332nd Radio-Technical Regiment
Organizational Overview
The 332nd Radio-Technical Regiment, designated as military unit 21514, is a formation within the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), specializing in radio-technical and radar operations. The regiment is tasked with the detection, tracking, and identification of aerial targets, providing early warning and airspace surveillance in its assigned sector. The unit is subdivided into several detachments, each identified by suffixes (e.g., 21514-A, 21514-E), which are distributed across different strategic locations to maximize radar coverage and redundancy.
Location Analysis
The regiment's headquarters and subordinate units are dispersed across the Russian Arctic and northern territories, including key installations on the Kola Peninsula and adjacent regions. This geographic distribution allows for comprehensive monitoring of the northern air approaches to Russia, particularly over the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean. The deployment of units such as 21514-G, which is associated with the Rezonans-N radar, underscores the emphasis on early detection of high-altitude and stealth targets approaching from the polar vector.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The 332nd Radio-Technical Regiment operates a network of radar stations, including both legacy Soviet-era systems and modernized assets. Notably, the inclusion of the Rezonans-N radar at unit 21514-G provides over-the-horizon detection capabilities, specifically designed to counter stealth technology and hypersonic threats. The regiment's infrastructure typically includes hardened radar installations, command and control bunkers, secure communications nodes, and logistical support facilities to ensure sustained operations in harsh climatic conditions.
Technological Assets
The regiment's technological portfolio encompasses a range of radar systems, with the Rezonans-N representing the most advanced capability. This radar operates in the VHF band, enabling detection of low-observable targets at ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Other assets likely include the P-18, P-19, and 55Zh6U Nebo systems, which provide layered coverage against various aerial threats. Integration with the broader Russian air defense network ensures real-time data sharing and coordinated response options.
Operational Role
The primary mission of the 332nd Radio-Technical Regiment is to provide continuous radar surveillance and early warning for the Russian Aerospace Forces. The regiment supports the air defense mission by cueing surface-to-air missile units and fighter interceptors, as well as contributing to the national airspace control system. Its Arctic positioning is strategically significant for monitoring NATO and allied air activity, as well as safeguarding critical infrastructure and military assets in the High North.
Subordinate Units and Specializations
Subordinate elements of the regiment, denoted by lettered suffixes (e.g., 21514-A, 21514-E, 21514-L, 21514-V, 21514-G, 21514-D, 21514-Zh, 21514-K, 21514-I), are responsible for operating specific radar sites and maintaining sectoral coverage. Each detachment is equipped and trained to operate independently if required, ensuring resilience against localized disruptions. The presence of specialized units, such as 21514-G with the Rezonans-N radar, indicates a focus on countering advanced aerial threats.
Strategic Significance
The 332nd Radio-Technical Regiment is a critical component of Russia's northern air defense architecture. Its advanced radar capabilities and geographic positioning enhance Russia's ability to detect and respond to potential incursions from the Arctic direction, a region of increasing strategic competition. The regiment's activities contribute to the overall deterrence posture and situational awareness of the Russian military in the High North.