Air Defense and Missile Defense Forces
Command Structure and Headquarters Overview
The Air Defense and Missile Defense Forces of the Russian Federation are headquartered in Moscow and currently commanded by Lieutenant General Andrey Demin. The centralization of command in the capital facilitates strategic oversight and rapid decision-making for the defense of critical national assets. The headquarters is responsible for operational planning, coordination of subordinate units, and integration with other branches of the Russian Armed Forces, ensuring a cohesive air and missile defense posture across the nation.
Training and Personnel Development
The 11th Anti-Aircraft Missile Training Center, designated as military unit 03215, is a pivotal institution for the education and continuous professional development of air defense personnel. The center provides comprehensive training on the operation, maintenance, and tactical employment of advanced anti-aircraft missile systems. Its curriculum encompasses both theoretical instruction and practical exercises, ensuring that personnel are proficient in the latest air defense doctrines and technologies.
Logistical Support and Arsenal Capabilities
The 25th Air and Missile Defense Forces Arsenal, military unit 11291, serves as a critical logistics hub for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of air defense munitions and equipment. The arsenal maintains a high state of readiness to support operational units, ensuring the availability of missiles, spare parts, and related materiel. Its infrastructure is designed to accommodate a wide range of missile systems, reflecting the diversity and complexity of Russia’s air defense inventory.
Radar and Early Warning Infrastructure
The network of Separate Radio-Technical Battalions, including the 25th (military unit 71584), 917th (48734), 1451st (39836), 2260th (61943), 2268th (52357), and 2295th (68109) units, forms the backbone of Russia’s radar and early warning capabilities. These battalions operate a variety of radar systems, such as the 36D6, 55Zh6, and 55Zh6U Nebo U, which provide multi-band coverage for the detection and tracking of aerial targets. The deployment of these radars enhances situational awareness, enabling timely responses to potential airspace incursions.
Over-the-Horizon Detection Capabilities
The 590th Separate Radio-Technical Unit for Over-the-Horizon Detection of Air Targets, military unit 84680, operates the 29B6 Konteyner over-the-horizon radar system. This advanced radar provides long-range detection of aerial threats, including aircraft and cruise missiles, at distances up to 3,000 kilometers. The Konteyner system significantly extends the reach of Russia’s air defense network, offering early warning and tracking capabilities that are critical for the defense of national airspace against strategic threats.
Battalion-Level Command and Control
The 2295th Separate Radio-Technical Battalion, military unit 68109, is structured with a dedicated headquarters and specialized radar detachments. This organizational model allows for decentralized command and rapid deployment of radar assets in response to evolving operational requirements. The battalion’s flexibility enhances the overall resilience and adaptability of the air defense network, ensuring continuous coverage even in contested environments.
Unspecified Radio-Technical Battalion
Military unit 06548 is identified as a Separate Radio-Technical Battalion, though specific details regarding its operational focus and equipment remain undisclosed in open sources. Its inclusion within the broader structure suggests a role in regional airspace monitoring and integration with other radio-technical units, contributing to the layered defense architecture of the Russian Air Defense and Missile Defense Forces.