Rockets as weapons were known to many peoples and were created in different countries. It is believed that they appeared even before barreled firearms. Thus, the outstanding Russian general and also a scientist K.I. Konstantinov wrote that simultaneously with the invention of artillery, rockets also came into use. They were used wherever gunpowder was used. And since they began to be used for military purposes, it means that special ones were created for this purpose. rocket troops. This article is devoted to the emergence and development of the mentioned type of weapons, from fireworks to space flights.

How it all began

According to official history, gunpowder was invented in China around the 11th century AD. However, the naive Chinese did not come up with anything better than using it to stuff fireworks. And then, several centuries later, “enlightened” Europeans created more powerful gunpowder formulations and immediately found great uses for it: firearms, bombs, etc. Well, let's leave this statement to the conscience of historians. You and I were not in Ancient China, so there is no point in saying anything. What do written sources say about the first use of missiles in the army?

The Charter of the Russian Army (1607-1621) as documentary evidence

The fact that in Russia and Europe the military had information about the manufacture, design, storage and use of signal, incendiary and fireworks rockets is told to us by the “Charter of Military, Cannon and Other Affairs that Relate to Military Science.” It is composed of 663 articles and decrees selected from foreign military literature. That is, this document confirms the existence of missiles in the armies of Europe and Russia, but nowhere is there any mention of their use directly in any battles. And yet, we can conclude that they were used, since they fell into the hands of the military.

Oh, this thorny path...

Despite the misunderstanding and fear of everything new by military officials, the Russian missile forces nevertheless became one of the leading branches of the military. It is difficult to imagine a modern army without rocket scientists. However, the path to their formation was very difficult.

Signal (lighting) flares were first officially adopted by the Russian army in 1717. Almost a hundred years later, in 1814-1817, military scientist A.I. Kartmazov sought recognition from officials of military high-explosive and incendiary missiles (2-, 2.5- and 3.6-inch) of his own production. They had a flight range of 1.5-3 km. They were never accepted into service.

In 1815-1817 Russian artilleryman A.D. Zasyadko also invents similar military shells, and military officials also do not miss them. The next attempt was made in 1823-1825. After passing through many offices of the War Ministry, the idea was finally approved, and the first combat missiles (2-, 2.5-, 3- and 4-inch) entered service with the Russian army. The flight range was 1-2.7 km.

This turbulent 19th century

In 1826, mass production of the mentioned weapons began. For this purpose, the first rocket establishment is being created in St. Petersburg. In April of the following year, the first rocket company was formed (in 1831 it was renamed a battery). This combat unit was intended for joint operations with cavalry and infantry. It is with this event that the official history of our country’s missile forces begins.

Baptism of fire

Russian missile forces were first used in August 1827 in the Caucasus during the Russian-Iranian War (1826-1828). A year later, during the war with Turkey, the command was placed on them during the siege of the Varna fortress. Thus, during the 1828 campaign, 1,191 rockets were fired, of which 380 were incendiary and 811 were high-explosive. Since then, missile forces have played a major role in any military battles.

Military engineer K. A. Shilder

This talented person in 1834 he developed a design that brought rocket weapons to a new stage of development. His device was intended for underground missile launching; it had an inclined tubular guide. However, Schilder did not stop there. He developed missiles with enhanced high-explosive action. In addition, he was the first in the world to use electric fuses to ignite solid fuel. In the same year, 1834, Schilder designed and even tested the world's first rocket-carrying ferry and submarine. He installed installations on the watercraft for launching missiles from surface and submerged positions. As you can see, the first half of the 19th century is characterized by the creation and widespread use of this type of weapon.

Lieutenant General K. I. Konstantinov

In 1840-1860 huge contribution to the development of missile weapons, as well as their theories combat use contributed by the representative of the Russian artillery school, inventor and scientist K. I. Konstantinov. His scientific work he made a revolution in rocket science, thanks to which Russian technology took a leading place in the world. He developed the fundamentals of experimental dynamics and scientific methods for designing this type of weapon. A number of devices and instruments have been created to determine ballistic characteristics. The scientist acted as an innovator in the field of rocket manufacturing and established mass production. Contributed a huge treasure to security technological process making weapons.

Konstantinov developed more powerful missiles and launchers for them. As a result, the maximum flight range was 5.3 km. Launchers became more portable, convenient and sophisticated; they provided high accuracy and rate of fire, especially in mountainous areas. In 1856, according to Konstantinov’s design, a rocket plant was built in Nikolaev.

The Moor has done his job

In the 19th century, rocket forces and artillery made a tremendous leap in their development and spread. Thus, combat missiles were put into service in all military districts. There was not a single warship or naval base where missile forces were not used. They took a direct part in field battles, and during the siege and storming of fortresses, etc. However, by the end of the 19th century, rocket weapons began to be much inferior to the progressive barrel artillery, especially after the advent of long-range rifled guns. And then 1890 came. It marked the end for the missile forces: this type of weapon was discontinued in all countries of the world.

Jet propulsion: like a phoenix...

Despite the army's refusal of missile forces, scientists continued their work on this type of weapon. Thus, M. M. Pomortsev proposed new solutions regarding increasing flight range, as well as shooting accuracy. I.V. Volovsky developed rotating missiles, multi-barrel aircraft and ground launchers. N.V. Gerasimov designed combat anti-aircraft solid fuel analogues.

The main obstacle to the development of such technology was the lack theoretical basis. To solve this problem, a group of Russian scientists at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century carried out titanic work and made a significant contribution to the theory jet propulsion. However, the founder of the unified theory of rocket dynamics and astronautics was K. E. Tsiolkovsky. This outstanding scientist from 1883 to last days throughout his life he worked on solving problems in rocketry and space flight. He solved the main problems of the theory of jet propulsion.

