Anti-aircraft troops. Forces and means of air defense of the armed forces of the Arab countries. New military "Gadfly"

Alexey Leonkov

The Russian Federation is the only country in the world that has a full-scale, layered, integrated aerospace defense system. The technical basis of the aerospace defense are complexes and systems of anti-aircraft and missile defense designed to solve all types of tasks: from tactical to operational-strategic. Technical specifications air defense complexes and systems allow you to organize a reliable cover for troops, the most important objects government controlled, industry, energy and transport.

2016 turned out to be a “fruitful” year for news about anti-tank complexes. air defense, which enter service under the State Armaments Program (SAP-2020). Many experts and military specialists call them the best among the existing air defense systems. The Russian concern VKO Almaz-Antey, the leading developer and manufacturer of VKO complexes and systems, does not stop there, has begun to develop fifth-generation anti-aircraft missile systems, and creates a scientific and technical reserve for the future.
The Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine in 2016 devoted a number of articles to the topic of air defense, starting with the history of its creation (see "Military Academy in 100 years of history military air defense” in No. 1 (21) 2016), spoke about the basics of the combat use of military air defense (see “Military air defense: the basics of combat use” in No. 4 (24) 2016) and military air defense systems of the armies of the world (see. “ Military air defense systems of the armies of the world "in No. 3 (23) 2016).
Such attention to this type of defense is paid for a reason. The fact is that, within the framework of the Military Doctrine adopted in 2008, air defense systems and complexes occupy one of the key places in defense construction and modernization of the Russian army.
The intermediate results of building a modern layered air defense were discussed at the XXIV Military Scientific Conference of the Military Air Defense, held in May 2016 in Smolensk. In the report of the chief of the military air defense of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Leonov A.P. "Development of the theory and practice of using the military air defense of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in modern conditions"It was noted that the combat potential of military air defense has increased significantly with the supply of the latest high-performance anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes. These are, first of all, the S-300V4 air defense system, the Buk-M2 / M3 air defense system and the Tor-M2 / M2U air defense system. These systems differ from their predecessors in higher noise immunity and effectiveness in destroying various air attack weapons (AOS), multi-channel, increased rate of fire and increased anti-aircraft missile ammunition.
Doctor of Military Sciences, Lieutenant-General Gavrilov A. D. in the article "Military air defense: the basics of combat use" noted the following: "No matter how highly effective technical means the air defense system possesses, the achievement of the tasks set is achieved by the skillful combat use of formations, units and subunits in battle and operations. The entire 100-year history of the existence of military air defense testifies to the high level of professionalism of commanders and staffs, the awareness of personal responsibility by each anti-aircraft gunner for the task of protecting the peaceful sky.
The development and production of highly efficient equipment in parallel with participation in the training of personnel of air defense military units is a distinctive feature practical work Russian defense association - Concern VKO "Almaz-Antey".

The results of the work of Almaz-Antey

In November 2016, Almaz-Antey summed up the results of the year. As part of the state defense order (GOZ), the Ministry of Defense received five regiments of the S-400 Triumph air defense system, three Buk-M2 medium-range air defense systems, four Tor-M2 short-range air defense systems, and a brigade set of the latest Buk-M2 air defense systems. M3", as well as a number of different radars. In addition, in the outgoing year, the Almaz-Antey specialists carried out the necessary service activities for the maintenance and repair of more than two thousand units of weapons, military and special equipment (AMSE) previously transferred to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and also delivered simulators for training combat crews of complexes air defense.
“Already now, the annual tasks for the supply of basic weapons have been completed by 70 percent, and in terms of the purchase of missiles and ammunition - by more than 85 percent.
The troops received over 5.5 thousand units of weapons and military equipment, including more than 60 new and 130 modernized aircraft and helicopters, a multi-purpose submarine, more than 60 anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes, 55 radar stations, 310 new and 460 modernized tanks and armored vehicles," said the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin in his speech at the Meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, federal departments and enterprises of the defense industry, which was held on November 15, 2016 in Sochi.
At the same meeting, the Concern's contribution to ensuring the security of the Khmeimim air base was noted and naval base Tartus, after the placement of the S-400 air defense system and the S-300V4 air defense system. According to the Minister of Defense of Russia, General of the Army Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu, these systems reliably protect our bases in Syria both from the sea and from land. In addition, the Concern's specialists restored the Syrian S-200 air defense systems.
The concern continued work on the supply of modernized and latest air defense systems for the S-300V4 air defense system, the Buk-M3 air defense system and the Tor-M2U air defense system to the troops. Without going into enumeration specifications of these complexes, we will briefly highlight their key features.

ZRS S-300V4
This air defense system is a deep modernization of the S-300 complex, which has been produced by the enterprises of the Almaz-Antey Concern since 1978. The heavy 9M83VM missile of the modernized S-300V4 is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 7.5 and can hit air targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers. The "small" missile has a range of up to 150 km. The defeat of all existing and prospective means of aerospace attack, including tactical ones, is ensured. ballistic missiles(at a distance of up to 200 km). In general, the combat effectiveness of the S-300V4 has increased by 2.3 times compared to previous generations of the S-300.
Another feature of the system is increased mobility. Elements of the S-300V4 are placed on a tracked chassis, which allows for maneuver and deployment in the operational formation of formations, march and combat order of the formations of the Ground Forces off-road, on rough terrain.
The anti-aircraft missile division is capable of simultaneously firing up to 24 targets, directing 48 missiles at them. The rate of fire of each launcher is 1.5 seconds. The entire complex is transferred from standby to combat mode in 40 seconds, and the deployment time from the march takes 5 minutes. Ammunition division 96-192 anti-aircraft missiles.
According to data from open sources, one of the first S-300V4s was received by the recently formed 77th separate anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Southern Military District, based in the Krasnodar Territory. In the fall of 2016, the S-300V4 air defense system was relocated to Syria at the Khmeimim airbase to strengthen the air defense potential of the Russian Aerospace Forces group.

SAM Buk-M3
The Buk-M3 target detection station (SOC) now accompanies up to 36 targets at a distance of up to 70 kilometers over the entire altitude range. The new 9R31M (9M317M) missile, compared to the missiles of the Buk-M2 air defense system, has more high speed and maneuverability. It is placed in a transport and launch container (TLC), which provides additional protection for the missile and improves the camouflage characteristics of the launcher. The number of missiles on one launcher has increased from 4 to 6. In addition, 9A316M transport and launchers can also hit targets, they accommodate 12 missiles in the TPK.
The Buk-M3 equipment is built on a new element base, digital communications ensure a stable exchange of speech and combat information, as well as integration into the ESU TK air defense.
The Buk-M3 air defense system intercepts almost all modern air defense systems that fly at speeds up to 3000 m / s, thereby exceeding the capabilities of the Patriot air defense system (USA) by almost two times. In addition, the "American" is inferior to the "Buk" in the parameter of the lower limit of shelling targets (60 meters versus 10 meters) and in the duration of the target detection cycle on distant approaches. The Buk-M3 manages this in 10 seconds, and the Patriot in 90 seconds, while it requires target designation from a reconnaissance satellite.

SAM Tor-M2U
Short-range air defense missiles "Tor-M2U" effectively destroy targets flying at extremely low, low and medium altitudes at speeds up to 700 m / s, including in conditions of a massive airborne attack and active opposition to enemy electronic warfare.
The SOC of the complex can detect and track up to 48 targets at a distance of up to 32 kilometers. The launcher of the complex can simultaneously fire at 4 targets at an azimuth equal to 3600, i.e. round. A feature of the Tor-M2U air defense system is the fact that combat work it can drive on the go, at speeds up to 45 km/h. Modern equipment "Torah" automatically determines the ten most dangerous targets, the operator only needs to give a command to defeat them. Moreover, our latest "Tor-M2U" detects aircraft created using stealth technology.
The battery of the Tor-M2U air defense missile system consists of six launchers that can automatically exchange combat information with each other. Thus, receiving information from one launcher, the rest can repel a massive AOS attack from any direction. Retargeting time takes no more than 5 seconds.

