36th Combined Arms Army
Location Analysis
The 36th Combined Arms Army is headquartered in Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, within the Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation. Its subordinate units are primarily stationed in the Transbaikal and Far Eastern regions, providing strategic depth along Russia’s eastern frontier. The geographic positioning allows for rapid deployment across Siberia and supports operations in both defensive and offensive roles, particularly towards the Russian-Chinese and Russian-Mongolian borders.
Command Structure
The 36th Combined Arms Army is commanded by Major General Vitaly Gerasimov. The army's headquarters, designated as military unit 05776, oversees a diverse array of subordinate formations, including tank, motor rifle, artillery, air defense, NBC protection, missile, command and control, and logistics units. This structure enables the army to conduct independent, sustained operations across a broad spectrum of military tasks.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The army's infrastructure includes well-developed garrisons, training ranges, maintenance depots, and logistical hubs. Facilities are designed to support high-readiness operations, with hardened command posts and secure communications networks. The presence of dedicated logistics and NBC protection regiments indicates a focus on operational sustainability and resilience in both conventional and CBRN environments.
Armored and Mechanized Forces
The 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade (military unit 46108) and the 37th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade (military unit 69647) constitute the primary maneuver elements. The 5th Brigade is equipped with T-72B3 main battle tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, 9K51M Tornado-G multiple launch rocket systems, and 9K332M Tor-M2U short-range air defense systems. The 37th Brigade fields T-72B3 tanks, BMP-2 IFVs, Tornado-G MLRS, and 9A33BM2(3) Osa air defense systems. These units are capable of combined arms operations, with a balance of firepower, mobility, and protection.
Artillery and Missile Capabilities
The 30th Artillery Brigade (military unit 62048) provides long-range fire support with 2S19M2 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers and BM-27 Uragan multiple launch rocket systems. The 103rd Missile Brigade (military unit 47130) is equipped with 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles, significantly enhancing the army's deep-strike and precision engagement capabilities. These assets enable both suppression of enemy forces and interdiction of critical targets at operational depths.
Air Defense Assets
The 35th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (military unit 34696) is equipped with 9K317M Buk-M3 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, providing robust protection against a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and UAVs. The integration of Buk-M3 systems with Tor-M2U and Osa platforms at the brigade level ensures layered air defense coverage for both static and maneuver elements.
NBC Protection
The 26th NBC Protection Regiment (military unit 62563) is responsible for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense. The regiment is equipped to conduct detection, decontamination, and protective operations, ensuring force survivability in CBRN-contaminated environments. Its presence underscores the army's preparedness for operations in high-threat scenarios.
Command, Control, and Communications
The 75th Command and Control Brigade (military unit 01229) provides advanced communications, electronic warfare, and battlefield management capabilities. This unit ensures secure and resilient command and control across all echelons, enabling effective coordination of complex, multi-domain operations.
Logistics and Sustainment
The 102nd Separate Logistics Brigade (military unit 72155) delivers comprehensive logistical support, including supply, maintenance, transportation, and medical services. Its capabilities are essential for sustaining high-tempo operations over extended distances, particularly given the vast and often austere terrain of the Eastern Military District.
Operational Readiness and Modernization
The 36th Combined Arms Army demonstrates a high level of operational readiness, with ongoing modernization efforts evident in the fielding of advanced platforms such as the T-72B3 tank, Buk-M3 SAM system, and Iskander-M missile complex. Regular training exercises, both independently and in conjunction with other Eastern Military District formations, reinforce combat proficiency and interoperability.