The selfless work of many Russian scientists gave a new impetus to the development of this type of weapon, and, consequently, new life this branch of the army. Even today in our country the rocket and space forces are associated with the names of outstanding figures - Tsiolkovsky and Korolev.

After the revolution, work on rocket weapons was not stopped, and in 1933 a Jet Research Institute was even created in Moscow. In it, Soviet scientists designed ballistic and experimental cruise missiles and rocket gliders. In addition, significantly improved missiles and launchers for them have been created. This includes the BM-13 Katyusha combat vehicle, which later became legendary. A number of discoveries were made at the RNII. A set of designs for units, devices and systems was proposed, which were subsequently used in rocket technology.

The Great Patriotic War

"Katyusha" became the world's first multiple launch rocket system. And most importantly, the creation of this machine contributed to the resumption of special missile forces. The BM-13 combat vehicle was put into service. The difficult situation that developed in 1941 required the rapid introduction of new missile weapons. The restructuring of industry was carried out in the shortest possible time. And already in August, 214 factories were involved in the production of this type of weapon. As we said above, missile forces were newly created as part of the Armed Forces, but during the war they were called guards mortar units, and subsequently to this day - rocket artillery.

Combat vehicle BM-13 "Katyusha"

The first MMCs were divided into batteries and divisions. Thus, the first missile battery, which consisted of 7 experimental installations and a small number of shells, under the command of Captain Flerov, was formed within three days and on July 2 was sent to the Western Front. And already on July 14, the Katyushas fired their first combat salvo at the Orsha railway station (the BM-13 combat vehicle is shown in the photo).

In their debut they delivered a powerful fire strike with 112 shells simultaneously. As a result, a glow blazed over the station: ammunition was exploding, trains were burning. destroyed both enemy personnel and military equipment. The combat effectiveness of missile weapons exceeded all expectations. During the Second World War, there was a significant leap in the development of jet technology, which led to a significant spread of high-tech vehicles. By the end of the war, the missile forces consisted of 40 separate divisions, 115 regiments, 40 separate brigades and 7 divisions - a total of 519 divisions.

If you want peace, prepare for war

In the post-war period, rocket artillery continued to develop - the range, accuracy of fire and salvo power increased. The Soviet military complex created entire generations of 40-barrel 122-mm MLRS "Grad" and "Prima", 16-barrel 220-mm MLRS "Uragan", ensuring the destruction of targets at a distance of 35 km. In 1987, the 12-barreled 300-mm long-range MLRS “Smerch” was developed, which to this day has no analogues in the world. The target engagement range in this installation is 70 km. In addition, they also received anti-tank systems.

New types of weapons

In the 50s of the last century, the missile forces were divided into different directions. But rocket artillery has retained its position to this day. New types were created - these are anti-aircraft missile troops and troops strategic purpose. These units are firmly established on land, at sea, under water and in the air. Thus, anti-aircraft missile forces are represented in the air defense as a separate branch of the military, but similar units also exist in the Navy. With the creation of nuclear weapons, the main question arose: how to deliver the charge to its destination? In the USSR, the choice was made in favor of missiles, and as a result, strategic missile forces appeared.

Stages of development of the Strategic Missile Forces

1. 1959-1965 - creation, deployment, and placement on combat duty of intercontinental aircraft capable of solving strategic tasks in various military-geographical areas. In 1962, they took part in the military operation Anadyr, as a result of which missiles were secretly deployed in Cuba medium range.
2. 1965-1973 - deployment of second generation ICBMs. Transformation of the Strategic Missile Forces into the main component nuclear forces THE USSR.
3. 1973-1985 - equipping the Strategic Missile Forces with third-generation missiles with multiple warheads and individual guidance units.
4. 1985-1991 - elimination of medium-range missiles and arming of the Strategic Missile Forces with fourth-generation complexes.
5. 1992-1995 - withdrawal of ICBMs from Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The Russian Strategic Missile Forces have been formed.
6. 1996-2000 - introduction of the fifth generation Topol-M missiles. Unification of the Military Space Forces, Strategic Missile Forces and Rocket and Space Defense Forces.
7. 2001 - The Strategic Missile Forces were transformed into 2 types of the Armed Forces - the Strategic Missile Forces and the Space Forces.

Conclusion

The process of development and formation of missile forces is quite heterogeneous. It has its ups and downs, and even the complete elimination of “rocket men” in the armies of the whole world at the end of the 19th century. However, missiles, like the Phoenix bird, rise from the ashes during World War II and become firmly entrenched in the military complex.

And despite the fact that over the past 70 years the missile forces have undergone significant changes in the organizational structure, forms, and methods of their combat use, they always retain a role that can be described in just a few words: to be a deterrent against unleashing aggression against our country. In Russia, November 19 is considered the professional day of the missile forces and artillery. This Day was approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 549 of May 31, 2006. On the right in the photo is the emblem of the Russian Missile Forces.

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Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN)

A branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, intended for strategic nuclear deterrence of possible aggression and defeat as part of strategic nuclear forces or independently massive, group or single nuclear missile strikes of strategic objects located in one or more strategic aerospace directions and forming the basis of the military and military -economic potential of the enemy. In a war with the use of conventional weapons, the Strategic Missile Forces, in interaction with the forces and means of the branches of the Armed Forces and other branches of the military, solve problems of maintaining their combat capability and ensuring the survivability of missile force groups, constantly maintaining readiness for their combat use (see Use of Strategic Missile Forces ). The main properties of the Strategic Missile Forces: high destructive combat power and combat readiness, the shortest time to complete combat missions, practically unlimited reach and high accuracy of nuclear missile strikes, secrecy of their preparation, all-weather capability, survivability when exposed to the enemy during the war. The Strategic Missile Forces account for about 2/3 of the nuclear charge carriers and 3/4 of the total power of nuclear charges of strategic nuclear forces.