The reaction of Western "partners" to the development of the East Kazakhstan region of Russia
The successes of the Russian air defense, which operates the products of the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern, have long disturbed the minds of the military leaders of the NATO countries. In the early 2000s, they did not believe that Russia could create effective complexes Air defense and continued to purchase from the enterprises of the defense industry of their countries "reliable and time-tested" means of air attack (AOS). The development of new aviation systems, such as the fifth-generation F-35 fighter and the promising B-21 bomber, proceeded at a leisurely pace.
The first alarms for NATO members sounded after 2010, when the revival began military power Russia. Since 2012, military exercises have become much more frequent, and new military air defense systems were actively involved in these exercises. They regularly hit complex, high-speed and maneuvering targets with 100% results, at extreme ranges and without involving additional funds target designation. Thanks to the S-400 and S-300V4 air defense systems, the long-range engagement line at the operational-tactical level has increased to 400 kilometers, which means that modern and promising AOS of NATO countries are guaranteed to fall into the zone of fire of Russian air defense systems. NATO generals sounded the alarm. At the same time, purely defensive air defense systems in Western media characterized as "aggressive". True, there were also more pragmatic assessments.
In 2015, American military expert Tyler Rogoway discussed countering Russian air defense systems on his Foxtrot Alpha blog. In particular, he paid much attention to work at a safe distance outside the reach of weapons: “The capabilities of air defense detection devices (of Russia - author's note) are only getting better, as well as the radius of destruction of ground-to-air missiles. Therefore, it may be necessary to use long-range stealth missiles, combined into one information network. Or long-range stealth aircraft and other techniques, including suppression (at a distance), to weaken and eventually destroy the air defense system. As a result, working outside the reach of the enemy's weapons, you can weaken his air defense. Then, for example, you can fly up close and use a fighter with medium-range stealth missiles, instead of launching long-range missiles. At the same time, conventional (non-stealth) aircraft can attack with long-range missiles, thus freeing up space for the stealth aircraft to attack. And drones - decoys with electronic warfare equipment on board, can be used together with attacking combat units to go deeper into enemy territory, disabling air defenses along the way.
In addition to the widespread use of "stealth technologies", the Americans rely on electronic warfare and electronic warfare. For example, naval forces The United States is working on creating a method to counter modern air defense systems with radars equipped with a phased array antenna (PAR), such as the S-400 or the Chinese FD-2000 air defense system. They are going to equip the EA-18G Growler aircraft (electronic warfare aircraft based on the F / A-18 Super Hornet) with Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) electronic countermeasure systems. It is assumed that such electronic warfare systems will allow American attack aircraft to destroy enemy targets without the risk of being noticed by anti-aircraft missile systems, the American magazine The National Interest reported in October 2016. The new version of NGJ is being developed by Raytheon, which has already received a contract from the US Department of Defense for one billion dollars.
American experts believe that the electronic warfare system will be able to jam signals at any frequencies in which the phased array operates, and that this will be enough to be able to attack Russian air defense systems without hindrance. According to plans, the NGJ should enter service in 2021.
The military-industrial complex of the NATO countries in the next 5-10 years intends to develop means of overcoming and suppressing our air defense systems. However, the scientific and technical groundwork implemented in air defense systems by the enterprises of the Concern VKO Almaz-Antey makes it possible to neutralize the efforts of Western specialists.

Prospects for the development of air defense systems in Russia
The fourth generation of ACS air defense
Currently, automated command and control systems for troops (ACCS), air defense forces and means (ACS) are at the fourth technological stage of development. In the context of the transience of an enemy AOS attack, modern air defense cannot be effective without automated control systems for forces and assets.
This stage of rearmament is taking place in the context of organizational and staffing changes in the structure of the control system of the Russian Armed Forces. The requirements for efficiency, continuity, stability and secrecy of command and control are being tightened, new combat and information means for air defense systems, IA, RTV and electronic warfare with higher capabilities are being developed and put into service.
The enterprises of the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern are already supplying the armed forces with systems and complexes that are integrated with the ACS and ESU TZ, information from which is sent to the National Defense Control Center (NTsUO RF).
At present, the means and complexes that provide information interaction are undergoing a stage of field testing from the level of an anti-aircraft missile division to the air defense automated control system of the district. Numerous military and command-staff exercises make it possible to identify " weak spots» information exchange, which are transformed into specific technical specifications for their elimination and are sent to the Concern's enterprises. This allows you to quickly and efficiently make changes to the manufactured kits and carry out work on the modernization of existing air defense systems.
Fifth generation SAM
In addition to improving information interaction systems in the near future, anti-aircraft missile troops fifth-generation air defense systems will begin to arrive. We are talking, first of all, about the continuation of the line of medium-range air defense systems "Buk", developed by NIIP them. Tikhomirov (part of the Almaz-Antey Concern).
Here is how they are characterized by a military expert, member expert council collegium of the military-industrial complex of Russia, Chief Editor of our magazine Viktor Ivanovich Murakhovsky: “If we talk about the principles on which the next generation systems will be developed, then, in my opinion, they will combine the properties of fire systems, primarily the ability to fire targets, and means of electronic destruction. Those functions that we now have divided between air defense and electronic warfare systems will be integrated into one system.
And secondly, the fifth generation air defense systems are waiting for almost complete automation and robotization of all cycles of reconnaissance, control and fire destruction. In fact, a person will only make a decision - to open a cycle of fire damage or not.
The Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern has already reported that the fifth-generation medium-range air defense system will be able to be deeply integrated into a single layered air defense system.

Interaction with the Russian Aerospace Forces
The layered air defense system of Russia, in addition to the electronic warfare and electronic warfare systems, will actively interact with air attack and reconnaissance complexes VKS of Russia. We are talking about the interaction of the air defense ACS and the Postscript ACS.
ACS "Postscriptum" is a unique Information system, which transmits to the fighter aircraft all information about the air and ground enemy. Information about all objects and targets located in the area of ​​​​the combat zone of the aircraft is received in real time. At the same time, the aircraft will receive information not only from early warning aircraft (AWACS), but also from ground-based air defense radar stations, as well as from ground-based RTR systems of the ground forces.

Brief conclusions
The results of the work of the Almaz-Antey Concern in 2016 are generally assessed as successful. The plans for the supply of equipment and the requirements of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation are being fulfilled, which does not exclude "work on the bugs" that are inevitably revealed during intensive testing and military operation of air defense systems, including in combat conditions. Next year, taking into account the prospects for the development of the NATO countries' air defense forces, the intense tasks of fulfilling the state defense order and creating a scientific and technical reserve, the management and staff of the Concern will have to go through a difficult path. There is no doubt that the tasks set will be completed successfully, which is guaranteed by the glorious traditions of the Almaz-Antey East Kazakhstan Concern.

