43rd Long-Range Aviation Combat Employment and Retraining Center
Site Identification and Location
The 43rd Long-Range Aviation Combat Employment and Retraining Center (military unit 41521) is located at Dyagilevo Air Base on the western outskirts of Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast, Russian Federation (approximate coordinates 54.64N, 39.57E). Dyagilevo is a major Soviet-era bomber/tanker installation used by the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Long-Range Aviation (DA) and functions as the primary hub for training, conversion, and standardization of long-range bomber and tanker crews.
Organizational Structure and Subordination
The center is subordinate to Long-Range Aviation (DA) within the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). Units associated with the center include the 49th Long-Range Aviation Instructor Regiment (military unit 52654) and the 27th Mixed Aviation Regiment (military unit 77977). These regiments provide instructor-led combat employment training, air-to-air refueling qualification, and logistics/training support for DA aircraft types.
Mission and Functions of the 43rd Center (military unit 41521)
The center’s mission is to conduct initial and recurrent training, conversion/retraining for aircrew transitioning between types, and standardization/evaluation of tactics and procedures for long-range bomber and tanker operations. Responsibilities include crew certification (pilots, navigators, and operators), instructor preparation, instrument and long-range navigation training, air-to-air refueling training, and the development and promulgation of combat employment techniques for DA platforms.
49th Long-Range Aviation Instructor Regiment (military unit 52654)
The 49th Long-Range Aviation Instructor Regiment operates Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS bombers, Il-78 tankers, Tu-134AK liaison/training aircraft, and Mi-8MT helicopters. Its role is to deliver instructor-led conversion and advanced combat employment training to bomber and tanker crews, including instrument procedures, long-range navigation, day/night operations, formation flying, emergency procedures, and air-to-air refueling qualification using the Il-78. The regiment’s aircraft mix supports both heavy bomber training and supporting tasks such as liaison, range support, and local search-and-rescue.
27th Mixed Aviation Regiment (military unit 77977)
The 27th Mixed Aviation Regiment employs An-12 and An-26 transports and the Tu-134UBL trainer. The regiment provides logistics airlift (personnel, cargo, airdrop support) for the center and conducts flight training on the Tu-134UBL, a specialized trainer used for bomber crew instruction. The Tu-134UBL’s configuration supports pilot and navigator training applicable to long-range bomber platforms, complementing the center’s conversion and proficiency curricula.
Assigned Aircraft and Roles
Tu-22M3: supersonic long-range bomber used for strike training, including high/low-altitude profiles and air-to-air refueled missions. Tu-95MS: turboprop strategic bomber employed for long-duration navigation training and cruise-missile employment profiles. Il-78: aerial refueling tanker used to train probe-and-drogue refueling for DA bombers. Tu-134AK: liaison and instrument/navigation training platform. Tu-134UBL: specialized trainer for bomber crew instruction. An-12 and An-26: medium transports supporting logistics and airdrop training. Mi-8MT: medium utility helicopter supporting base operations, range safety, and local SAR.
Airfield and Infrastructure Capabilities (Dyagilevo)
Dyagilevo features a long, paved runway of approximately 3,000 meters suitable for heavy bomber and tanker operations, multiple large parking aprons, and maintenance facilities supporting high-tempo training and instructor operations. The base has extensive fuel handling capacity compatible with aerial refueling units and the ground support required for long-duration bomber sorties. Training infrastructure includes classrooms and simulators for systems, navigation, and crew coordination training, with on-base logistics and aviation technical support consistent with long-range aviation requirements.
Operations and Training Activities
Routine activities include initial qualification and transition training for Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS crews, air-to-air refueling qualification with Il-78 tankers, recurrent instrument and navigation checks, crew resource management and emergency procedures drills, and standardized tactical training for long-range strike profiles. Transport assets (An-12/An-26) provide continuous logistics support to training detachments and exercises, while Tu-134-series aircraft facilitate instrument, navigation, and crew training flights.
Recent Security-Related Incident (Publicly Reported)
On 5 December 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that an unmanned aerial vehicle was intercepted over Dyagilevo Air Base (Ryazan Oblast), with debris causing an explosion that resulted in fatalities among service personnel and damage on the airfield. This incident was publicly acknowledged by the ministry on the day of the event and was reported alongside a related attack on Engels air base.
Operational Significance
The 43rd center at Dyagilevo is a key training and standardization hub for Russia’s Long-Range Aviation. By qualifying and requalifying bomber and tanker crews and preparing instructors, it sustains the proficiency required for strategic and long-range conventional missions conducted by Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS units. Its role integrates air-to-air refueling capabilities, logistics support, and specialized crew training, enabling force generation and readiness across DA formations.
Information Gaps and Classification Caveats
Specific details such as current aircraft counts, precise order of battle, alert status, weapons storage locations, detailed course throughput, and communications or sensor systems are not publicly disclosed or are classified. The information presented is limited to verifiable, open-source facts on unit identities, aircraft types, missions, and publicly reported incidents.