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Compiled and analyzed by J.Hawk exclusively for SouthFront
Executive Summary
While the Syrian operation is continuing with relatively few changes though there is continued evidence that the contingent in Syria might be reinforced, the Russian military is continuing its preparations to respond to more urgent threats. Many of the stories this week highlight the extensive program of military infrastructure construction which is aimed at improving the conditions of service and making military service more attractive, which is vital considering the planned expansion in the number of contract soldiers. Moreover, the high-level of construction is also intended to support the planned expansion of the Russian armed forces in many areas.
Strategic Forces
1. Status-6 strategic torpedo revealed
Location: St. Petersburg
A Russian TV channel “accidentally” revealed the existence of the Status-6 intercontinental nuclear torpedo designed to annihilate coastal targets using nuclear explosion-induced tsunami waves. It’s not known at what state of design and development the TsKB Rubin-pursued project is at currently.
2. Kaluga-based missile division construction
Location: Kaluga
The RVSN division based there received over 30 brand-new buildings as part of its rearmament program with the new multi-warheads Yars ICBMs.
Ground and Airborne Forces
Location: Krasnodar
Four of these highly advanced all-weather transport helicopters were delivered to the Southern Military District.
4. Sniper training in Eastern Military District
Location: Khabarovsk
The sole sniper school in the Eastern Military District graduated 150 snipers, including 73 with the most advanced sniper qualifications. All of the graduates were assigned to units within the district.
5. Mountain Rifle Brigade garrison construction
Location: Kyzyl, Tuva Republic
The garrison will be completed by the end of 2015, allowing the brigade to occupy it in early 2016.
6. Military construction in Eastern and Central Military Districts
Location: Khabarovsk, Omsk, and others
Over 250 facilities are undergoing construction in the two military districts, including housing for about 20 thousand families.
7. Army aviation exercise in Southern Military District
Location: Krasnodar
Participating forces included Mi-24, Mi-35, Mi-28N, and Mi-8AMTSh helicopters. There is speculation the exercise was part of preparation for replacing or expanding the helicopter force operating in Syria.
Location: Buryatia
A motorized rifle brigade from the Eastern Military District is in process of being re-equipped with the T-72B3 MBTs which will replace the previously used T-72B tanks.
Location: Latakia
The photo’s veracity cannot be fully confirmed, but at first blush it appears to show Russian Ground Forces soldiers and Aerospace Forces personnel (in the tan uniforms) having a little celebration in Syria. It would be the first sighting of a T-90 in Syria (not counting satellite photographs which were open to interpretation), and it is not yet known whether the tank is part of the approximately 1000-strong ground presence aimed to keep the Russian airbase safe, or intended to take part in offensive operations against the Islamists.
Aerospace Forces
Location: Kapustin Yar
It’s the second regiment delivered this year and tenth overall, with one more to be delivered by the end of 2015. The new regiment will be deployed in the Central Military District.
11. Three more T-50 to be delivered
Location: Komsomolsk-na-Amure
The three aircraft will be pre-production models which will participate in the factory and acceptance tests which must be successfully completed before the aircraft enter service. All three are expected to make their first flights by the end of 2015. The addition of three more aircraft to the testing program indicates the high priority being attached to the T-50 within the overall armed forces modernization framework.
12. Mozdok airbase modernization
Location: Mozdok
The modernization includes providing the airbase with the ability to operate UAVs and to expand its ability to operate aircraft by providing it with a new runway, in addition to the current one which is playing a major role in supporting operations in Syria.
13. Eastern Military District bombing exercise
Location: Khabarovsk
Nine Su-35S and three Su-30SM multirole fighters carried out an attack with guided munitions against a target representing a tank column, airfield, and an air defense position.
Naval Forces
14. Russian submarines to receive anti-torpedo weapons
Location: St. Petersburg
Russian submarines will soon receive the M-15 rocket torpedo designed to destroy incoming enemy torpedoes at ranges of up to 1400m. Russian surface ships already are equipped with the 324mm Paket-M system (shown above) which can be used both against enemy submarines and torpedoes.
15. Naval Aviation flying time increased by 20%
Location: Yeysk
As of November 2015, the Russian Naval Aviation has approximately 300 fully trained aircrews operating both land- and carrier-based aircraft, and honing their skills at the Yeysk operational conversion base.
16. Black Sea Fleet completing transition to Su-30SM
Location: Crimea
The Black Sea Fleet has received a total of 8 Su-30SM multi-role fighters, which allowed it to retire one of its squadron’s Su-24 bombers. The rearmament will continue in 2016, with more Su-30SMs being earmarked for the Black Sea Fleet.
International
17. The Russian operation in Syria continues
Location: Mozdok, Novorossiysk, Sevastopol, Armavir, Khmeimim, Tartus, Latakia
The graphic above conveniently provided by the Ukrainian General Staff (!) shows the extent of the sea and air branches of the Syria Express by which Russian personnel, munitions, equipment, as well as material assistance for the Syrian armed forces is being delivered. The volume of cargoes has considerably increased in the last month.
18. UAE in negotiations for Su-35
Location: Dubai
It has not been made known how many of these aircraft UAE wishes to procure. The deal, if it goes through, would provide the UAE with a qualitative air combat edge among the region’s powers.
19. S-300PMU contract with Iran signed
The first weapons are likely to reach Iran not earlier than mid-2017. Iran ordered a total of four S-300 battalions.
Location: Mahadjan, India
Russian forces participating include a motorized rifle battalion from the Southern Military District. The exercise focused on counter-terrorist operations.