DEFENSE FORCES ARMY

07.01.2016

Since 2015, the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces have begun to use in exercises the new kind target missiles simulating high-speed targets. This was announced by the head of the Air Defense Forces (Air Defense) of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Leonov.
“In order to create a complex target environment during tactical exercises with live firing, for the first time, a new target missile “Pinsnet” was used, which imitates high-speed targets with the characteristics of modern air attack weapons,” Alexander Leonov explained.
The main advantage of this target missile, according to him, is the possibility of "carrying out full cycle fire control using automation tools.
In addition, for the objective assessment of the combat work of the crews and the results of live firing, the mobile control complex "Konglomerat-1P" was used. It provides digital video recording and processing of the flight path of anti-aircraft guided missiles and artillery shells. anti-aircraft systems short range and short range.
In 2015, 65 tactical exercises of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces with live firing were planned and conducted. They were carried out at the Kapustin Yar and Ashuluk training grounds in the Southern Military District and at the Telemba training ground in the Eastern Military District.
In total, more than 10 thousand military personnel, including 1.5 thousand officers, took part in the training events, up to 3.5 thousand units of weapons, military and special equipment were involved.
Press Service and Information Department of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

25.12.2016


Military Air Defense (Air Defense) of the Russian Armed Forces (AF) conducted 120 exercises, during which 1043 target missiles were hit, Lieutenant-General Alexander Leonov, head of the Air Defense Forces of the Russian Ground Forces, said on the air of the Ekho Moskvy radio station.
The Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces (SV) of the Russian Armed Forces celebrate the anniversary of their formation on Saturday. The beginning of the formation of military air defense units was the order of the chief of staff of the Supreme Commander of the Russian Army dated December 13 (26), 1915 on the formation of separate four-gun light batteries for firing at the air fleet. According to the order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation of February 9, 2007, December 26 is considered the date of creation of military air defense.
“In total, 129 exercises were conducted in 2016,” Leonov said. He noted that 1,043 target missiles were destroyed during these exercises.
RIA News

25.12.2016


In Russia, the development of a new portable anti-aircraft missile system (MANPADS) has begun. This was reported by Interfax with reference to the head of the air defense of the Ground Forces of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Leonov.
“The development of a new MANPADS is underway,” Leonov said on the air of the Ekho Moskvy radio station, adding that domestic MANPADS are now significantly superior to any foreign counterparts.
A man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) is an anti-aircraft missile system designed to be transported and fired by one person. In Russia, the Igla and Verba MANPADS are in service. The Strela and Igla missile systems developed in the USSR were exported to dozens of countries around the world and are still actively used in armed conflicts.
https://lenta.ru

25.12.2016


Anti-aircraft missile systems "Buk-M2" will no longer be supplied to the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation, the re-equipment is underway for the "Buk-M3" systems.
This was announced by the head of the military air defense of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Alexander Leonov.
“There will be no more deliveries of Buk-M2 (to the Ground Forces). At the beginning of next year, retraining for the Buk-M3 complexes will begin, ”he said on the air of the Ekho Moskvy radio station.
TASS

9K317M BUK-M3 Anti-Aircraft Missile System


26.12.2016


Three new anti-aircraft missile brigades have been formed in two military districts, Lieutenant-General Alexander Leonov, head of the military air defense (PVO) of the Armed Forces (AF) of Russia, said on Saturday on the air of the Ekho Moskvy radio station.
“The formation of our new connections continues. To date, three anti-aircraft missile brigades (SAMs) have been formed: one long-range air defense missile system in the Southern (military) district and two medium-range air defense missile systems in the Southern and Eastern military districts,” Leonov said.
He noted that, in addition, units and formations of military air defense are being re-equipped with new equipment.
“There is a re-equipment of the already existing one air defense system, a regiment. Seven anti-aircraft missile battalions were re-equipped with new complex short-range "Tor-M2", there is a planned re-equipment of the short-range system - anti-aircraft missile system Strela-10MN, Verba MANPADS, Leonov said.
RIA News

12.01.2017


According to Lieutenant-General Alexander Leonov, head of the Air Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the main efforts of the combat training of the military air defense in the past academic year were focused on organizing and conducting planned training of formations, military units and subunits in accordance with their intended purpose.
A total of 129 live-fire tactical exercises were conducted in 2016. Of these, 98 - with anti-aircraft missile (anti-aircraft) units and units of military districts and the Northern Fleet and 31 - with units Airborne Troops.
At the same time, more than 50% of formations, military units and subunits, according to the results of tactical exercises, were rated as “good” and “excellent”. The total consumption of missiles amounted to more than 1000 pieces, ammunition - more than 40 thousand, target missiles - more than 1000.
More than 15,000 military personnel were involved in the exercises, more than 3,500 pieces of weapons, military and special equipment were involved.
The exercise tested several innovative approaches for the first time.
Firstly, this is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to create a complex air situation that meets modern realities, as well as to control the actions of inspected formations, military units and subunits. For an objective assessment of the firing results, the Conglomerat-1P complex, which has no analogues in the world, was used for the first time.
Secondly, when conducting tactical exercises with live firing, modern means of automated control "Barnaul-T" were widely used, which made it possible to significantly reduce the time for assessing the situation and making a decision.

13.01.2017


By the end of 2020, air defense formations, units and subunits of the Ground Forces will be re-equipped with anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) S-300V4 (long-range), Buk-M3 (medium-range) and Tor-M2 (short-range), anti-aircraft artillery systems and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) of a new generation (short range).
This was announced by the head of the air defense forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant-General Alexander Leonov.
In accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the share of modern types of military air defense equipment included in the list of priority and defining the appearance promising systems weapons, will be more than 70%.
The increase in combat strength and complete rearmament will lead to an increase in the combat capabilities of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces by almost a factor of two (by 1.8 times), which will significantly increase the effectiveness of air defense.
As a result, a reliable air defense system will be created in all strategic directions to cover not only groupings of troops, but also important state facilities in the areas of responsibility.
Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

14.05.2017


Specialists of the military air defense (air defense) of the Ground Forces (SV) are being retrained for new types of weapons, Colonel Roman Benyukov, head of the combat training department of the SV, said.
"IN winter period training trained specialists on seven types of basic equipment samples. To date, the number of trained servicemen corresponds to the number of new equipment received, which ensures its high-quality operation,” Colonel Roman Benyukov emphasized.
He also said that the main efforts of the military air defense of the ground forces were aimed at training junior specialists and retraining formations, military units and subunits for latest types weapons and military equipment (anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes S-300V4, Buk-M2, Buk-M3, Tor-M2U, Tor-M2, Verba portable anti-aircraft missile systems), and for missile troops and artillery in four training centers in the winter period of training about 1.5 thousand people were trained.
The created system of combat training includes three areas: training of military personnel on conscription, under contract and university students, added the head of the combat training department of the SV.

06.01.2018


In the interests of the Ground Forces, a universal mixed-training complex has been developed and is completing tests, designed to train military air defense units and test advanced air defense systems.
The complex has software and remotely controlled reusable targets imitating a cruise missile, a tactical UAV, a jet aircraft and a hovering attack helicopter.
Also, the complex allows you to create a dynamically changing air environment, such as a "star" raid, for testing electronic and combat launches by air defense crews.


Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

09.01.2018


Based on the results of combat training in 2017, more than ten military air defense units of the Ground Forces were awarded honorary title"Shock".
About 90 tactical exercises were conducted with units of the military air defense of the Ground Forces in 2017, in which more than 14.5 thousand military personnel and more than 3.5 thousand weapons and special equipment took part.
The training centers of the military air defense of the Ground Forces have trained about 2 thousand junior specialists, of which more than 250 are military personnel undergoing military service under the contract.
In addition, in 2018, it is planned to equip with modern weapons and equipment, including: two military air defense units with the Tor-M2 short-range anti-aircraft missile system; air defense units operating in the Arctic and the Far North - short-range anti-aircraft missile system "Tor-M2DT"; air defense units of combined arms formations - the Verba portable anti-aircraft missile system.
The systematic and annual increase in the combat strength of the troops, the implementation of a complete re-equipment with modern anti-aircraft missile systems will make it possible by 2020 to increase the combat capabilities of the air defense forces.
Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

09.03.2018


The air defense systems and complexes of the Ground Forces of the Russian Armed Forces are capable of combating all existing air attack weapons, they have no analogues in the world, as evidenced by their high competitiveness in the arms market, said Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces.
“The modern armament of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces is in many ways superior to its predecessors and has no analogues in the world, which is confirmed by its high competitiveness in the arms market. The anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes in service with the armed forces are capable of fighting all existing means of air attack," Salyukov said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, published on the publication's website on Wednesday.
He noted that now the air defense forces of the Ground Forces have received a new impetus for development. “New anti-aircraft missile formations have been formed, armed with the S-300V4 anti-aircraft missile system (the most “long-range” in its class of weapons, capable of hitting ballistic targets in the atmospheric zone) and the Buk-M2 complex. Re-equipment is underway with the Buk-MZ and Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile systems, the Verba portable anti-aircraft missile system. Currently, the Armed Forces contain two brigades of the Buk-M3 air defense system, two regiments and seven divisions of the Tor-M2 (M2U) air defense system and eight units of the Verba MANPADS, the commander in chief said.
According to him, the prospect of further development of the armed forces lies in equipping them with the latest highly effective anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems, in the implementation of the latest developments that will significantly increase the effectiveness of anti-aircraft weapons in the fight against a modern air enemy, in raising the level of combat training of troops, in improving the system for training highly qualified air defense specialists.
RIA News

06.01.2019


In 2019, the military air defense units of the Ground Forces will receive five anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems. As part of the execution of the state defense order, manufacturers will transfer to the Russian Ministry of Defense a brigade set of S-300V4 air defense systems, divisional sets of air defense systems BUK-M3 and TOR-M2.
The systematic and annual increase in the combat strength of the troops, the implementation of a complete re-equipment with modern anti-aircraft missile systems will make it possible by 2020 to increase the combat capabilities of the air defense forces by more than 1.3 times.
Ministry of Defense of Russia

GROUND FORCES IN 2019 WILL RECEIVE S-300V4 AND BUK-M3 ANTI-Aircraft Systems

AIR DEFENSE TROOPS OF THE GROUND FORCES

Air Defense Troops (Air Defense Forces) - a branch of the Ground Forces, designed to cover troops and objects from the actions of enemy air attack weapons when conducting operations (combat actions) by combined arms formations and formations, regrouping (march) and deployed on the spot. They are responsible for the following main tasks:
combat duty for air defense;
conducting reconnaissance of an air enemy and alerting the covered troops;
destruction of enemy air attack means in flight;
participation in the conduct of missile defense in theaters of military operations.
Organizationally, the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces consist of military command and control bodies, air defense command posts, anti-aircraft missile (rocket-artillery) and radio engineering formations, military units and subunits. They are capable of destroying enemy air attack weapons over the entire range of altitudes (extremely low - up to 200 m, low - from 200 to 1000 m, medium - from 1000 to 4000 m, large - from 4000 to 12000 m and in the stratosphere - more than 12000 m) and flight speeds.

Formations, military units and air defense subunits of the Ground Forces are equipped with anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft gun-missile systems (systems) and portable anti-aircraft missile systems of various reach, channels and methods of missile guidance. Depending on the range of destruction of air targets, they are divided into short-range systems - up to 10 km, short-range - up to 30 km, medium-range - up to 100 km and long-range - more than 100 km.

Further development of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces is carried out by increasing the mobility, survivability, secrecy of work, the degree of automation, fire performance, expanding the parameters of the affected area, reducing the reaction time and weight and size characteristics of anti-aircraft missile (rocket and artillery) systems.

THE ARMED FORCES OF RUSSIA CELEBRATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MILITARY AIR DEFENSE

On December 26, 2015, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of military air defense (PVO). Exactly a century ago, in accordance with the order of the Chief of Staff of the Supreme Commander of December 13 (26), 1915 No. 368, the formation of separate four-gun light batteries for firing at air targets began.
On the official website of the Russian Ministry of Defense, on the day of the 100th anniversary of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces, a special information section "100 years of military air defense" has been opened.
The section opens with congratulations to the personnel on the anniversary of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu.
The section is based on numerous historical documents, memoirs of veterans of the troops about the stages of formation and development of the oldest special branch of the armed forces in the Armed Forces.
At present, the basis of military air defense is made up of formations, military units and air defense units of the Ground, Airborne Forces and Coastal Forces of the Navy. They are designed to conduct reconnaissance and repel enemy air attacks, protect groupings of troops and facilities from air strikes in all types of combat operations.
In the context of the rapid development of the means of aerospace attack of the armies of foreign states, formations, military units and air defense units have become an integral integral part combined arms formations from the tactical to the operational-strategic level.
In 2015, 65 tactical exercises were planned and conducted with formations and units of military air defense with live fire. They were carried out at the Kapustin Yar and Ashuluk training grounds in the Southern Military District and the Telemba training ground in the Eastern Military District.
In total, more than 10 thousand people were involved in the maneuvers, including 1.5 thousand officers and up to 3.5 thousand pieces of weapons, military and special equipment.
Currently, there is a planned re-equipment of formations, military units and units of military air defense with new anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes "S-300V4", "Buk-M2", "Tor-M2U", man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems "Verba". New complexes and systems have absorbed the best qualities of their predecessors and are capable of hitting both aerodynamic and ballistic targets, cruise missiles, aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
In 2016, it is planned to supply the first brigade set of the Buk-M3 medium-range anti-aircraft missile system to the Ground Forces.
For the period up to 2020, the main directions for the development of military air defense are:
improving the organizational and staffing structures of military command and control bodies, formations, military units and air defense units of the Ground Forces in order to maximize the use of the combat capabilities of incoming and developed anti-aircraft missile weapons;
development of a new generation of weapons and military air defense equipment capable of effectively combating all types of air attack weapons, including those created on the basis of hypersonic technologies.
improving the system of training highly qualified personnel for military air defense, including junior specialists studying in specialized training centers for air defense forces of the Ground Forces.
The most important task for the High Command of the Ground Forces is the training of the main backbone of personnel for the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces - specialist officers.
Personnel training for military air defense is carried out at the Military Academy of Military Air Defense of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation named after Marshal of the Soviet Union A.M. Vasilevsky. Today, the Air Defense Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is a single educational and scientific center that provides multi-level training for air defense officers with the highest operational and tactical training and full military special training for the air defense troops of the Ground Forces, the Airborne Forces, the coastal troops of the fleets, as well as other ministries and departments of the Russian Federation, as well as the leading Scientific research, training of scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel. The Academy has 17 departments, five faculties and a research center. Training of military specialists at the academy is carried out in 38 specialties.
In addition, the training of officers for military air defense is carried out at five military departments and at two military training centers at civilian universities.
Training of junior specialists is carried out in two training centers for the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces and two training centers for training air defense specialists from the CTC for 4-month training programs (including 1 month of combined arms training and 3 months of specialty training).
More than 4.5 thousand specialists are trained annually in 25 military specialties.
Since 2014, for the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces, the training of reserve soldiers and sergeants has been carried out at military departments and military training centers of 5 general educational institutions of higher professional education in 20 military registration specialties. Currently, over 1300 people are being trained, from August 2016 the number of trainees will grow to 2000 thousand.
As part of the International Army Games - 2015, Russian specialists from the Air Defense Forces took part in the competition "Masters of Air Defense", showed good results and took first place.
The competition "Masters of anti-aircraft combat" was held in the city of Yeisk, Krasnodar Territory on the basis of the 726 training center of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces. The competition was attended by 6 teams from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, these are the Republic of Belarus, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the team of the Russian Federation.
At present, the methods developed during the training of the team for the training of specialists of the air defense forces are being actively introduced and used in the organization and implementation of combat training events.
In 2016, the name of the competition itself and its program changed. The contest will now be called Clear sky- 2016". This is due to a change in the composition of the team and weapons. In addition to a unit armed with portable anti-aircraft missile systems, a unit armed with anti-aircraft guns with a caliber of up to 25 mm will also take part. Also, the number of competitive disciplines has been increased. The teams will compete in the sprint (with MANPADS and memory firing), the pursuit (with MANPADS and memory firing) and the combined relay.
All changes to the program were made taking into account the wishes of foreign colleagues - participants of the last competition.

