Air and Missile Defence Forces (Russia)

Air and Missile Defence Forces (Russia) are a branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces responsible for the strategic defence of Russian airspace and critical assets against aerial and ballistic missile threats. Formed in 2011 through the merger of several Soviet-era defence commands, they operate a layered network of radar, surface-to-air missile, and anti-ballistic missile systems. Their primary mission encompasses the protection of key political, military, and industrial centers, including the Moscow region, and contributing to Russia's national aerospace defence shield.

History

The forces trace their origins to the Soviet Air Defence Forces, a vast and independent service established during the Cold War to counter the threat from American and NATO bombers. Key historical developments include the creation of the Moscow Air Defence District and the deployment of the world's first operational anti-ballistic missile system, the A-35 anti-ballistic missile system, around Moscow. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, these assets were inherited by the Russian Federation, undergoing several reorganizations. A major reform in 2011 under the leadership of Sergei Shoigu merged the Space Forces and the Air Defence Troops to create the Aerospace Defence Forces, with air and missile defence as a core component. This structure was later integrated into the newly formed Russian Aerospace Forces in 2015 after recommendations from the Main Directorate of the General Staff.

Structure and organization

The Air and Missile Defence Forces are organized into several large operational-strategic commands. The primary formation is the 1st Air and Missile Defence Army, headquartered in Balashikha, which is responsible for defending Moscow and the central industrial region. Other major commands include the 4th Air and Missile Defence Army in Yekaterinburg and the 6th Air and Missile Defence Army in Rostov-on-Don, providing coverage for other strategic directions. These armies control subordinate Air Defence Divisions, Air Defence Brigades, and Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiments. The structure also incorporates specialized formations for anti-ballistic missile defence, such as the 9th Division of Missile Defence, and a network of early-warning radar stations like the Voronezh radar and the Daryal radar.

Equipment and systems

The service operates a multi-layered and integrated suite of weaponry and sensors. Long-range strategic air defence is provided by the S-400 Triumf and the newer S-500 Prometheus systems, designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets. The defence of Moscow against intercontinental ballistic missiles relies on the A-135 anti-ballistic missile system, with 53T6 interceptors based around the city. Early warning and space surveillance are conducted by systems like the Okno complex in Tajikistan and the Krona space object recognition station. Other key assets include the Pantsir-S1 short-range air defence system, various Nebo-M radars, and the legacy but upgraded S-300 family.

Role and responsibilities

Their principal role is to ensure the integrity of Russian sovereign airspace and provide a continuous aerospace defence shield. This involves constant combat duty to detect, track, and identify all aerial objects, from aircraft to ballistic missiles and satellites. They are tasked with neutralizing any hostile aerospace attack, protecting vital state and military command points, groupings of the Russian Armed Forces, and critical industrial and administrative centers. The forces also play a key role in supporting major military operations, such as those in Syria, by establishing air defence bubbles over Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus, and are integral to Russia's strategic deterrence posture.

Commanders

Since its formation, the branch has been led by senior officers from the Russian Aerospace Forces. The first commander was Colonel-General Alexander Golovko, who later became Commander-in-Chief of the entire Russian Aerospace Forces. He was succeeded by Lieutenant-General Andrey Demin, who was appointed in 2021. Previous leadership of the constituent air defence forces included notable Soviet and Russian officers like Pavel Batitsky and Viktor Bondarev, who commanded the Soviet Air Defence Forces and the Russian Air Force, respectively.

Category:Air defence Category:Russian Aerospace Forces Category:Military units and formations established in 2011