6th Combined Arms Army
Location Analysis
The 6th Combined Arms Army is headquartered in Agalatovo, Leningrad Oblast, a strategically significant region in northwestern Russia. This location provides rapid access to the borders of Finland and the Baltic States, supporting both defensive and offensive operational postures in the Western Military District. The proximity to Saint Petersburg enhances logistical support and command connectivity, while the region's infrastructure facilitates the rapid deployment of forces across northwestern Russia.
Command Structure
The 6th Combined Arms Army is under the command of Lieutenant General Vladislav Ershov. Subordinate units include multiple motor rifle brigades, artillery, missile, air defense, engineer, logistics, and support regiments. This hierarchical structure ensures operational flexibility and the ability to conduct combined arms operations, integrating maneuver, fire support, air defense, and sustainment capabilities under unified command.
Motor Rifle Brigades Composition
The 25th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade (military unit 29760), commanded by Colonel Ivan Smerdov, and the 138th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade (military unit 02511), commanded by Colonel Sergei Maksimov, form the primary maneuver elements. The 25th Brigade is equipped with T-72B main battle tanks, MT-LB armored personnel carriers, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers. The 138th Brigade fields T-72B3 tanks, MT-LBs, 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled howitzers, BM-21 Grad, and 9K332M Tor-M2U air defense systems. These formations are capable of combined arms operations, with integrated armor, mechanized infantry, artillery, and air defense assets.
Missile and Artillery Capabilities
The 26th Missile Brigade (military unit 54006) operates the 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system, providing the army with precision strike capability against high-value targets at operational depth. The 9th Guards Artillery Brigade (military unit 02561) is equipped with 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers, BM-27 Uragan multiple rocket launchers, and 9K114 Shturm anti-tank missile systems. These assets enable the delivery of both conventional and precision fires, supporting maneuver units and enabling deep interdiction of enemy forces.
Air Defense Assets
Air defense for the 6th Combined Arms Army is provided by the 5th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (military unit 74429), which fields both 9K331 Tor-M1 and 9K317 Buk-M2 systems. The Tor-M1 offers short-range point defense against aircraft, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions, while the Buk-M2 provides medium-range area defense, capable of engaging a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The integration of these systems enhances the army's survivability against air attacks and supports freedom of maneuver.
Command and Control Infrastructure
The 95th Command and Control Brigade (military unit 13821) is responsible for establishing and maintaining robust communications and battlefield management systems. This unit ensures secure, real-time information flow between command echelons and subordinate units, facilitating coordinated operations and rapid decision-making in dynamic combat environments.
Engineering and Mobility Support
The 140th Guards Engineer-Sapper Regiment (military unit 18437) provides essential combat engineering capabilities, including minefield breaching, obstacle construction, fortification, and mobility support. These functions are critical for enabling maneuver units to overcome natural and man-made obstacles, enhance defensive positions, and maintain operational tempo.
Logistics and Sustainment
Logistical support is provided by the 51st Separate Logistics Brigade (military unit 72152) and the 67th Separate Automobile Battalion (military unit 11255). These units are responsible for supply distribution, transport, maintenance, and medical support, ensuring sustained combat operations. Their capabilities include the movement of personnel, equipment, and materiel across the operational area, as well as the repair and recovery of damaged assets.
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection
The 6th NBC Protection Regiment (military unit 12086) specializes in defense against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. This unit provides detection, decontamination, and protective measures for personnel and equipment, enabling continued operations in contaminated environments and enhancing force survivability against weapons of mass destruction.
Headquarters Functions
The 6th Combined Arms Army Headquarters (military unit 31807) serves as the central node for operational planning, command, and control. It coordinates the activities of all subordinate units, manages intelligence, logistics, and operational support, and ensures the integration of combined arms capabilities. The headquarters is equipped with advanced communications and information systems to maintain situational awareness and direct operations across the area of responsibility.