As part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the military air defense in all military districts, at the Military Academy, training centers of the air defense forces in December, festive and military-patriotic events were held and are being held with the participation of servicemen, veterans of the military air defense, public figures and youth.
Significant events for the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces, held as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the military air defense, are:
laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (December 26, Moscow);
solemn meeting in the cultural and leisure center of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation "Preobrazhensky", with the participation of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (December 26, Moscow);
opening of the bust to the first chief of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces, Hero of the Soviet Union, Marshal of Artillery V.I. Krasnodar region);
laying of a capsule with a message to posterity at the memorial complex named after the Hero of the Soviet Union, Marshal of Artillery V.I.

Military formations of military air defense are designed to cover groupings of troops and objects of the military rear, important infrastructure facilities of the state, located in the zone of responsibility of the combined arms commander. In the conditions of the rapid development of the means of aerospace attack of the armies of foreign states, formations, military units and air defense units have become an integral part of combined arms formations from the tactical to the operational-strategic level.

In the modern Armed Forces, there are more than 90 formations, military units and air defense units of the SV. As shown by the practical actions of the troops at the training grounds, the level of training of soldiers and officers has grown significantly, especially in practical terms.

The basis of the armament system of military air defense is anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes (air defense systems and air defense systems) "S-300V3", "Buk-M2", "Tor-M1", "Osa-AKM", "Tunguska-M1", MANPADS "Igla" . The main means of automated control are the complex of automation equipment (KSA) "Polyana-D4M1", designed to equip command posts of military districts, armies, anti-aircraft missile brigades in mobile and stationary versions, as well as a single KSA "Barnaul-T" - to equip units Air defense of individual motorized rifle (tank) brigades.

Reconnaissance assets include mobile radar stations(radar) of the duty mode "Sky-SV", "Sky-SVU" and the combat mode "Ginger", "Overview", "Dome", as well as portable radars "Harmon". Currently, research and development work is being carried out to create a new generation of air defense weapons. The basic directions of the technological basis of such works are microelectronics, informatics and robotics.

The modernization of the S-300V air defense system made it possible to increase the range of destruction of aerodynamic air targets up to 400 km, the areas covered from strikes by operational-tactical and tactical missiles (OTR and TR) by 3-4 times, and the defeat of OTR and medium-range ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 3500 km.

The Air Defense Forces of the SV will soon receive a modified Buk-M2 complex, which, while maintaining the same number of combat vehicles, increases the number of simultaneously fired air targets for the division from 6 to 24, the area of ​​​​covered objects and troops - 2.5 times, the possibility of hitting TR from launch range up to 150-200 km. Work is nearing completion on the creation of a new medium-range air defense system, which will surpass its predecessor by several times in terms of the range of destruction, the number of simultaneously hit targets and the speed of destruction.

In 2011, the Air Defense Forces of the SV received a new modification of the Tor-M2U air defense system, which today, according to the characteristics of the simultaneous firing of four air targets by one combat vehicle, is the only one in the world. Compared to the previous modification, it has a 1.5-fold increase in the parameters of the affected area in terms of height, speed and heading parameter.

In the interests of developing the command and control system, work is underway to create new unified command and control systems at various levels of command and control of troops and weapons. At the tactical level, the planned equipping of brigade sets of control means from the composition of the Barnaul-T KSA is underway, which in terms of basic characteristics corresponds to, and in terms of maneuverability, security, interchangeability of control means, and the time it takes to set a task for combat means, it exceeds foreign counterparts. The time for passing commands (information) from the head of the air defense brigade to the combat vehicle of the air defense system (ADMC) is no more than 1 second.

In the military construction of many states of the world, there is an increasingly stable trend towards the priority development of air attack weapons, forms and methods of their use, which fundamentally changes the nature of modern wars. Massive use of manned aircraft and cruise missiles(KR) has become one of the most characteristic features hostilities in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. There is a kind of shift in the center of gravity of the armed struggle to the air sphere. Along with aviation and the Kyrgyz Republic, there has been a steady trend towards an ever wider use of tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles in regional armed conflicts.

Under these conditions, the problem of ensuring air security becomes one of the most important components national security of the state, which necessitates a comprehensive improvement of the forces and means of air defense, an increase in the volume of tasks assigned to the air defense forces. The intensity of the development of air attack weapons, the constant improvement of their tactical and technical characteristics leads to an increase in the complexity of the tasks of combating them.

The wars in Iraq (1991, 2003) and Yugoslavia (1999) clearly demonstrated the need for a well-established and effectively functioning air defense system of the country and troops, the weakness or absence of which in the conditions of the massive use of various means of air attack inevitably leads to large casualties and material losses, and ultimately to military defeat.

Taking into account the recent experience of wars and armed conflicts, one of the important areas of military development in the leading Arab countries is the development of air defense forces, equipping them with more effective means of detecting and destroying air targets at various ranges and heights, systems for controlling and processing information about the air situation.

To date, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have the largest and most technically well-equipped air defense forces. Syria and Libya have significant air defense forces, but the quality indicators of their technical equipment leave much to be desired. Much attention is paid to the development of air defense by such countries as the UAE, Bahrain, Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait, and in Lately— Yemen.

At the same time, despite the efforts made, the quantity, and in many cases the quality of air defense systems, the level of training of the personnel of air defense formations in most Arab states does not allow to effectively solve the tasks of combating modern air attack weapons and thereby reliably cover even the most important administrative, economic and military facilities. None of the Arab countries has so far succeeded in creating an integrated air defense and missile defense system that would simultaneously solve both traditional air defense tasks and new tasks to combat various types of missile weapons.

It is possible that with the adoption by the Armed Forces Saudi Arabia and Egypt of the American anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) "Patriot" and in the event that Algeria, Syria and Yemen acquire Russian anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) of the S-300 or S-400 type, the armed forces of these countries will be able to solve individual missile defense tasks.

The weak side of the air defense of the Arab countries is that almost all air defense systems (air defense systems, anti-aircraft artillery, radar, electronic warfare equipment (EW), etc.), which are in service with their aircraft, are foreign-made (Russian, American, French, English, Swedish, Swiss, Chinese, Italian, German and South African). Only in Egypt has its own production of certain types of air defense weapons been established, and even then under foreign licenses or based on foreign models.

Algeria. The air defense troops of the ANDR are a separate branch of the armed forces and organizationally consist of three anti-aircraft missile regiments (zrp) armed with S-125 Pechora, Kvadrat and Osa air defense systems (total 100 to launchers). In addition, there are three teams anti-aircraft artillery(725 guns of 130, 100 and 85 mm caliber) and units of radio engineering troops (RTV). In general, the country's air defense forces have limited capabilities, and the equipment in their arsenal is mostly outdated.

