Antonov An-140-100, 1 Ilyushin Il-22M, 5 Antonov An-26, 1 Tupolev Tu-134, 1 Tupolev Tu-154, and 4 Let L-410UVP-E20. Additionally, subordinate squadrons operate 8 Mil Mi-8AMTSh, further An-12 and An-26 transports, and additional Tu-134 airframes. This diverse fleet enables the regiment to fulfill roles ranging from tactical and strategic airlift to command and control, VIP transport, and specialized missions such as search and rescue.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The regiment's infrastructure is designed to support a high operational tempo, with facilities for aircraft maintenance, refueling, mission planning, and crew training. The presence of multiple aircraft types necessitates specialized maintenance teams and parts inventories. Airfield infrastructure likely includes reinforced runways, hangars, secure communications, and accommodations for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing operations, ensuring sustained mission readiness.
Operational Roles and Mission Profile
The 32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment is tasked with a range of operational roles, including strategic and tactical airlift, airborne command and control, personnel and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue. The inclusion of the Il-22M provides airborne command and relay capabilities, while the presence of Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-8MT helicopters supports rapid insertion, extraction, and logistical support in diverse environments. The regiment's mixed composition allows for flexible response to both peacetime and contingency operations.
Subordinate Units and Specialized Detachments
The regiment comprises several subordinate elements, including two Mixed Aviation Squadrons and an Aviation Search and Rescue Detachment. The Mixed Aviation Squadrons operate combinations of An-12, An-26, Tu-134, and Mi-8AMTSh aircraft, optimizing the unit for multi-mission transport and support tasks. The Aviation Search and Rescue Detachment, equipped with An-26 and Mi-8MT aircraft, is specialized for rapid response to emergencies, personnel recovery, and humanitarian assistance missions.
Strategic Significance
The 32nd Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment plays a critical role in the Russian military's ability to project power, sustain operations, and respond to crises. Its mixed fleet and organizational flexibility make it a key enabler for both routine and high-priority missions, including support to other branches of the armed forces and government agencies. The regiment's capabilities are integral to maintaining operational reach across the vast expanse of the Russian Federation and in support of overseas deployments.