The Strategic Missile Forces include: military command and control bodies of the Strategic Missile Forces; missile armies, consisting of missile divisions and missile regiments; institutions, enterprises, research organizations and military educational establishments. The basis of the Strategic Missile Forces, as a branch of the Armed Forces (until 2001), consisted of 2 types of troops: in 1982-89 - troops intercontinental missiles and medium-range missiles; in 1989-97 - stationary and mobile troops. Since 1997, in connection with the integration of the Military Space Forces (see Space Forces) and the Rocket and Space Defense Forces into the Strategic Missile Forces, the division into clans has been abolished. The Strategic Missile Forces is headed by the commander (until 2001 - the commander-in-chief). The Strategic Missile Forces are armed with combat missile systems (CMS) with stationary and mobile missile launchers. Officer training is carried out at the Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces named after Peter the Great in Moscow, at the Serpukhov Military Institute of Missile Forces and the Rostov Military Institute of Missile Forces with a branch in Stavropol (see also Military education in the Strategic Missile Forces). There is a Museum of the History of the Strategic Missile Forces and a Museum of the Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces named after Peter the Great.

The origin of the Strategic Missile Forces is associated with the development of domestic and foreign missile weapons, then nuclear missile weapons, and the improvement of their combat use. The following stages are highlighted in the history of the Strategic Missile Forces: 1946-59 - the creation of nuclear weapons and the first models of guided missiles ballistic missiles, deployment of missile formations capable of solving operational tasks in front-line operations and strategic tasks in nearby theaters of operations; 1959-65 - formation of the Strategic Missile Forces, deployment and putting on combat duty missile formations and units of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and medium-range missiles (RSMs), capable of solving strategic problems in military-geographical areas and in any theater of operations (see Strategic missile ); in 1962 the Strategic Missile Forces took part in Operation Anadyr; 1965-1973 - deployment of a group of intercontinental missile launchers with single launches (2nd generation missile launchers), equipped with monoblock warheads (see Warhead of a strategic missile), transformation of the Strategic Missile Forces into the main component of the strategic nuclear forces, which made the main contribution to the achievement of military strategic balance (parity) between the USSR and the USA; 1973-85 – equipping the Strategic Missile Forces with 3rd generation DBK ICBMs with multiple warheads and penetration means missile defense enemy and mobile medium-range ballistic missile systems; 1985-92 – equipping the Strategic Missile Forces with intercontinental stationary and mobile 4th generation ballistic missile systems, liquidation (in 1988-91) of the RSD; from 1992 – formation of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, liquidation missile systems ICBMs on the territory of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the withdrawal of mobile Topol ballistic missile systems from Belarus to Russia, the re-equipment of obsolete types of missile systems on ballistic missile systems with unified monoblock missiles stationary and mobile based Topol-M of the 5th generation. In November 1997, the Military Space Forces and the Rocket and Space Defense Troops of the Russian Air Defense Forces were included in the Strategic Missile Forces. Since June 2001, the Strategic Missile Forces have been transformed into 2 types of troops - the Strategic Missile Forces and the Space Forces.

The material basis for the creation of the Strategic Missile Forces was the creation in the USSR of new branches of the defense industry - the rocket and space industry and the nuclear ammunition industry. In accordance with the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated May 13, 1946, cooperation between the leading ministries of industry was determined, research and experimental work began, and a Special Committee on Jet Technology was created under the Council of Ministers of the USSR. The Ministry of the Armed Forces has formed: a special artillery unit for the development, preparation and launch of missiles, the Research Jet Institute of the Main Artillery Directorate (GAU), the State Central Range of Jet Technology (Kapustin Yar), the Directorate of Jet Weapons within the GAU. The first missile formation armed with long-range ballistic missiles was the Special Purpose Brigade of the Reserve of the Supreme High Command, formed on 08/15/1946 on the basis of the 92nd Gomel Mortar Regiment from the Group of Soviet Occupation Forces in Germany. In December 1950, the 2nd Special Purpose Brigade was formed, and in 1951-55 - 5 more formations, which in 1953 received a new name - engineering brigades of the Reserve of the Supreme High Command (RVGK). Until 1955, they were armed with ballistic missiles R-1, R-2 with a range of 270 and 600 km, equipped with warheads with conventional explosives (general designer S.P. Korolev). By 1958, brigade personnel had conducted more than 150 combat training missile launches. In 1946-54, the brigades were part of the artillery of the RVGK and were subordinate to the artillery commander of the Soviet Army. In March 1955, the position of Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR for special weapons and rocket technology was introduced (Marshal of Artillery M.I. Nedelin), under which the Headquarters of rocket units was created. The combat use of engineering brigades was determined by the order of the Supreme High Command, the decision of which provided for the assignment of these formations to the fronts. The front commander controlled the brigades through the artillery commander.

