8th Guards Combined Arms Army
Location Analysis
The 8th Guards Combined Arms Army headquarters is situated in Novocherkassk, Rostov Oblast, a strategic region in southern Russia. This location provides direct access to key transportation networks, including major rail and road arteries, facilitating rapid force deployment within the Southern Military District. Proximity to the Ukrainian border enhances the army's ability to project power and respond to regional contingencies.
Command Structure
The 8th Guards Combined Arms Army is commanded by Lieutenant General Gennady Anashkin. The headquarters, designated as military unit 33744, exercises operational control over several subordinate formations, including missile, artillery, and NBC protection units. The command structure is designed to enable integrated operations across combined arms, supporting both offensive and defensive missions.
47th Missile Brigade Overview
The 47th Missile Brigade, identified as military unit 33166, operates under the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army. The brigade is equipped with tactical ballistic missile systems, likely including the 9K720 Iskander-M, which provide precision strike capabilities against high-value targets at operational depth. The unit's mobility and advanced targeting systems enhance the army's deterrence and rapid response posture.
238th Artillery Brigade Capabilities
The 238th Artillery Brigade is a key fire support element within the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army. The brigade is equipped with the 2A65 Msta-B 152mm towed howitzer, capable of delivering high-explosive, cluster, and precision-guided munitions. The brigade's assets enable sustained indirect fire support, counter-battery operations, and the suppression of enemy defenses at ranges up to 28 kilometers.
39th NBC Protection Regiment Role
The 39th NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Protection Regiment, designated as military unit 16390, provides specialized defense against weapons of mass destruction. The regiment is responsible for detection, decontamination, and protective measures, ensuring force survivability in contaminated environments. Its integration with maneuver units enhances operational resilience against CBRN threats.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The headquarters and associated units of the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army benefit from robust infrastructure in Novocherkassk and the wider Rostov Oblast. Facilities include command and control centers, secure communications nodes, maintenance depots, and logistics hubs. The region's developed transportation network supports rapid mobilization and sustainment of large-scale operations.
Operational Readiness
The 8th Guards Combined Arms Army maintains a high level of operational readiness, with regular training exercises and combat deployments reported in recent years. The integration of missile, artillery, and NBC protection assets enables the formation to conduct combined arms operations across a spectrum of conflict scenarios. The army's posture reflects its role as a principal force within the Southern Military District.