At present, in addition to the air defense units that are part of the combined arms formations and units, the Algerian ground forces have one anti-aircraft missile (zrdn) and six anti-aircraft artillery battalions. The ground forces are armed with the Osa and Strela-1 air defense systems; portable air defense systems "Strela-2"; as well as 900 anti-aircraft artillery guns (130-mm - 10, 100-mm S-19 - 150, 85-mm - 20, 57-mm automatic anti-aircraft guns (AZP) S-60 - 70, 37-mm AZP - 145, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 330, ZU-23-2 - 75, 20-mm - 100).

In 1995-2000, with the participation of Russian specialists, work was carried out to assess technical condition and metrological maintenance of the control and measuring equipment of the S-125 Pechora air defense system. Work on the modernization of the complex continues. The issue of modernizing existing and purchasing new Osa short-range air defense systems is being considered. Negotiations are underway with the American company Northrop on the purchase of electronic equipment for air defense systems and new radars. It is planned to create a unified integrated electronic warfare system for the Air Force and Air Defense Forces. The Algerian side is showing interest in acquiring Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems.

Personnel for the air defense forces of Algeria are trained at the air defense school (training period is four years). The ground forces have a field and anti-aircraft artillery school. Part of the specialists for the air defense forces is supposed to be trained in Russia.

Bahrain. Air defense units are part of the ground forces. They are represented by a mixed anti-aircraft division, consisting of two batteries of anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM) and an anti-aircraft artillery battery. There are also air defense units in the combined arms units. In total, the Bahrain Armed Forces have 15 missile launchers (“Improved Hawk” - 8, “Krotal” - 7), 78 MANPADS (RBS-70 - 60, “Stinger” - 18), 27 anti-aircraft guns(40 mm L / 70 - 12, 35 mm Oerlikon - 15). In the coming years, it is planned to modernize the “Improved Hawk” and “Krotal” air defense systems available in the troops, and additionally purchase 100 MANPADS.

Egypt. The Air Defense Forces (75 thousand people, including 50 thousand conscripts, the reserve component - 70 thousand people) were separated into an independent branch of the armed forces in 1968. They include anti-aircraft missile troops (ZRV), anti-aircraft artillery (ZA) and radio engineering units. The air defense forces carry out their tasks of defending the country from an attack by an air enemy in cooperation with the fighter aircraft of the Air Force and parts of the military air defense. The Egyptian Air Defense Forces is one of the largest and most complex military systems in the Middle East.

The highest organizational unit of the type of armed forces is the air defense division, which, depending on the nature of the tasks performed, may include several anti-aircraft missile brigades (4-8 missiles each), anti-aircraft artillery regiments and divisions, as well as parts of the RTV. There are five divisions in total (according to the number of air defense zones: Central, Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern). There are also separate anti-aircraft missile brigades and up to 100 ZA divisions. The basis of the air defense forces and means of the ARE is still made up of anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems, delivered in the 1970s from the USSR. Currently, Egypt is taking measures to gradually modernize the air defense forces and increase their combat capability.

The air defense missile system is armed with 40 S-75 air defense systems, 50 S-125 air defense systems, 14 Kvadrat air defense systems, 12 batteries of the Improved Hawk missile defense system, 12 batteries of the Chaparel missile defense system, 14 batteries of the Crotal missile defense system. In total, the troops have 875 missile launchers (S-75 - 300, S-125 - 232, "Square" - 200, "Improved Hawk" - 78, "Chaparel" - 33, "Krotal" - 32). Air defense units also have 18 anti-aircraft rocket and gun systems(ZRPK) "Amon" (short-range air defense system "Skygard" RIM-7F "Sparow" and 35-mm anti-aircraft guns) and 36 air defense systems of national production "Sinai-23" (paired 23-mm memory and MANPADS "Ain Sakr"). The anti-aircraft artillery units are armed with up to 2000 guns of 100, 85, 57, 37, 35, 30 and 23 mm caliber, Strela-2 and Ain Saqr MANPADS. The radio engineering troops are equipped with radars of Russian, English, American and Chinese production: P-11, P-12, P-14, P-18, P-15, P-35, Oborona-14, Tiger, Lion Systems ", AN / TPS-59, AN / TPS-63, JY-9A.

Anti-aircraft missile units serve to cover important military installations, industrial zones, administrative centers and groupings of troops. They are designed to destroy air targets at all altitudes. Anti-aircraft artillery units are designed mainly to deal with low-flying air targets. The radio engineering troops control the airspace, collect and process data on the air situation, control the air defense forces and means.

With the help of the United States, a unified air defense control system has been created in Egypt, which combines air defense fire weapons, fighter aircraft, automated radar surveillance and warning centers, as well as long-range radar surveillance aircraft (AWACS) E-2C Hawkeye. Particular attention is paid to improving the capabilities of air defense systems to detect and destroy air targets at low altitudes.

The main grouping of forces and means of the country's air defense forces is located in the areas of Cairo, Bilbeis, Beni Suef, Luxor, El Minya, Ras Banas, Hurghada, Inshas, ​​Fayyad, Giancalis, Tanta and El Mansoura.

In the second half of the 1990s, with Russian assistance, repairs and modernization of part of the air defense weapons were carried out. Deliveries of the Volga-3 air defense system, equipment for technical divisions, 5Ya23 missiles for the Kvadrat air defense system, Oborona-14 and P-18 radars were carried out. Deliveries of spare parts, new operational documentation and individual components were also made. Personnel were trained on the maintenance and use of the supplied equipment. In the period from 2001 to 2003, 50 S-125 "Pechora" air defense systems should be upgraded to the level of "Pechora-2" (replacement of electronics, supply of new launchers, etc.). According to experts, after modernization, the effectiveness of air defense systems will increase by 250-300%. At the same time, under pressure from the United States, the Egyptians refused to purchase S-300 air defense systems from Russia.

Air defense forces are to receive six batteries (48 launchers) of Patriot missiles and 384 RAK-2 missiles from the United States. However, the Egyptians postponed the final decision on this issue until 2006 for financial reasons. The Egyptian side also shows interest in acquiring a ground version American missile AMRAAM for its use in the interests of air defense. In particular, it is planned to replace the Russian Kvadrat air defense systems with AMRAAM missiles. In 1996, a contract was signed with the United States for the modernization of the Advanced Hawk air defense system. An agreement was concluded with the United States on the modernization of the AN / TPS-59 / M39 early warning radar, which were delivered in 1991.

The ARE ground forces are armed with 96 short-range air defense systems (M54 Chaparel - 26, Strela-1 - 20, Avenger - 50), Sinai-23 air defense systems - 36, MANPADS - over 600 (Strela- 2", "Ain Sakr", "Stinger"), anti-aircraft artillery guns (ZSU-57-2 - 40, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 118, 57-mm AZP S-60, 37-mm AZP - 200 , 23 mm ZU-23-2 - 280).

Each mechanized division has an anti-aircraft artillery regiment and an anti-aircraft artillery battalion, and tank division- an anti-aircraft artillery regiment or a mixed anti-aircraft missile and artillery battalion. A separate mechanized (infantry) brigade has an anti-aircraft division.

The country's enterprises produce and repair the Sinai-23 and ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, the Ain Sakr MANPADS (a variant of the Soviet Strela-2 MANPADS), and radars.

Officers for the Air Defense Forces of the ARE are trained at the Air Defense College (Alexandria), founded in 1974. The training period for command personnel is 4 years, for engineering personnel - 5 years. The advanced training of officers is carried out at the Air Defense Institute (established in 1967).

