The 342nd Radio-Technical Regiment, designated as military unit 75313, is a key component of the Russian Aerospace Forces' air defense network. The regiment is responsible for the operation and maintenance of radar and radio-technical assets, providing early warning, airspace monitoring, and target acquisition capabilities. The unit is structured into several subunits, each tasked with specific operational and technical roles, ensuring comprehensive coverage and redundancy across its assigned sector.
The headquarters of the 342nd Radio-Technical Regiment is strategically situated to maximize coverage of critical airspace sectors. The regiment's subunits, identified as military units 75313-2, 75313-3, 75313-5, 75313-9, 75313-10, 75313-11, and 75313-12, are dispersed across multiple locations. This geographic distribution enhances the resilience of the regiment's surveillance network and mitigates vulnerabilities to localized threats or disruptions.
The regiment operates a range of fixed and mobile radar installations, including legacy Soviet-era systems and modernized platforms such as the 55Zh6 Nebo, 64N6E Big Bird, and 96L6E. These assets provide multi-band coverage, high-altitude detection, and the ability to track both conventional and low-observable aerial targets. Supporting infrastructure includes secure communications nodes, hardened command posts, and logistics facilities to ensure sustained operational readiness.
The primary mission of the 342nd Radio-Technical Regiment is to deliver continuous radar surveillance and early warning data to higher-echelon air defense command centers. The regiment's outputs are integral to the functioning of integrated air defense systems (IADS), enabling rapid threat assessment and engagement by surface-to-air missile units and fighter aircraft. The regiment also plays a role in electronic countermeasures and the detection of hostile electronic warfare activity.
Personnel assigned to the 342nd Radio-Technical Regiment undergo specialized training in radar operation, electronic warfare, and airspace management. The regiment maintains a high level of technical proficiency through regular exercises, both independently and in coordination with other branches of the Russian Armed Forces. Emphasis is placed on rapid mobilization, system redundancy, and the ability to operate under contested electromagnetic conditions.
In recent years, the 342nd Radio-Technical Regiment has benefited from modernization initiatives under the Russian State Armament Program. Upgrades have included the integration of digital radar processing, improved data fusion capabilities, and enhanced interoperability with adjacent regiments and command centers. These advancements have increased detection ranges, reduced reaction times, and improved the overall resilience of the regiment's surveillance network.