76th Guards Air-Assault Divsion
Location Analysis
The 76th Guards Air-Assault Division is headquartered in Pskov, a strategically significant city in northwestern Russia, proximate to the borders with Estonia and Latvia. This positioning enables rapid deployment capabilities to the Baltic region and provides a forward presence for operations in Western Russia and Eastern Europe. The division's location facilitates logistical support and quick mobilization for both defensive and offensive operations along Russia's western frontier.
Command Structure
The division is commanded by Colonel Denis Shishov, with subordinate regimental commanders including Colonel Alexei Tolmachev (104th Guards Air Assault Regiment), Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Gorodilov (234th Guards Air Assault Regiment), and Colonel Mikhail Tkachev (237th Guards Air Assault Regiment). This hierarchical structure ensures clear lines of command and control, vital for the coordination of complex airborne and air assault operations.
Combat Unit Composition
The division comprises three primary air assault regiments: the 104th, 234th, and 237th Guards Air Assault Regiments. These regiments are equipped with modern airborne infantry fighting vehicles such as the BMD-3 and BMD-4M, armored personnel carriers like the BTR-D, and self-propelled artillery including the 2S9 Nona-S. The presence of 1V119 Rheostat artillery fire control vehicles enhances indirect fire accuracy and coordination. This composition provides the division with high mobility, rapid deployment capabilities, and significant firepower.
Artillery and Fire Support
The 1140th Guards Artillery Regiment (military unit 45377) provides the division with organic fire support, utilizing D-30 122mm towed howitzers and 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortars. These assets enable both direct and indirect fire missions, supporting air assault operations with suppressive and destructive firepower. The integration of artillery fire control vehicles (1V119 Rheostat) further enhances the effectiveness and responsiveness of artillery support.
Air Defense Capabilities
The 4th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 81430) is tasked with providing air defense for the division. Equipped with the 9K35 Strela-10 short-range surface-to-air missile system and BTR-D armored carriers, the regiment offers protection against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. This capability is critical for safeguarding airborne and ground elements during both maneuver and static operations.
Reconnaissance and Intelligence
The 175th Separate Guards Reconnaissance Battalion (military unit 54399) conducts reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition in support of divisional operations. This unit is responsible for gathering actionable intelligence, identifying enemy positions, and providing early warning, thereby enhancing the division's situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Engineering and Mobility Support
The 656th Separate Guards Engineer-Sapper Battalion (military unit 45293) delivers engineering support, including mine clearance, obstacle breaching, and fortification construction. This battalion enhances the division's mobility and survivability by enabling rapid movement through contested terrain and improving defensive positions.
Communications and Command Support
The 728th Separate Guards Communications Battalion (military unit 24538) ensures robust and secure communications across the division. This unit is responsible for establishing and maintaining command, control, and information systems, which are essential for the coordination of complex air assault operations and maintaining operational tempo.
Logistics and Material Support
The 1682nd Separate Guards Material Support Battalion (military unit 42689) provides logistical support, including supply, maintenance, and transportation services. This battalion ensures the continuous provision of ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and other critical materiel, sustaining the division's operational readiness and endurance during extended operations.
Medical Support
The 35th Separate Medical Detachment (military unit 64833) delivers medical care and evacuation support to the division. This detachment is equipped to provide first aid, trauma care, and casualty evacuation, thereby preserving combat effectiveness and reducing non-battle casualties.
Armored Capabilities
The 124th Separate Tank Battalion is equipped with T-72B3 main battle tanks, providing the division with enhanced armored firepower and shock action. The integration of a tank battalion within an air assault division is notable, offering increased flexibility for both offensive and defensive operations, particularly in combined arms engagements.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The division's headquarters and primary garrison facilities are located in Pskov, featuring extensive barracks, vehicle parks, maintenance depots, and training grounds. The infrastructure supports rapid force generation and deployment, with access to nearby airfields facilitating airborne operations. The presence of modernized facilities indicates sustained investment in readiness and operational capability.