Jordan. The air defense forces are subordinate to a separate command (organizationally part of the Air Force headquarters) and are represented by two brigades of the Improved Hawk missile defense system (14 batteries, 80 launchers) and several anti-aircraft artillery batteries. They cover the most important administrative, economic and military facilities, mainly around the capital Amman. The Jordanian air defense system needs modernization. Currently her radar facilities have insufficient ability to detect low-flying targets. This is largely due to the mountainous terrain, which allows enemy aircraft to covertly approach at low altitudes the most important centers of the country. Moreover, the latter are located near the border.

Armament and equipment of the air defense forces are maintained in combat readiness. Their maintenance is at an appropriate level. In the coming years, it is planned to modernize the Advanced Hawk air defense system and purchase three new radars.

IN combat strength Jordanian ground forces have three air defense brigades, subordinate respectively to the Northern Central and Eastern Commands. The armored division also has an anti-aircraft missile brigade. The ground forces are armed with 144 air defense systems (Osa-AK - 52, Strela-10 - 92), MANPADS (Strela-2, Igla - 300, Redai - 260) and 416 anti-aircraft artillery guns (40-mm ZSU M42 - 264, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 52, 20-mm ZSU M161 "Volcano" - 100). Air defense units and subunits of the ground forces as a whole have good weapons and a high level of personnel training.

Yemen. At present, the military-political leadership of the country is placing the main emphasis in building up the combat power of the national armed forces, increasing their combat capability and combat readiness on strengthening and developing the Air Force and Air Defense. Air defense units are part of the Air Force and number 2,000 people. They are armed with S-75, S-125 and Kvadrat air defense systems. The government intends to purchase 5 S-300 PMU-1 air defense divisions from Russia.

The combat composition of the ground forces includes 2 air defense brigades, 4 separate anti-aircraft artillery battalions, and an anti-aircraft missile battalion. Each mechanized brigade has an anti-aircraft battery. The ground forces are armed with the Strela-10 air defense system, 800 Strela-2 and Strela-3 MANPADS, 530 anti-aircraft guns and installations (85-mm KS-12 - 40, 57-mm AZP S-60 - 120 , 37 mm AZP - 150, ZSU-23-4 Shilka - 50, ZU-23-2 - 100, 20 mm ZSU M163 - Vulkan - 20, 20 mm ZU M167 - 50).

Qatar. The Qatari Air Force has air defense units, which are armed with short-range air defense systems "Roland-2" (9 launchers) and "Mistral" (24 launchers), 42 MANPADS ("Stinger" - 12, "Strela-2" - 20, Blowpipe - 10). For the ground forces, it is planned to purchase a batch of MANPADS in the near future.

Kuwait. The national air force includes air defense units armed with 4 Advanced Hawk air defense systems (24 launchers), 6 batteries of Amon air defense systems (each has two Aspid short-range missile launchers, a Skygard fire control system, a radar station and two twin 35 mm Oerlikon guns), 48 Starburst MANPADS.

The Kuwaiti side is showing interest in acquiring Russian short-range air defense systems "Tor-1M" and air defense missile systems "Pantsir".

Based on the 1991 agreement, Kuwait participates in the creation of a joint early warning radar network as a component of the joint command and control system in the structure of the GCC defense forces.

Libya. The Air Defense Forces are part of the unified branch of the armed forces - the Air Force and Air Defense. At the same time, a special air defense command was organized after the events of 1986 associated with US air raids on Libyan targets. It has 4 air defense missile systems equipped with S-200VE Vega air defense systems (each brigade has 2 missile batteries of 6 launchers, 4 anti-aircraft artillery batteries, a radar company), 6 air defense missile systems equipped with S-75M Desna air defense systems, 3 air defense missile systems equipped with S-125M Neva-M air defense systems, and 3 air defense missile systems equipped with Kvadrat and Osa air defense systems (20-24 self-propelled launchers in each). To control the forces and means of air defense is used Russian system"Senezh". A significant part of the weapons and air defense equipment is physically and morally obsolete, which, along with the poor training of personnel, does not allow them to be effectively used to counter modern means air attack.

At present, the Libyan command expresses a desire to acquire 80 S-300PMU-1 (PMU-2) air defense launchers in Russia.

The air defense units of the Libyan ground forces are armed with the Strela-1, Strela-10 air defense systems, 24 Crotal missile launchers, MANPADS various types, 600 anti-aircraft guns and SPAAGs (57-mm AZP S-60, 30-mm ZP, ZU-23-2, 40-mm ZSU M53, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka").

Officers are being trained at military air defense colleges in Tripoli and Misurata. There is also an air defense officer school. The term of study in colleges and schools is from three to five years (for engineers).

Morocco. The territory of Morocco is divided into five air defense zones. Back in 1982, an automated control system for air defense forces and means was put into operation. It includes an underground control and warning center and up to 10 stationary and mobile radar posts (RLP). 63 AN / TPS-43 radars, communications equipment and computers are deployed on stationary radar stations. Mobile radars are placed on three trailers each and must take up pre-prepared positions during the threatened period by special decision. All control system equipment was manufactured in the USA, and Moroccan specialists were also trained there. The air defense radio engineering units are organizationally part of the Royal Air Force.

In the combat composition of the Moroccan ground forces there is an air defense group. In total, the air defense units of the ground forces are armed with 37 M54 Chaparel missile launchers, 70 Strela-2 MANPADS, 205 anti-aircraft artillery guns (100-mm KS-19 - 15, ZU-23-2 - 90, 20-mm - 100 (M167 - 40, ZSU M163 "Volcano" - 60).

UAE. Currently, the country does not have a unified air defense system. The main part of the available air defense forces and means is organizationally part of the Air Force and performs the tasks of covering administrative centers, oil complex facilities, airfields, and various military facilities.

The air defense forces are represented by a brigade, which consists of three divisions armed with 21 Rapira (12 launchers) and Crotal (9 launchers) short-range missile launchers, and 5 Improved Hawk missile batteries. In addition, the air defense units have 13 RBS-70 MANPADS and 100 Mistral MANPADS, as well as Igla and Javelin MANPADS.

All air defense systems are deployed in positions and are on combat duty. To ensure the operation of air defense weapons, a network of stationary radar posts equipped with radars manufactured in the USA, Great Britain and Germany has been deployed in the country.

The air defense units of the UAE ground forces are armed with 40 MANPADS (Mistral - 20, Bluepipe - 20), 62 anti-aircraft guns (30-mm - 20, 20-mm ZSU М3VDA - 42).

Taking into account the fact that at the present stage the air defense forces and means are only able to perform the tasks assigned to them to a limited extent, the Emirati leadership provides for the implementation of a set of measures to further develop the capabilities of the air defense forces. In particular, it is planned to purchase an additional number of "Improved Hawk" air defense systems. In August 2000, a contract was signed with Russia for the supply of Pantsir-1 anti-aircraft missile systems (50 launchers) in the amount of 734 million dollars. The UAE is participating in the creation of a unified GCC air defense system.

Oman. Air defense units (two squadrons of Rapira short-range missiles, 28 launchers) are organizationally part of the Air Force. Four batteries of 35-mm anti-aircraft guns were additionally purchased from South Africa. The Rapira air defense system is being upgraded to the level of the Rapira B1 (X) model with new rocket"Matra-2" with infrared guidance and proximity fuse. Negotiations are underway to supply an additional batch of Rapira missiles. In 2001, deliveries of Italian S793D radars were completed. It is planned to create a network of early warning radars and modernize the air defense communications system. The Italian side undertook to assist in the training of personnel of radio engineering units.