In the 2nd half of the 50s. The strategic RSD R-5 and R-12 equipped with a nuclear warhead (general designers S.P. Korolev, M.K. Yangel) with a range of 1200 and 2000 km were adopted into service with formations and units. and ICBMs R-7 and R-7A. In 1958, the engineering brigades of the RVGK, armed with operational-tactical missiles, were transferred to the Ground Forces. The first ICBM formation was the facility with the code name "Angara" object (commander Colonel M.G. Grigoriev), formed at the end of 1958. In July 1959, the personnel of this formation carried out the first independent combat training launch of ICBMs in the USSR. In 1959, the USSR Armed Forces included 1 ICBM formation (code name Artillery Training Range), 7 engineering brigades and more than 40 RSD engineering regiments. Moreover, about half of the engineering regiments were part of the Air Force's long-range aviation.

The need for centralized leadership of troops equipped strategic missiles, determined the organizational design of a new type of Armed Forces. In accordance with the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated December 17, 1959, the Strategic Missile Forces were created as independent species Sun. According to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated December 10, 1995, this day is celebrated as an annual holiday - the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces. 12/31/1959 formed: Main Headquarters of the Missile Forces (see Headquarters of the Strategic Missile Forces), Central command post Strategic Missile Forces with a communications center and a computer center, the Main Directorate of Missile Weapons (see Directorate of the Chief of Armaments of the Strategic Missile Forces), the Combat Training Directorate of the Strategic Missile Forces, and a number of other departments and services. The Strategic Missile Forces included: the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, which was in charge of nuclear weapons; engineering formations previously subordinate to the Deputy Minister of Defense for Special Weapons and Jet Technology; missile regiments and control of 3 Air Force air divisions; arsenals of the Missile Forces, bases and warehouses of special weapons; Central missile repair plants. The Strategic Missile Forces also included research and testing centers: the 4th State Central Test Site of the Moscow Region (Kapustin Yar), created in 1946; 5th Research Test Site of the Ministry of Defense (Baikonur); separate scientific testing station (Klyuchi village on Kamchatka); testing center of the Ministry of Defense (lead in missile matters) - 4th Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense (see: Fourth Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Bolshevo, Moscow region). In 1963, on the basis of the Angara facility, the 53rd Research Test Site for Missile and Space Weapons of the Ministry of Defense was established (Plesetsk). On June 22, 1960, the Military Council of the Strategic Missile Forces was created, which included M.I. Nedelin (chairman), members – V.A. Bolyatko, P.I. Efimov, M.A. Nikolsky, A.I. Semenov, V.F. Tolubko, F.P. Tonkikh, M.I. Ponomarev.

In 1960, the Regulations on combat duty of units and subunits of the Strategic Missile Forces were put into effect. For centralization purposes combat control The Strategic Missile Forces structure includes bodies (see Military command and control bodies of the Strategic Missile Forces) and control points in strategic, operational and tactical units, automated communication systems and automated control systems for troops and weapons have been introduced. In 1960-61 at the base air armies Long-range aviation formed missile armies, which included RSD formations. The engineering brigades and regiments of the RVGK were reorganized into missile divisions and RSD missile brigades, and the directorates of artillery training ranges and ICBM brigades were reorganized into the directorates of missile corps and divisions. The main combat unit in an RSD formation was a missile division, and in an ICBM formation - a missile regiment. Until 1966, the intercontinental DBK R-16 and R-9A were put into service (general designers M.K. Yangel and S.P. Korolev). The RSD has formed subunits and units armed with the R-12U, R-14U missile launchers with group silo launchers (general designer M.K. Yangel). The first missile formations and units were staffed mainly by officers from the Navy, Air Force, artillery and tank forces. Their retraining for missile specialties was carried out at training centers at test sites, at industrial enterprises and at courses at military educational institutions.

In the 2nd half of the 50s. The first military formations for space purposes were created as part of the Rocket Forces, which in 1964 were united under the command of Central Administration space facilities of the Moscow Region (TSUKOS MO). The organizational structure of space units included a test department, separate engineering test units (ET) and a measuring complex at the Baikonur test site, Scientific Testing Directorates and separate scientific measuring points of the Command and Measuring Complex Center. In 1970, TsUKOS MO was reorganized into the Main Directorate of Space Facilities (GUKOS MO). Work to create and improve space technology and coordinate the activities of space assets in the interests of all branches of the USSR Armed Forces was carried out directly under the leadership of the commanders-in-chief of the Strategic Missile Forces. In 1982, due to a significant increase in multifaceted tasks in space matters and an increased number of consumers of space research results, GUKOS and its subordinate units and institutions were withdrawn from the Strategic Missile Forces and subordinated directly to the USSR Ministry of Defense.

In 1965-73, the Strategic Missile Forces were equipped with 2nd generation ballistic missile systems RS-10 (1967), RS-12 (1967), R-36 (1968), dispersed across large area(general designers M.K. Yangel, V.N. Chelomey). In 1970, in order to improve troop leadership and increase the reliability of combat control, missile army directorates were created on the basis of the missile corps directorates. Formations and units with single silo launchers were capable of delivering a guaranteed retaliatory strike in any conditions at the start of the war. The 2nd generation missile launchers ensured remote launch of missiles in the shortest possible time, high hit accuracy and survivability of troops and weapons. The operating conditions for missile weapons have improved. In 1973-85, the Strategic Missile Forces adopted the stationary DBK RS-16, RS-20A, RS-20B and RS-18 (general designers V.F. Utkin and V.N. Chelomey) and the mobile ground DBK RSD-10 (“ Pioneer") (general designer A.D. Nadiradze), equipped with multiple individually targeted warheads. Missiles and control points for stationary ballistic missile systems were located in especially highly secure structures. The missiles use autonomous control systems from an on-board computer, providing remote re-aiming of the missiles before launch. In 1985-92, the Strategic Missile Forces were armed with ballistic missiles with RS-22 mine- and railway-based missiles (general designer V.F. Utkin) and modernized RS-20V mine-based and RS-12M (Topol) ground-based missiles (general designers V.F. Utkin and A.D. Nadiradze). These complexes have increased combat readiness, an extended period of autonomy, high survivability and resistance to damaging factors nuclear explosion, allow for rapid retargeting of missiles.

