41st Combined Arms Army
Location Analysis
The 41st Combined Arms Army is headquartered in Novosibirsk, a strategic city in southwestern Siberia. Novosibirsk's position provides operational depth for the army, enabling rapid deployment to both the European and Far Eastern theaters of Russia. The region's extensive rail and road networks facilitate logistical support and troop movements, while its relative remoteness offers a measure of security from immediate threats. The dispersion of subordinate units across the Siberian Military District enhances the army's ability to project force over vast distances.
Command Structure and Leadership
The 41st Combined Arms Army is commanded by Lieutenant-General Sergey Ryzhkov, reflecting a high level of professional military leadership. Subordinate formations are led by experienced officers, such as Colonel Oleg Kurygin of the 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade and Colonel Denis Barilo of the 55th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (mountain). This command structure ensures effective coordination across a diverse array of units, including motor rifle, artillery, missile, air defense, logistics, and special purpose elements.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The army's infrastructure encompasses a network of garrisons, training grounds, maintenance facilities, and supply depots distributed throughout the Siberian region. The presence of specialized units, such as the 10th NBC Protection Regiment and the 236th Separate Special Purpose Radio-Technical Battalion GRU, indicates a robust capability for chemical, biological, radiological, and electronic warfare operations. The 35th Command and Control Brigade provides advanced communications and battlefield management, ensuring secure and resilient command and control across all echelons.
Armored and Mechanized Forces
The 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade and the 74th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade form the core of the army's armored and mechanized capabilities. These units are equipped with T-72BM and T-72B3 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, providing a balanced mix of firepower, protection, and mobility. Artillery support is delivered by systems such as the 2S19 Msta-S and 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled howitzers, enhancing the brigades' combined arms effectiveness.
Mountain Warfare Capabilities
The 55th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (mountain) specializes in operations within mountainous and rugged terrain. Equipped with BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, GAZ Tigr light armored vehicles, and 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortars, the brigade is optimized for high-mobility and rapid maneuver in challenging environments. This unit enhances the army's ability to conduct operations in Siberia's varied topography and along Russia's southern borders.
Artillery and Rocket Forces
The 120th Guards Artillery Brigade provides the 41st Combined Arms Army with a comprehensive suite of fire support assets. The brigade operates BM-27 Uragan multiple launch rocket systems, 2S19M2 Msta-S and 2S7M Malka self-propelled guns, and 2A65 Msta-B towed howitzers. These systems offer a range of conventional and precision-guided munitions, enabling deep-strike and counter-battery missions. The brigade's firepower significantly enhances the army's offensive and defensive operations.
Missile Forces
The 119th Missile Brigade, equipped with the 9K720 Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile system, provides the army with a potent long-range precision strike capability. The Iskander-M system is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads, with a range of up to 500 kilometers. This capability serves as a strategic deterrent and enables the rapid neutralization of high-value enemy targets, command centers, and critical infrastructure.
Air Defense Assets
The 61st Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade is responsible for the army's air defense, fielding advanced 9K317 Buk-M2 and 9K317M Buk-M3 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. These platforms are capable of engaging a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The brigade's assets provide layered air defense coverage for both static and maneuvering formations, significantly reducing vulnerability to enemy air operations.
Logistics and Sustainment
The 106th Separate Logistics Brigade ensures the continuous supply of materiel, fuel, and ammunition to all subordinate units. This brigade operates a fleet of transport vehicles and maintains forward supply points, enabling sustained high-tempo operations across the Siberian theater. The integration of logistics with operational planning is critical for maintaining the combat effectiveness and endurance of the 41st Combined Arms Army.
Specialized Support Units
The 10th NBC Protection Regiment provides the army with comprehensive nuclear, biological, and chemical defense capabilities, including detection, decontamination, and protective measures. The 236th Separate Special Purpose Radio-Technical Battalion GRU conducts electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and electronic countermeasures, enhancing situational awareness and degrading adversary command and control. These specialized units contribute to the army's resilience against asymmetric and unconventional threats.
Command and Control Systems
The 35th Command and Control Brigade is tasked with establishing and maintaining secure communications networks, data links, and battlefield management systems. This brigade ensures real-time information flow between the headquarters and subordinate units, supporting rapid decision-making and coordinated operations. The integration of modern command and control technologies enhances the army's responsiveness and operational flexibility.