4th Air and Air Defense Forces Army
Location Analysis
The 4th Air and Air Defense Forces Army is headquartered in Rostov-on-Don, a strategic city in southern Russia that serves as a critical hub for military command and control in the Southern Military District. The region's proximity to the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and the Ukrainian border enhances its operational significance. The headquarters' location allows for rapid deployment and coordination of air assets across the southwestern theater, supporting both defensive and offensive operations.
Command Structure and Leadership
The 4th Air and Air Defense Forces Army is under the command of Major General Vladimir Kutsenko. The command structure is organized to provide centralized control over a diverse array of aviation and air defense units. The headquarters (military unit 83477) oversees subordinate regiments and brigades, ensuring operational readiness and integration of air and ground-based assets. The 214th Command and Control Center (military unit 65246) further enhances command efficiency by providing robust communications and real-time operational oversight.
Aviation Regiment Capabilities
The 30th Separate Transport Mixed Aviation Regiment (military unit 41497) operates a versatile fleet, including 1 An-148, 7 An-12BK, 6 An-26, 2 Il-20M aircraft, and a range of helicopters (1 Mi-24V, 9 Mi-24P, 1 Mi-26T3, 2 Mi-26T, 5 Mi-26). This mix enables strategic and tactical airlift, reconnaissance, and limited attack capabilities. The presence of Il-20M aircraft indicates a focus on electronic intelligence and surveillance, while the Mi-26 variants provide heavy-lift support for logistics and troop movement.
Army Aviation and Attack Helicopter Assets
The 55th Separate Helicopter Regiment (military unit 35666) and the 16th Army Aviation Brigade (military unit 41767) collectively field a substantial number of modern attack and transport helicopters. The 55th Regiment operates 4 Ka-52, 10 Mi-35M, 12 Mi-28N, and 17 Mi-8AMTSh helicopters, providing a balanced mix of attack, transport, and multi-role capabilities. The 16th Brigade adds 9 Mi-8AMTSh, 21 Mi-28N, and 3 Mi-8PP helicopters, further enhancing the Army's ability to conduct close air support, electronic warfare, and rapid troop insertion missions.
Helicopter Regiment and UAV Integration
The 487th Separate Helicopter Regiment (military unit 44936) is notable for its integration of both manned and unmanned platforms. Its inventory includes 17 Mi-35M, 17 Mi-28N, 4 Mi-8AMTSh, 4 Mi-8MTV-5, 12 Mi-8MTV-5-1 helicopters, and 2 Forpost UAVs. This combination allows for flexible mission profiles, including attack, transport, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The inclusion of Forpost UAVs demonstrates an increasing emphasis on real-time intelligence gathering and target acquisition.
Air Base and Joint Operations
The 3661st Air Base (military unit 62467) serves as a key operational hub, supporting helicopters and UAVs from the 487th Separate Helicopter Regiment and other units. The base is also utilized by aviation elements of the Rosgvardia and the FSB, indicating a high degree of interagency cooperation. This joint usage enhances the base's operational tempo and allows for coordinated responses to both military and internal security contingencies.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The infrastructure supporting the 4th Air and Air Defense Forces Army is robust and multi-faceted. The headquarters and its associated vehicle park (military unit 83477) provide logistical and administrative support for command elements. Airfields and maintenance facilities are equipped to handle a diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, ensuring high operational availability. The presence of specialized command and control centers, such as the 214th, ensures secure communications, rapid decision-making, and effective coordination across all subordinate units.
Operational Readiness and Strategic Role
The 4th Air and Air Defense Forces Army maintains a high level of operational readiness, with modernized aircraft and helicopters capable of supporting a wide range of missions, including air defense, ground support, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Its strategic location and diverse capabilities enable it to respond rapidly to regional crises, support ground operations, and project power along Russia's southwestern borders. The integration of UAVs and joint operations with internal security forces further enhance its flexibility and effectiveness in both conventional and hybrid conflict scenarios.