The quantitative and qualitative composition of nuclear weapons carriers and warheads of the Strategic Missile Forces, as well as other components of strategic nuclear forces, since 1972 is strictly limited by the maximum levels established by the Treaties between the USSR (RF) and the USA (see International treaties and agreements on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive weapons ). In accordance with the Treaty between the USSR and the USA on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (1987), RSDs and launchers for them were destroyed, including 72 RSD-10 (“Pioneer”) missiles - by launching from field combat launch positions in the areas of the city. Chita and Kansk.

Priority directions modern development The Strategic Missile Forces are: maintaining constant combat readiness of the existing group of troops, maximizing the extension of the service life of missile systems, completing the development and deployment at the required pace of modern stationary and mobile-based Topol-M missile systems, further developing the system of combat command and control of troops and weapons, creating scientific- technical developments on promising models of weapons and equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces.

The Strategic Missile Forces continue to carry out combat missions strategic scale and nature and in peacetime in the form of strategic nuclear deterrence (see Deterrent actions of the Strategic Missile Forces). As part of the duty forces of the Strategic Missile Forces, 6 thousand missile soldiers are on combat duty every day. IN combat strength The Strategic Missile Forces have 3 missile army directorates with units and divisions of direct subordination, 12 missile divisions (including 4 stationary and 8 mobile based). They are armed with 398 launchers with stationary and mobile-based RS-18, RS-20B, RS-20V, RS-12M and RS-12M2 missiles.

Modern Strategic Missile Forces successfully carry out their intended tasks thanks to the state’s attention to improving the scientific, testing and production base of missile technology and weapons, training highly qualified missile personnel and creating necessary conditions to carry out combat duty, as well as the creative use of 50 years of experience and traditions of the Missile Forces to increase the combat readiness and combat capability of missile armies, divisions and regiments.

Leadership: Commanders-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces - Chief Marshal of Artillery M.I. Nedelin (December 1959 – October 1960); Marshal of the Soviet Union K.S. Moskalenko (October 1960 – April 1962); Marshal of the Soviet Union S.S. Biryuzov (April 1962 – March 1963); Marshal of the Soviet Union N.I. Krylov (March 1963 - February 1972); General of the Army, since March 1983 Chief Marshal of Artillery V.F. Tolubko (April 1972 – July 1985); Army General Yu.P. Maksimov (July 1985 – August 1992); Colonel General, since June 1996 Army General I.D. Sergeev (August 1992 – May 1997); Colonel General, since June 2000 Army General V.N. Yakovlev (July 1997 - May 2001); Commander of the Strategic Missile Forces - Colonel General N.E. Solovtsov (since June 2001);

bosses Political Department Strategic Missile Forces - Aviation Lieutenant General I.A. Lavrenov (May 1963 – December 1966); Colonel General N.V. Egorov (April 1967 – May 1970); Lieutenant General, since December 1972 Colonel General P.A. Gorchakov (August 1970 – December 1985); Colonel General V.S. Rodin (December 1985 – April 1991);

Chiefs of the Main Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces - Lieutenant General of Artillery, since May 1961 Colonel General of Artillery. Nikolsky M.A (May 1960 – December 1962); Lieutenant General of Aviation Lovkov M.A. (December 1962 – June 1966); Lieutenant General, since October 1967 Colonel General Shevtsov A.G. (June 1966 – September 1976); Colonel General Vishenkov V.M. (September 1976 – July 1987); Lieutenant General, since February 1988 Colonel General S.G. Kochemasov (July 1987 – September 1994); Lieutenant General, since December 1994 Colonel General V.I. Esin (November 1994 – December 1996); Lieutenant General, since February 1997 Colonel General Yakovlev V.N. (December 1996 – July 1997); Lieutenant General, since June 1998 Colonel General Perminov A.N. (September 1997 – May 2001); Chief of Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces - Lieutenant General S.V. Khutortsev (June 2001 – June 2006); Lieutenant General Shvaichenko A.A. (since June 2006).

Indices and names of intercontinental ballistic missiles, medium- and short-range missiles of the USSR (RF)

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Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Branches of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Strategic Missile Forces
Strategic Missile Forces

From the history of creation

The beginning of the use of powder rockets in military affairs in India and China dates back to the X-XII centuries, and in Western Europe- by the end of the 13th century. In Russia in the XVIII-XIX centuries. incendiary and high-explosive missiles were in service. In the middle of the 19th century. Due to the spread of rifled artillery, interest in missile weapons fell. Work on its creation was resumed only after the First World War at a new scientific and technical level, which led to the adoption of the armies of some countries (USSR, Great Britain, Germany) and the use of rocket systems in the Second World War. In 1944, Nazi Germany used V-1 and V-2 missiles. Missile weapons are being developed especially intensively after

World War II, as a result of which missile systems for various purposes entered service with many armies.

In our country, the Strategic Missile Forces were created in 1960. They are equipped with nuclear missile weapons and are designed to carry out strategic missions.

