Armed forces Russian Federation are a reliable protection of borders and a guarantor of the protection of the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It is clear that the political and economic sphere plays a significant role in the state, but only a combat-ready army can keep peace in the state. History shows that only troops can prevent an aggressor from attacking another country.

The regular army of Russia is one of the leaders in the world in terms of the number of military personnel. In all world rankings of the armies of the world, Russia ranks second, losing only to the US army. The size of the Russian army is determined and regulated by presidential decrees. According to the constitution, the president of the Russian Federation is simultaneously the commander-in-chief of the RF Armed Forces. By official statistics(summer 2017), the size of the Russian army reaches 1,885,313 people, although the figure is floating, as demobilizations and conscriptions are constantly taking place. In case of war, Russia can put up 62 million men liable for military service.

Combat potential and annual budget of the Russian army

Since Russia has the status of a nuclear state, it has huge reserves of nuclear weapons, which serves as a guarantor of protection against any external aggression. All stages of the manufacture of nuclear weapons, as well as the receipt of raw materials and their delivery, take place on the territory of the Russian Federation. In addition, the nuclear weapons production cycle on the territory of the Russian Federation is closed.

The armament of the Russian army is being updated every year; over the past five years, the process of replacing obsolete weapons and equipment has gone much faster. Due to the fact that the Russian military-industrial complex today is one of the largest in the world, it almost completely meets the needs of the army in weapons, equipment and various types of ammunition. The arsenal of manufactured weapons is extremely wide - from cartridges for pistols to nuclear missiles.

The military-industrial complex of the country not only fully meets the needs of the army, but is also the world's largest exporter of weapons and military equipment in the world. Every year equipment and weapons Russian production sold for 10-20 billion dollars.

Although the official creation date armed forces Russia - May 7, 1992, it is not news to anyone that the modern regular army is not only the heir to the USSR Armed Forces, but also the successor of the glorious traditions of the Russian imperial army, whose age is more than one hundred years.

Unlike Soviet army, regular army modern Russia formed not only by conscription, but also on a contract basis. The policy of the state is aimed at increasing the number of contract soldiers who are professional soldiers with experience. In 2017, all junior command staff Russian army one hundred percent consists of professionals.

The annual budget in 2015 was about 5.4% of the total GDP of the Russian Federation. At that time it was about 3.3 trillion rubles.

History of modern Russian armed forces

The history of the modern Russian army began on July 14, 1990. It was on this date that the first military department of Russia was formed. Although it was called the State Committee of the RSFSR for ensuring interaction with the Ministry of Defense and the KGB, it was on its basis (after the coup in August) that the Ministry of Defense of the RSFSR was formed.

After the collapse of the USSR, by decree of the first President of Russia Boris Yeltsin, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were created. This decree is dated May 7, 1992. Before that, the Joint Armed Forces of the CIS were created, but they did not last long.

Initially, the Russian army included all military units that were located on the territory of the Russian Federation. The total strength of the army at that time was about 2.8 million people. Although it seems that the army at that time was a formidable force, all equipment and weapons were outdated.

The development of the Russian army in the period from 1992 to 2006

The 90s were difficult not only for the army, but for the whole country. Since funding almost completely stopped, officers began to leave the army en masse. Army property was massively sold and plundered. Most of the factories working for the military industry were forced to close due to lack of orders. All development of new weapons and military equipment was curtailed. The old equipment stood motionless, as all fuels and lubricants were stolen.

Already at this stage, plans appeared to completely transfer the Russian army to a contract basis, but funding problems froze these plans for an indefinite period. Service in the army until 1993 was 2 years, after which it was reduced to 18 months. Such relief lasted only 3 years, and after the start of the first Chechen campaign, the term of service in the Russian army increased to 2 years (in 1996).

The beginning of the first Chechen campaign in 1995 showed the complete unpreparedness of the Russian army to conduct full-scale military operations. Not only were there supply problems among the troops, management was also inconsistent. After that, the contract system in the army began to develop rapidly.

Already during the second Chechen campaign, the share of contract soldiers in the combat units that fought on the territory of Chechnya reached 35 percent. Due to the heavy losses among conscripts, in addition to contract soldiers, airborne units participated in the battles.

