Strategic Rocket Forces

Strategic Rocket Forces. Established by decree of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union on 17 December 1959, they are the primary land-based component of Russia's nuclear triad, responsible for the majority of the nation's deployed strategic warheads. Operating intercontinental ballistic missiles from both fixed silos and mobile launchers, their central mission is to guarantee nuclear deterrence and execute retaliatory or pre-emptive strikes against strategic targets. The force's creation was a direct consequence of the Cold War arms race and the development of advanced rocket technology by figures like Sergey Korolev.

History

The origins trace back to the formation of the first engineer brigade for special purposes in 1946, following the capture of German V-2 rocket technology and personnel after World War II. Under the direction of the Soviet Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence (Soviet Union), the first operational unit, armed with the R-5M missile, was declared in 1956. The formal establishment as an independent branch was driven by Nikita Khrushchev's emphasis on missile forces over conventional arms, a shift starkly demonstrated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Throughout the Cold War, they rapidly deployed successive systems like the R-7 Semyorka, R-16, and UR-100, engaging in a intense deployment race with the United States Air Force and its LGM-30 Minuteman. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, control transferred to the Russian Federation, with subsequent development and arms control dictated by treaties such as START I and New START.

Organization

Headquartered in the VDNKh district of Moscow, the force is directly subordinate to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Defence (Russia). Its main operational components are three missile armies: the 27th Guards Rocket Army headquartered in Vladimir, the 31st Rocket Army in Rostoshi, and the 33rd Guards Rocket Army in Omsk. These armies command numerous missile divisions, such as the 7th Guards Rocket Division at Vypolzovo and the 28th Guards Rocket Division at Kozelsk, each operating specific missile regiments. Key supporting institutions include the Military Academy of the Strategic Rocket Forces in Moscow and the 4th Central Research Institute in Yubileyny.

Equipment and capabilities

The arsenal consists of a diverse fleet of intercontinental ballistic missiles, maintained at a high state of readiness. The legacy Soviet-era R-36M2 Voevoda heavy ICBM remains in service, alongside the mobile RT-2PM2 Topol-M and the more modern RS-24 Yars systems. The force is actively modernizing with the introduction of the heavy RS-28 Sarmat and the road-mobile RS-26 Rubezh. These missiles are deployed in hardened silos across fields like Dombarovsky and Uzhur, and on mobile transporter-erector-launchers operating in regions such as the Irkutsk Oblast. Warheads include both single and multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles capable of penetrating advanced missile defense systems.

Role and doctrine

As the cornerstone of Russian strategic deterrence, their stated purpose is to prevent aggression by guaranteeing a devastating nuclear response. This aligns with Russia's official military doctrine, which reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. Operational plans likely target key adversary assets, including strategic command centers like the Pentagon, nuclear forces such as Malmstrom Air Force Base, and critical economic infrastructure. The force maintains constant combat alert, with command links secured through the Kazbek system and the leadership of the President of Russia.

Commanders

Commanders have historically been prominent military figures. The first commander was Chief Marshal of Artillery Mitrofan Nedelin, whose tenure ended with his death in the Nedelin catastrophe. He was succeeded by Marshal of the Soviet Union Kirill Moskalenko. Later influential chiefs include Marshal of the Soviet Union Nikolai Krylov, Colonel General Yury Maksimov, and Army General Vladimir Yakovlev. Since 2010, the force has been led by Colonel General Sergey Karakayev, who oversees its ongoing modernization and strategic posture.