Organizational structure of the Navy

• Strategic Missile Forces Command
• Rocket armies:
  • Vladimir Missile Association (Guards Missile Vitebsk Red Banner Army);
  • Orenburg Missile Association (Orenburg Missile Army);
  • Omsk Missile Association (Guards Missile Berislavsko-Khingan Twice Red Banner, Order of Suvorov Army)
• Missile connections:
  • Bologovo missile formation (Guards Red Banner Rezhitsa missile division);
  • Barnaul missile formation (Red Banner missile division of the Orders of Kutuzov and Alexander Nevsky);
  • Irkutsk missile formation (Guards missile Vitebsk Order of Lenin Red Banner division);
  • Yoshkar-Ola missile formation (Kiev-Zhytomyr Order of Kutuzov III degree missile division);
  • Kozelsky missile formation (Guards Red Banner Division);
  • Novosibirsk missile formation (Guards Glukhov Order of Lenin, Red Banner Order of Suvorov, Kutuzov and B. Khmelnitsky missile division);
  • Tatishchevsky Missile Formation (Taman Missile Order of the October Revolution Red Banner Division);
  • Tagil missile formation (Tagil missile division);
  • Teykovsky missile formation (Guards missile division of the Order of Kutuzov);
  • Uzhur missile formation (Red Banner missile division);
  • Yuryansk missile formation (Melitopol Red Banner Missile Division);
  • Yasnenskoe missile formation (Red Banner Missile Division)
• State Central Interspecific Training Ground of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
• Training centers and technician school:
  • 90th Interspecific Regional Training Center of the Strategic Missile Forces (Yaroslavl Region);
  • Interspecific regional training center of the Strategic Missile Forces (Pskov region);
  • 161st school of technicians of the Strategic Missile Forces (Astrakhan region)
• Arsenals

Strategic Missile Forces, as an independent branch of the military, they are intended to solve the problems of nuclear deterrence of external attacks in the interests of the Russian Federation and our allies, ensuring strategic stability in the world. These are troops of constant combat readiness, performing the role of the main component of the country's strategic nuclear forces (SNF).

The Strategic Missile Forces are characterized by:
• enormous destructive power;
• high combat readiness and accuracy of nuclear missile strikes;
• practically unlimited range;
• the ability to strike simultaneously at many targets and successfully overcome air defense and missile defense;
• the possibility of wide maneuver with nuclear missile strikes;
• independence of combat use from weather conditions, time of year and day.

These troops are armed with stationary and mobile missile systems.

Strategic missile forces include (Fig. 1):
• three missile armies (headquarters are located in the cities of Vladimir, Orenburg and Omsk);
• State Central Interspecific Test Site;
• 10th Test Site (in Kazakhstan);
• 4th Central Research Institute (Yubileiny, Moscow Region);
• educational institutions (Peter the Great Military Academy in Moscow, military institutes in the cities of Serpukhov, Rostov-on-Don and Stavropol);
• arsenals and central repair plants, storage base for weapons and military equipment.

Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces of Russia) - the ground component of the strategic nuclear forces (SNF) of the Russian Federation.

Troops of constant combat readiness. The Russian Strategic Missile Forces are armed with mobile and stationary intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. The Russian Strategic Missile Forces are an important element of Russia's national defensive doctrine.

Story

The first ICBM formation was the Angara facility (commanded by Colonel M. G. Grigoriev), formed at the end of 1958. In July 1959, the personnel of this formation carried out the first combat training launch of ICBMs in the USSR.

On December 17, 1959, they were formed as a branch of the USSR Armed Forces. The continuous increase in the quantity and quality characteristics of missile systems in service contributed to the establishment of nuclear parity between the USSR and the USA in the 70s of the 20th century.

In 1962, during Operation Anadyr, 36 R-12 RSDs were secretly deployed in Cuba, which caused the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The signing in 1987 of the Treaty between the USSR and the USA on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range Missiles (INF), and then the Treaties on the Limitation and Reduction of Strategic Offensive Arms START-1 (1991) and START-2 (1993) led to a significant reduction in numbers Strategic Missile Forces, removal from combat duty and elimination of missiles with multiple warheads - their main striking force.

IN armed forces Russia is an independent branch of the military.

In 1995, by decree of the President of Russia No. 1239 of December 10, 1995. “On the establishment of the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Day of the Military Space Forces” the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces was established.

Currently, the development strategy of the Strategic Missile Forces provides for an increase in the share of mobile missile systems among them and the introduction into service of the Topol-M complexes, capable of overcoming modern and promising missile defense systems.

Leaders of the Strategic Missile Forces of the USSR and Russia

Commanders-in-Chief (1959-2001), commanders (since 2001)

• 1959-1960 - Chief Marshal of Artillery M.I. Nedelin.
• 1960-1962 - Marshal of the Soviet Union K.S. Moskalenko.
• 1962-1963 - Marshal of the Soviet Union S.S. Biryuzov.
• 1963-1972 - Marshal of the Soviet Union N.I. Krylov.
• 1972-1985 - General of the Army (until 1983), Chief Marshal of Artillery V.F. Tolubko.
• 1985-1992 - General of the Army Yu.P. Maksimov.
• 1992-1997 - Colonel General (until 1996), Army General I.D. Sergeev, later Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Marshal of the Russian Federation.
• 1997-2001 - Colonel General (until 2000), Army General V.N. Yakovlev.
• 2001-2009 - Colonel General N.E. Solovtsov
• 2009-2010 - Lieutenant General A.A. Shvaichenko
• Since 2010 - Lieutenant General S.V. Karakaev.