Division of all formations and units of the Russian Armed Forces into categories

Back in the early 90s, it was decided to divide all army units and subunits into several parts:

1. Subdivisions constant readiness who must in a short time begin to carry out military tasks that arise suddenly;
2. Subdivisions of reduced composition;
3. All bases where military equipment and other weapons are stored;
4. All framed units.

With the onset of the 2000s, the military reform to transfer the army to a contract basis was continued. All units of constant readiness decided to recruit fighters under contract, and the rest of the units - conscripts. The first regiment, which was fully staffed by contract soldiers, was the Pskov regiment of the airborne division.

2005 was the beginning of the reform of military administration in the Russian army. According to the doctrine of this reform, all the armed forces of the Russian Federation were to be subordinate to three territorial commands. Defense Minister Serdyukov, who was appointed to the post of minister in 2007, actively advocated the introduction of territorial division.

Military reform 2008

In 2008, the armed forces of the Russian Federation entered into an armed conflict in South Ossetia. This military operation showed the catastrophic situation in the army. The main problem was the lack of mobility of military units and the lack of coordinated actions between different parts of the army.

After the end of this military campaign, it was decided:

1. Urgently simplify the command and control system of military units;
2. Reduce the number of military districts from 6 to 4;
3. Gradually increase funding for the army, thereby ensuring the renewal of the fleet of military equipment.

A lot of things that were planned were achieved:

1. Service in the army became a prestigious profession;
2. The flow of funding made it possible to ensure the flow of new military equipment;
3. The increase in pay allowed to attract military service a large number of professional contractors;
4. The involvement of professionals in the command structure made it possible to significantly raise the level of training of all military divisions and regiments.

At the same time, it was decided to reorganize all divisions and regiments. The new units were called brigades, which lasted until 2013. 2013 showed that the military reform did not go as we would like. Many moments were revised anew, and the brigades again began to be reorganized into divisions and regiments.

Structural division of the armed forces of the Russian Federation

According to the constitution, military service is the duty and obligation of every citizen of the Russian Federation. The leadership of the armed forces (according to the same constitution) is entrusted to the Supreme Commander, who is the President of the Russian Federation. It is he who is the head of the Security Council, which develops military doctrine and regulates the composition of the command of the Russian army.

Conscription into the army is controlled by the president, who signs a decree every year on the beginning and end of the terms of military conscription. All important documents relating to the areas of military cooperation, defense and state security are also signed by the President of Russia.

The management of the armed forces is entrusted to the Ministry of Defense, whose task is:

1. Maintain troops in constant readiness;
2. The development of the defense capability of the army, through the purchase latest technology and weapons;
3. Solving various social issues related to the life of military personnel (housing construction and so on);
4. Carrying out various activities related to cooperation in the military sphere.

The current Minister of Defense is Sergei Shoigu, who was appointed to this position in 2012.

In addition to the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff participates in the management of the army. Its task is the operational command of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. General Valery Gerasimov has been appointed Chief of the General Staff.

The General Staff is planning the use of all Russian law enforcement agencies. In addition, his task includes the mobilization and operational training of troops.

Troops in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

The composition of the troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation contains the following types of troops:

1. Ground forces, which are the most numerous;
2. Naval troops (or forces);
3. Military Space Forces (former Air Force).

The composition of the Armed Forces will be incomplete if it does not include such types of troops as:

1. Airborne Forces (airborne troops);
2. Rocket troops with a strategic purpose;
3. Special troops (they also include the famous GRU special intelligence units).

Each type of troops must perform its tasks and flexibly interact with other branches of the military in the performance of combat missions.

Ground forces, their structure, tasks and strength

Ground forces are the most numerous among all types of troops of the Russian Federation. All ground military operations, the capture of enemy territory and its cleansing are their competence.

The ground forces include:

1. The entire military-industrial complex, which provides weapons and military equipment to the Russian army;
2. Motorized rifle troops, which are the most mobile type, capable of rapid response;
3. Tank forces;
4. Artillery troops (they also include rocket troops);
5. Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces;
6. Special Troops.

Since the basis of any world army is precisely the ground forces (in some small countries this type of troops is the only one), Russia is no exception in this matter. Troops of this type have a rich history in Russia.

