Russian Strategic Rocket Forces

Russian Strategic Rocket Forces
Unit name	Strategic Rocket Forces
Native name	Ракетные войска стратегического назначения
Caption	Emblem of the Strategic Rocket Forces
Start date	17 December 1959
Country	Soviet Union (1959–1991), Russia (1991–present)
Branch	Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Type	Strategic missile force
Role	Nuclear deterrence
Size	~50,000 personnel
Command structure	General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Garrison	Moscow
Current commander	Colonel General Sergey Karakayev
Notable commanders	Mitrofan Nedelin, Vladimir Tolubko, Yury Yashin

Russian Strategic Rocket Forces. The Strategic Rocket Forces are a separate branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation responsible for Russia's land-based intercontinental ballistic missile arsenal, forming the core of the nation's nuclear triad. Established in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, it is tasked with nuclear deterrence and executing strategic strikes. The force operates under the direct command of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces.

History

The origins of the force trace back to the formation of the 3rd Guards Artillery Breakthrough Corps in 1946, which was equipped with early R-1 missiles. Officially established by a decree of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union in 1959, its creation was a direct response to the Nuclear arms race with the United States. Under commanders like Mitrofan Nedelin, who perished in the Nedelin catastrophe, the force rapidly expanded during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the subsequent buildup under Leonid Brezhnev. Key historical bases included Plesetsk Cosmodrome and Baikonur Cosmodrome. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, control of the missiles on the territory of Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan was transferred to Russia under agreements like the START I treaty.

Structure and organization

The Strategic Rocket Forces are headquartered in the Moscow suburb of Vlasikha. The main combat units are missile armies, which include the 27th Guards Rocket Army headquartered in Vladimir, the 31st Rocket Army in Rostov-on-Don, and the 33rd Guards Rocket Army in Omsk. These armies are composed of missile divisions, such as the 7th Guards Rocket Division at Vypolzovo and the 28th Guards Rocket Division at Kozelsk. Each division controls several missile regiments, which are the primary launch units. The force also includes the 4th State Central Interspecific Range at Kapustin Yar and the Peter the Great Military Academy of the Strategic Rocket Forces in Moscow.

Equipment and capabilities

The force operates a diverse arsenal of ICBMs, including silo-based and road-mobile systems. Key silo-based systems are the UR-100N (SS-19 Stiletto), the heavy R-36M2 Voevoda (SS-18 Satan), and the newer RS-24 Yars and RS-28 Sarmat. Mobile regiments are equipped with the RT-2PM2 Topol-M and the RS-24 Yars launched from the MZKT-79221 chassis. The command and control system is anchored by the Kazbek system and the modern Perimeter (system). Support is provided by assets like the Typhoon-M counter-sabotage vehicle and the Iskander-M systems of the Missile Troops and Artillery.

Role and mission

The primary mission is strategic nuclear deterrence, serving as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad. In a conflict, the force would execute retaliatory or pre-emptive strikes against high-value strategic targets, such as enemy nuclear forces, military command centers like the Pentagon, and critical economic infrastructure. This role is central to Russia's military doctrine, as outlined in documents like the Military doctrine of the Russian Federation. The force maintains constant combat readiness through duty crews at command posts and regular exercises, such as those held at the Emba (river) training ground.

Commanders

The first commander was Chief Marshal of Artillery Mitrofan Nedelin. He was succeeded by notable leaders such as Marshal of the Soviet Union Vladimir Tolubko and Army General Yury Yashin. In the post-Soviet era, commanders have included Army General Vladimir Yakovlev and Colonel General Nikolay Solovtsov. The current commander, appointed in 2010, is Colonel General Sergey Karakayev, who previously served as chief of staff for the 33rd Guards Rocket Army.

Modernization and future developments

Modernization is a top priority under the State Armament Programme. The focus is on replacing Soviet-era systems with new missiles like the RS-28 Sarmat, deployed at Dombarovsky (air base), and the road-mobile RS-24 Yars. The Barguzin rail-mobile ICBM project was reportedly suspended. Future developments include enhancing the Avangard (hypersonic glide vehicle) system and integrating new missiles like the RS-26 Rubezh. Challenges include funding constraints, Western sanctions, and maintaining parity with advancements by the United States Strategic Command and the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force.

Category:Military of Russia Category:Strategic missile forces