The air defense units of the ground forces of Oman are armed with MANPADS "Blowpipe", "Javelin" (14), "Strela-2" (34), 26 anti-aircraft guns (40-mm L / 60 "Bofors" - 12, 35-mm GDF- 005 - 10, ZU-23-2 - 4). In the event of further improvement in the financial situation, it is planned to purchase MANPADS, other weapons and equipment for military air defense.

Saudi Arabia. Air defense troops (16 thousand people) are independent view armed forces. They are led by a commander who has his own headquarters. The air defense forces consist of anti-aircraft missile troops, anti-aircraft artillery and RTV units. Fighter-interceptors are in the operational subordination of the air defense.

Organizationally, the air defense forces are divided into six groups. The 1st group (headquarters in Riyadh) includes three batteries of the Improved Hawk SAM and two batteries of the Oerlikon SAM; 2nd group (Jeddah) - three batteries of missiles "Us. Khok, a Krotal SAM battery, two Shakhin SAM batteries, a 30-mm ZU battery and two Oerlikon ZU batteries, as well as an air defense training center; 3rd group - (Tabuk) - two batteries of missiles "Us. Hok, Shahin SAM battery; 4th group (Khamis-Mushayt) - SAM battery "Us. Hok, Shakhin SAM battery, two 30-mm ZU batteries, Oerlikon ZU battery; 5th group (Dahran) - six batteries of missiles "Us. Hawk”, two batteries of the Shakhin missile defense system, five batteries of the Oerlikon missile defense system; 6th group (Khafr el-Batin) - two batteries of missiles "Us. Hawk, four Oerlikon memory batteries. In total, the air defense forces have 33 batteries of missiles (16 - "Us. Hawk" and 17 - "Shahin").

In total, the air defense forces are armed with 128 MIM-23V Advanced Hawk missile launchers, 141 Shahin self-propelled launchers (SPU) and 40 Krotal SPU, as well as 270 anti-aircraft guns and installations: 35-mm Oerlikon - 128, 30-mm ZSU AMX-30SA - 50, 20-mm ZSU M163 "Volcano" - 92. In addition, there are 70 40-mm L / 70 anti-aircraft guns in the warehouses.

The war in the Persian Gulf gave a strong impetus to the development of Saudi air defense, while generally maintaining the general concept of their improvement, which provides for the creation of a multi-level integrated air defense system of the kingdom. In the 1990s, 21 Patriot SAM batteries (including 2 training batteries) with 1055 missiles were purchased for the Air Defense Forces. Further improvement of the country's air defense system is one of the priority areas of national military construction. In the future, the country's air defense system, the command intends to bring its effectiveness closer to Western models.

Currently, the air defense forces are entrusted with covering important administrative, economic and military facilities: the capital of the country, oil production areas, groupings of troops, air force and missile bases.

The air defense of Saudi Arabia forms the basis of the GCC air defense system "Peace Shield". Its creation was basically completed in 1995. The Peace Shield includes 17 AN/FPS-117(V)3 early warning radars, three D radar systems coupled to AN-PPS-43 and AN-TPS-72 short and medium-range radars. The system's control center is located in Riyadh. He governs the five sectors, command posts which are located in Dhahran (East), Al-Kharj (Center), Khamis Mushayt (South), At-Taif (West) and Tabuk (North-West). Air bases have operational centers that are integrated with AWACS aircraft (5 units) E-3A AWACS, fighter aircraft, batteries of missiles and anti-aircraft artillery.

Saudi troops take part in the regularly held joint exercises of the Air Force and Air Defense of the GCC member countries "Falcon of the Peninsula".

The air defense systems of the ground forces are represented by the Shahin (Krotal) short-range air defense systems and 1000 MANPADS (Stinger - 500, Redai - 500). The modernization of the Shahin air defense system continues. Each mechanized and armored brigade has an anti-aircraft division.

Officers for the air defense forces are trained in the largest and oldest military educational institution of the kingdom, the military college named after. King Abdulaziz in the Riyadh suburb of Al Ain.

Syria. Air Force and the Air Defense Forces (100,000 men, including 40,000 in the Air Force and 60,000 in the Air Defense) constitute a single branch of the armed forces. At the same time, the air defense forces have a separate command subordinate to the commander of the unified branch of the armed forces.

The territory of Syria is divided into Northern and Southern air defense zones. To control the forces and means of air defense, there are three fully computerized command posts.

Air defense formations and units are represented by two air defense divisions, 25 anti-aircraft missile brigades (individual and as part of air defense divisions, up to 150 batteries in total) and units of radio engineering troops. They are armed with 908 SAM launchers (600 S-75 and S-125, 200 Kvadrat, 48 S-200 long-range SAM launchers, 60 Osa SAM launchers, as well as up to 4,000 anti-aircraft artillery guns.

The S-200 SAM regiment consists of two missile battalions with two batteries each.

The air defense units of the Syrian ground forces are armed with 55 short-range air defense systems ("Strela-10" - 35, "Strela-1" - 20); 4000 MANPADS "Strela-2" and "Igla"; 2050 anti-aircraft artillery guns (100-mm KS-19 - 25, 57-mm AZP S-60 - 675, 37-mm AZP - 300, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 400, ZU-23-2 - 650) .

In service Syrian air defense consists mainly of outdated S-75, S-125 and Kvadrat air defense systems (the latter have undergone partial modernization) and radio equipment, which are not able to effectively counteract modern air attack weapons. There are problems with the training of personnel. The command, taking into account the significant role that aviation played in combat operations in the Persian Gulf zone, in the war in Yugoslavia and a number of other local conflicts, pays special attention to strengthening and improving air defense forces and means.

Syria expresses its desire to carry out purchases of S-300PMU air defense systems, Buk-M1 and Tor-M1 air defense systems in Russia.

Officers for the Air Defense Forces are trained at the Air Defense College.

Sudan. The air defense troops are singled out as a separate branch of the armed forces, which include five S-75 SAM batteries (18 launchers) and anti-aircraft artillery units. All equipment is morally and physically obsolete and is not able to effectively counteract modern means of air attack.

The Sudanese ground forces are armed with 54 Strela-2 MANPADS and anti-aircraft guns (85-mm, 57-mm AZP S-60 and Type-59, 37-mm AZP, ZU-23-2).

Tunisia. The tasks of the country's air defense are entrusted to the ground forces. However, the air defense systems available in their arsenal have limited capabilities for hitting air targets only at low altitudes and are able to cover only individual objects.

The Tunisian ground forces are armed with 25 M48 Chaparel air defense systems, 48 ​​RBS-70 MANPADS, 115 anti-aircraft artillery guns (37-mm AZP Type 55/65 - 15, 20-mm M55 - 100). Each mechanized brigade has an anti-aircraft division. In the near future, it is planned to increase the number of MANPADS.

Mauritania. The combat composition of the ground forces has 4 anti-aircraft batteries. Air defense systems are represented by 30 Strela-2 MANPADS, 100-mm KS-19 anti-aircraft guns (12), 57-mm AZP S-60 (2), 37-mm AZP (10), 23-mm ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns -2 (20). The troops also have ZPU-2 and ZPU-4 anti-aircraft machine gun mounts.

Lebanon. The ground forces are armed with 10 40-mm ZSU M42 and anti-aircraft guns of 23 and 20 mm caliber.

Djibouti. The ground forces are armed with 15 anti-aircraft guns (40-mm L / 70 - 5, ZU-23-2 - 5, 20-mm - 5).