90th Guards Tank Division
Location Analysis
The 90th Guards Tank Division is headquartered in Chebarkul, Chelyabinsk Oblast, within the Central Military District of the Russian Federation. Chebarkul is a strategic garrison town with established military infrastructure, providing direct access to major rail and road networks. The location enables rapid deployment both westward towards the European theater and eastward within the Russian interior. The region's terrain is conducive to armored maneuvers and large-scale exercises, supporting the division's operational requirements.
Command Structure
The division is under the command of Colonel Ramil Ibatullin, reflecting continuity in experienced leadership. The division's headquarters, designated as military unit 86274, exercises operational control over its subordinate regiments and battalions, ensuring coordinated armored, mechanized, artillery, reconnaissance, engineering, communications, logistics, medical, and air defense capabilities.
Order of Battle
The 90th Guards Tank Division comprises three main tank regiments—the 6th (military unit 93992), 80th (military unit 87441), and 239th (military unit 89547)—alongside the 228th Motor Rifle Regiment (military unit 22316). Supporting units include the 400th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment (military unit 15871), 30th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (military unit 17654), 351st Separate Engineer Battalion (military unit 84975), 33rd Separate Communications Battalion (military unit 94015), 1122nd Separate Logistics Battalion (military unit 25481), 26th Separate Medical Battalion (military unit 86000), and the 288th Separate Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 54824).
Infrastructure Capabilities
The division's headquarters and main units are stationed at well-developed garrison facilities in Chebarkul and surrounding areas. These installations feature hardened vehicle storage, maintenance depots, ammunition bunkers, fuel storage, and training ranges. The infrastructure supports high readiness levels, rapid mobilization, and sustained operations, with dedicated facilities for command, control, and communications.
Armored and Mechanized Assets
The division fields a substantial inventory of main battle tanks, primarily T-72B3 and T-90 models, distributed across its three tank regiments. The 228th Motor Rifle Regiment is equipped with BMP-series infantry fighting vehicles and BTR armored personnel carriers, providing mechanized infantry support. The division's armored assets are maintained at high operational readiness, with regular participation in large-scale exercises.
Artillery and Fire Support
The 400th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment operates 2S3 Akatsiya and 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers, delivering indirect fire support to maneuver elements. The regiment is equipped with modern fire control systems and is capable of both conventional and precision-guided munitions employment. Artillery assets are integrated into divisional operations for both offensive and defensive missions.
Reconnaissance and Intelligence
The 30th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion provides the division with tactical intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities. The battalion employs a mix of ground reconnaissance teams, unmanned aerial vehicles, and electronic warfare assets to monitor adversary movements and support targeting processes.
Engineering and Mobility Support
The 351st Separate Engineer Battalion is responsible for mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations. The battalion maintains bridging equipment, mine-clearing systems, and field fortification assets, enabling the division to conduct rapid advances, obstacle breaching, and defensive preparations.
Communications and Command Support
The 33rd Separate Communications Battalion ensures robust and secure communications across all echelons of the division. The battalion operates modern digital radio, satellite, and wired communication systems, supporting command and control functions during both peacetime and combat operations.
Logistics and Sustainment
The 1122nd Separate Logistics Battalion provides comprehensive supply, transport, and maintenance services to the division. The battalion manages fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and rations, ensuring sustained operational capability during extended deployments. Dedicated repair teams and recovery vehicles are available for battlefield support.
Medical Support
The 26th Separate Medical Battalion is tasked with providing medical care, casualty evacuation, and field hospital services. The battalion is equipped with mobile medical stations, ambulances, and surgical teams, enabling prompt treatment and stabilization of wounded personnel in forward areas.
Air Defense Capabilities
The 288th Separate Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment operates short- and medium-range air defense systems, including the Tor-M2 and Buk-M2 platforms. The regiment provides layered protection against aerial threats, safeguarding divisional assets from enemy aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Operational Readiness and Recent Activity
The 90th Guards Tank Division maintains a high level of operational readiness, with regular participation in strategic command-staff exercises such as 'Zapad' and 'Tsentr.' The division has been involved in rotational deployments and training activities, reflecting its status as a key armored formation within the Central Military District. Recent open-source reporting indicates ongoing modernization efforts and personnel rotations to maintain combat effectiveness.