Compound

Now the strategic missile forces (arms) include the command of the Strategic Missile Forces (deployed in the village of Vlasikha near Moscow), three missile armies, which organizationally include missile divisions. In addition, the Strategic Missile Forces include: the State Central Interspecific Test Site (Kapustin Yar), a Test Site (in Kazakhstan), a Separate Scientific Testing Station in Kamchatka, the 4th Central Research Institute and four educational institutions (Peter the Great Military Academy Velikogo in Moscow, included in it as separate units are the military institutes Serpukhov Military Institute of Missile Forces in Serpukhov, Rostov Military Institute of Missile Forces in Rostov-on-Don). The Strategic Missile Forces also include arsenals and central repair plants, a storage base for weapons and military equipment. The number of troops today with civilian personnel is about 120 thousand people, two thirds of whom are military personnel.

As of the beginning of 2008, Russia's strategic nuclear forces (SNF) included 682 strategic delivery vehicles capable of carrying 3100 nuclear warheads. Compared to 2007, the number of carriers decreased by 39 units. (5.3%), and the number of warheads - by 177 units. (5.3%).

As of July 1, 2009, Russia had 608 carriers capable of delivering 2,683 warheads, which is 26 carriers and 142 warheads less than in January of the same year.

The Strategic Missile Forces have 367 launch vehicles capable of carrying 1,248 nuclear warheads. Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces are armed with 59 heavy missiles R-36MUTTH and R-36M2 (SS-18, Satana), 70 missiles UR-100NUTTKH (SS-19), 174 missiles as part of the Topol mobile ground complex (SS-25 ), 49 silo-based missiles of the Topol-M complex (SS-27) and 15 missiles of the Topol-M mobile ground complex (SS-27).

Strategic Missile Forces as of July 2009.

Number and ratio of components of the strategic nuclear forces of the Russian Federation

Composition and strength of the Strategic Missile Forces

Rocket armies and their divisions

• 27th Guards RA (Vladimir)
• 7th Guards RD (Ozerny / Vypolzovo, Bologoe-4)
• 14th rd (Yoshkar-Ola)
• 28th Guards RD (Kozelsk)
• 54th Guards RD (Krasnye Sosenki / Teykovo)
• 60th rd (Taman division) (Svetly / Tatishchevo-5)

• 31st RA (Rostoshi, Orenburg) - disbandment is planned
• 8th rd (ZATO "Pervomaisky" - formerly Yurya-2)
• 13th rd (Yasny / Dombarovsky)
• 42nd Rd (ZATO Svobodny, located 35 km from Nizhny Tagil and 15 km from Verkhnyaya Salda).

• 33rd Guards RA (Omsk)
• 35th rd (Sibirsky / Barnaul)
• 39th Gvardeyskaya rd (Gvardeysky / Novosibirsk-95)
• 29th Guards RD (Green/Irkutsk)
• 62nd rd (Solnechny / Uzhur-4)

Polygons

• Test site Kapustin Yar
• Kura training ground (Kamchatka)

Aviation Strategic Missile Forces

The Strategic Missile Forces operate 7 airfields and 8 heliports. The Strategic Missile Forces aviation is armed with Mi-8 helicopters of all modifications, An-24, An-26, An-72, An-12 aircraft. About 50% of aviation equipment is maintained in good condition. At the end of 2008, the average flight time in Strategic Missile Forces aviation per crew was: on airplanes - 99 hours, on helicopters - 58 hours.

Status and prospects

A number of factors potentially reduce the combat effectiveness of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Russian nuclear triad as a whole, including:

• 80 percent of intercontinental ballistic missiles expire
• complete decommissioning and destruction of most nuclear railway missile systems (BZHRK)
• arrangement of Russian Air Force long-range bombers at two bases, with warheads separately stored
• partial lack of coverage in the Atlantic, and most of Pacific Ocean, increasing the mobility requirements of the triad

Among the positive aspects it is worth noting:

• commissioning of new generation stations of the missile attack warning system in the Leningrad region and Krasnodar region
• from 2006 to 2008, the launch of four satellites of the Cosmos series of the Oko early warning system into orbit
• All submarine missile carriers of Project 667BDRM and part of the missile carriers of Project 667BDR have undergone a medium overhaul over the past few years with elements of modernization and replacement of missiles with R-29RMU2
• resumption of regular flights in 2007 strategic aviation into remote patrol areas that have been discontinued since 1993
• resumption of Tu-160 production
• development and start of testing in 2007 of a new intercontinental ballistic missile RS-24 with MIRV

For 2008, the Strategic Missile Forces planned 11 combat training and test launches of strategic missiles.

The Missile Forces in Russia are almost the youngest branch of the military in the state, which was created in the middle of the last century. But during this time they have become a real shield of our Motherland from the encroachment of the enemy, as well as a sword that is still in its sheath, but at any moment can be picked up to protect the people of Russia and the territorial integrity of the state.

Russian Missile Forces: the shield and sword of our Motherland

It is difficult to overestimate the role of this type of troops. The missile forces are a component of the country's nuclear forces and a separate type of military force. Accumulation nuclear potential at one time, the USSR could lead to a third world war in which humanity would perish. But it should be noted that the presence powerful weapons, including mobile systems, has become a deterrent to aggression, preventing a potential enemy from striking our country, including a nuclear one.

The missile forces today are entrusted with the following tasks:

1. Inflicting, independently or as part of nuclear forces, a massive, group or single strike using nuclear missile weapons against strategic targets, which represent the basis of the enemy’s military and military-economic potential, in several or one strategic direction.
2. Nuclear deterrence.

Today, silo-based and mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads are the main weapons of Russian missile forces.

History of Russian missile forces

Even during World War II, the United States began to develop secret nuclear program, which was a response to intelligence received that clearly stated that Germany was rapidly moving towards weapons of mass destruction based on the principle of thermonuclear reaction. Many German researchers in this field who disagreed with Adolf Hitler's regime immigrated to the United States, bringing their knowledge to the development of the Manhattan Project.

