5th Combined Arms Army
Location Analysis
The 5th Combined Arms Army is headquartered in Ussuriysk, Primorsky Krai, Russia. This location provides strategic access to the Russian Far East, facilitating rapid deployment to the Pacific region and proximity to the borders with China and North Korea. Ussuriysk serves as a key logistical and operational hub, supporting both regional defense and force projection capabilities in the Eastern Military District.
Command Structure
The 5th Combined Arms Army is currently commanded by Major General Ivan Eruslanov. The army comprises several brigades and regiments, each with specialized roles, including motor rifle, artillery, missile, air defense, engineering, logistics, nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, as well as equipment storage and repair units. This diversified command structure enables the army to conduct combined arms operations and sustain prolonged engagements.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The army maintains extensive infrastructure, including headquarters facilities, barracks, training grounds, maintenance depots, and logistics hubs. The presence of two dedicated weapons and equipment storage and repair bases (military units 92910 and 30615) ensures high operational readiness and rapid equipment turnover. The 101st Separate Logistics Brigade (military unit 11338) further enhances supply chain efficiency, supporting sustained operations across the region.
Armored and Mechanized Forces
The 57th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade (military unit 46102) and the 60th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (military unit 16871) form the core of the army's armored and mechanized capability. Both brigades are equipped with T-72B main battle tanks and BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, providing a balance of firepower, mobility, and protection. The 57th Brigade fields BM 2B17-1 Tornado-G multiple rocket launchers and Tor-M2U air defense systems, while the 60th Brigade is additionally equipped with 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers, enhancing its indirect fire support.
Missile and Artillery Assets
The 20th Guards Missile Brigade (military unit 92088) operates the 9K720 Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile system, providing the army with a precision deep-strike capability against high-value targets up to 500 kilometers away. The 305th Artillery Brigade (military unit 39255) fields a diverse array of artillery systems, including BM-27 Uragan multiple rocket launchers, 2S4 Tyulpan heavy mortars, 2S5 Giatsint-S self-propelled guns, and MT-12 Rapira anti-tank guns, enabling effective fire support across a wide range of operational scenarios.
Air Defense Capabilities
The 8th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (military unit 36411) is equipped with the 9K37 Buk-M1 medium-range surface-to-air missile system. This provides robust air defense coverage against a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and certain types of missiles. The integration of Tor-M2U systems within the motor rifle brigades further enhances layered air defense, improving survivability against precision-guided munitions and low-flying targets.
NBC Protection and Engineering Support
The 25th NBC Protection Regiment (military unit 58079) provides specialized capabilities for detection, decontamination, and protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. The 35th Engineer-Sapper Regiment (military unit 43294) is responsible for combat engineering tasks, including fortification construction, obstacle breaching, and mine clearance, thereby enhancing the army's operational flexibility and survivability in contested environments.
Logistics and Maintenance
The 101st Separate Logistics Brigade (military unit 11338) ensures the continuous supply of materiel, fuel, and ammunition, supporting sustained combat operations. The 245th and 247th Weapons and Equipment Storage and Repair Bases (military units 92910 and 30615) provide vital maintenance, storage, and repair services for armored vehicles, artillery, and other military equipment, maintaining high levels of operational readiness and rapid force regeneration capability.
Operational Readiness and Force Projection
The 5th Combined Arms Army maintains a high degree of operational readiness, supported by its diverse mix of combat, support, and logistics units. The integration of modern missile, artillery, and air defense systems, combined with robust engineering and NBC protection, enables the army to conduct a wide range of operations, from conventional warfare to rapid response in crisis situations. Its strategic location and comprehensive infrastructure further enhance its ability to project force throughout the Russian Far East and neighboring regions.