Central Military District
Location Analysis
The Central Military District (CMD) encompasses a vast geographic area, with its headquarters located in Yekaterinburg. The district covers the Volga, Ural, and Siberian regions, providing strategic depth and access to critical infrastructure, including major rail and road networks. Its central positioning enables rapid force projection both westward and eastward, supporting operations across the Russian Federation and into Central Asia.
Command Structure and Leadership
The Central Military District is commanded by Colonel General Andrey Mordvichev, reflecting continuity in experienced leadership. The headquarters in Yekaterinburg oversees a diverse array of combat, support, and specialized units, ensuring centralized command and control over a complex operational environment.
Combat Capabilities
The CMD fields significant combat power, including the 232nd Rocket Artillery Brigade equipped with BM-27 Uragan multiple launch rocket systems, and two elite Spetsnaz brigades (3rd and 24th Separate Guards) utilizing BTR-80 armored personnel carriers and GAZ Tigr vehicles. The 28th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade operates the advanced S-300V4 air defense system, providing robust area air defense against aerial threats.
Specialized and Support Units
The district maintains specialized units such as the 29th NBC Protection Brigade and the 12th Separate Guards Engineer Brigade, enhancing its ability to operate in contaminated environments and conduct engineering tasks. The 18th Electronic Warfare Brigade and GRU-affiliated radio-technical brigades (88th and 39th) provide electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities, supporting both defensive and offensive operations.
Logistics and Sustainment
Logistical support is provided by the 105th Separate Logistics Brigade, multiple storage and repair bases for weapons, equipment, and tanks (e.g., 103rd, 104th, 187th, 7027th, 349th, 691st, 75485, 63753, 1311th, 2544th), and specialized battalions for railway and automobile repair. This extensive infrastructure ensures sustained operational readiness and rapid equipment regeneration.
Command, Control, and Communications
Command and control functions are managed by the 59th Command and Control Brigade and the 1388th Command Reconnaissance Center, supported by the 179th Communications Brigade. These units provide secure and resilient communications, intelligence gathering, and operational coordination across the district.
Training and Personnel Development
The CMD invests in personnel development through the 473rd Regional Junior Specialists Training Center and multiple training regiments (32nd Training Tank Regiment, 140th and 225th Training Motor Rifle Regiments). These facilities ensure a continuous pipeline of trained personnel for both combat and support roles.
Medical and Psychological Support
Medical support is provided by the 183rd Special Purpose Medical Detachment and an additional medical detachment (military unit 51837). The 2059th Psychological Operations Group GRU offers psychological operations capabilities, supporting information operations and troop morale.
Equipment Storage and Arsenal Management
A network of storage and repair bases (including the 103rd, 104th, 187th, 7027th, 349th, 691st, 75485, 63753, 1311th, 2544th, and 103rd Weapons Arsenal) ensures the secure storage, maintenance, and rapid deployment of weapons, vehicles, and NBC protection equipment. This infrastructure underpins the district’s ability to mobilize and sustain large-scale operations.
Electronic Warfare and Intelligence
The 18th EW Brigade, 88th and 39th Separate Special Purpose Radio-Technical Brigades (GRU), and the 157th EW Troops Command and Control Center provide advanced electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and electronic protection capabilities. These assets enhance situational awareness, disrupt adversary communications, and support information dominance.