* Manhattan Project - secret project The US Armed Forces to create nuclear weapons, which was launched in September 1943.

After Hitler's Germany and its satellites were defeated, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics became enemy No. 1 for “democratic values.” In the United States, starting in 1945, plans were made for an attack on the “Red Empire” using nuclear weapons. In total, it was planned to drop more than 300 atomic bombs on the country's cities, which were supposed to destroy most of the industry, demoralize the Soviet troops and population, and completely decapitate the country and the army. Death civilian population was not taken into account.

But thanks to Soviet scientists, as well as powerful Soviet intelligence By 1949, the first tests of the atomic bomb were carried out. Which seriously undermined the Americans’ plans to defeat the main enemy in 30 days, without serious retaliatory measures on his part. Therefore, instead of capturing the USSR, the former allies began to prepare to repel a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union on the United States. Since 1945, the Pentagon has annually developed plans for waging a war with the active use of atomic bombings. And after successful tests of similar weapons in the USSR (the Americans predicted their creation only by the end of the 1950s), the last date for the most advantageous strike on Soviet territory was 1954, until the enemy had time to build up the proper nuclear potential. But US President Eisenhower, the only person with the right to press the button, did not do this, judging correctly that “there are not enough bulldozers in the United States to remove all the corpses from the streets as a result of the war.” True, he did not abandon plans to build up nuclear potential.

The leadership of the Soviet Union was not going to stand by while a potential enemy built up its offensive weapons, which could be directed against the Soviet people at any moment when political and diplomatic dialogues ceased to be effective.

And in 1945, the first missile unit was created, stationed in Western Europe, the 72nd Engineering Brigade special purpose. At that time, the secret units were armed with ballistic missiles with conventional warheads. Soon the unit was transferred to the Kaliningrad region. By 1950, another secret unit was created. By the end of the 1950s, missile units had nuclear weapon, and in 1959 the first intercontinental ballistic missile (training) was launched near Plesetsk. December 17, 1959 is considered the date of birth of the missile forces, when the Missile Forces were separated into a separate branch. The command was entrusted to General M.I. Nedelin. who contributed to the development of new troops

After the Cuban Missile Crisis between the USSR and the USA in 1962, growth from the strategic offensive arms race was limited. In 1987, international treaties of the USSR were signed, according to which the countries participating in the treaty were supposed to gradually reduce not only strategic missiles, but also short- and medium-range missiles that could hit targets.

The international obligations assumed by Russia after the signing of START-1 in 1991 and START-2 in 1993 (a treaty with the United States of America on the reduction of strategic offensive weapons) led to the fact that nuclear arsenal our state has decreased significantly. Among other things, the most important thing was withdrawn from service, and later completely eliminated impact weapon missile troops - missiles whose warheads could be separated.

In 1995, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the day of the Missile Forces and Artillery was established to be celebrated on November 19. The date was chosen in honor of the anniversary of the victory of Soviet troops at Stalingrad, where artillery played a significant role in the overall outcome of the battle. In 2001, the Space Forces were withdrawn from the Strategic Missile Forces, becoming the youngest troops in the Russian Armed Forces.

Structure of the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces)

The troops that constitute the ground component of the nuclear forces still have an army-divisional structure. In other branches of the military, such a structure has already been partially or completely abolished. At the moment, the strategic missile forces consist of 3 missile armies: the 31st and 27th Guards, the 31st, which is planned to be disbanded in the plans of the Ministry of Defense. The 3 armies organizationally include 12 missile divisions, including 5 guards divisions.

Strategic Missile Forces leadership

The first commander of the Rocket Forces was Marshal of Artillery M.I. Nedelin. from 1955 to 1960, until his tragic death at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Of the Russian generals, the greatest career heights were achieved by I.D. Sergeev, who commanded the Strategic Missile Forces from 1992 to 1997, received the rank of army general and subsequently became the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. Since 2010, Colonel General S.V. Karakaev has been appointed the country's chief rocket scientist.

Composition and strength of the Strategic Missile Forces

The Rocket Forces of the Russian Federation includes a command, located in the village of Vlasikha, 3 missile armies, 12 missile divisions. Also, the strategic missile forces include the Kapustin Yar State Test Site, the Test Site on the territory of Kazakhstan, the Separate Scientific Testing Station in Kamchatka, the Peter the Great Military Academy in Moscow, the Research Institute and the Serpukhov Military Institute of Missile Forces. In addition, repair plants and arsenals, a storage base for weapons and equipment are an integral part of the Missile Forces. Today the number of troops is 120 thousand people, a third of which are civilians.

Development prospects

Video presentation of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces:

If we take into account weapons, then more than 70% of intercontinental ballistic missiles have simply exhausted their service life. In addition, most of the mobile missile systems based on railway trains, which received the NATO Stiletto classification, have been dismantled. It is also worth noting that Russia cannot partially cover the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

At the same time at Krasnodar Territory, the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions put into operation the latest missile attack warning stations. Four military satellites were launched into Earth orbit and became a key element of the Oko early warning system.

As the latest data show, today the total number of missile systems and missiles with nuclear warheads is not decreasing. They are being purposefully replaced with the latest developments, including the Topol-M and Yars mobile systems.

The most modern technology which enters the Strategic Missile Forces requires qualified personnel. This task has been assigned to the Higher Educational Institution and military registration and enlistment offices. For example, when recruiting military personnel of the lower army ranks and junior command staff attention is paid to their education. Preference is given to those who have graduated from higher educational institutions with a technical background.