On October 1, the military personnel of the ground forces celebrate their professional holiday. The history of this holiday goes back to the time of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was he who, on October 1, 1550, created the first regular army in Russia, and service in the army from that moment became the main occupation of service people.

The total number of ground forces in 2017 amounted to 270 thousand people. The ground forces consist of 8 divisions, 147 brigades and 4 military bases. Since 2014, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation has been Oleg Leonidovich Salyukov.

All tasks and goals of the ground forces are divided into several categories:

1. In peacetime, the main task of the ground forces is to maintain combat readiness and combat training of personnel. The troops are obliged to create the necessary stocks of weapons and military equipment that may be needed in case of war. Also, ground forces must be in constant readiness for deployment;
2. During a threatening period, military service takes place in a tense mode. The main tasks of the Ground Forces at this time are to increase the number, prepare equipment for possible military conflicts, train personnel for combat operations in exercises;
3. During the war, the main task of the Ground Forces is the mobile deployment and repulsion of enemy attacks, as well as its complete defeat.

In 2017, the Ground Forces received a large number of new military equipment. The trend towards updating the fleet of military equipment has also been laid down for 2018.

Navy troops

The Russian navy was founded in 1696 by a resolution of the boyar duma. main role this was played by Peter 1, who sought to turn Russia into a maritime power. October 30 is considered the founding day of the Navy. This holiday is celebrated annually.

The main task of the modern navy is to conduct various combat operations on the seas and oceans. In addition, the Navy is capable of solving the following tasks:

1. Strike at various enemy targets, and strikes can be both conventional and nuclear;
2. Engage in the landing of amphibious assault;
3. Carry out naval blockades of enemy ports;
4. Protect the economic interests of Russia.

In addition, the navy can conduct various search and rescue operations.

The Russian Navy has a huge arsenal modern weapons, which can be used not only to strike at close targets, but is also capable of striking at targets located at a distance of hundreds of kilometers from the fleet.

Like other types of troops, the Navy is capable of responding as soon as possible to a change in the military situation in the country and in a short time go into a state of full combat readiness for strikes.

In 2017, the Russian Navy purchased several new ships, and in 2018, according to the Navy Modernization Program, several more new ships will be put into operation. In total, by 2020, it is planned to purchase 40 new minesweepers.

The composition of the navy, in addition to surface forces, includes:

1. Submarine forces;
2. All naval aviation;
3. Coastal troops;
4. Special Forces (Marines).

The Russian submarine fleet is one of the most modern troops of its kind in the world. He is capable of performing covert strike missions against the enemy. In addition, submarine missile carriers carry ballistic nuclear missiles on board. Since the location of nuclear missile carriers is strictly classified, they are a powerful deterrent for a possible aggressor. In the event of the outbreak of hostilities, the submarine fleet is capable of delivering sudden nuclear strikes of enormous force.

Russian military space forces

The Russian Space Forces were formed in 2015, being the youngest type of troops in the entire Russian army. The creation of the VKS took place on the basis of the Russian Air Force. In 2017, the Russian Aerospace Forces managed to overcome all the problems associated with the reorganization and began to update the aircraft fleet. For the period from 2018 to 2020, the purchase of aircraft and helicopters will take place within the framework of the state program. In 2018, the long-awaited fifth generation fighter, the SU-57, should enter service with the Aerospace Forces.

The VCS includes the following types of aviation:

1. Army Aviation;
2. front-line aviation;
3. Military transport aviation;
4. Long range aviation.

The air defense troops (except for the military air defense, which are part of the ground forces) and anti-missile defense are also part of the VKS.

Rocket troops and airborne troops

Rocket troops strategic purpose are the pride of the Russian army. It is in these troops that most of the country's nuclear potential is concentrated. The Strategic Missile Forces guarantees that any nuclear strike by a potential adversary will not go unanswered. The main weapon of this type of troops are intercontinental nuclear missiles that can wipe out an entire country from the face of the earth.

The airborne troops are the dream of many young men who were called to the draft board for an urgent call. Few people manage to fulfill their dream, since service in the Airborne Forces requires perfect health and psychological stability. These criteria were created for a reason, because paratroopers have to operate behind enemy lines, not relying on support from other types of troops.

The Airborne Forces include not only airborne, but also air assault divisions. Since the combat missions of paratroopers are extremely difficult, their training and training are particularly difficult.

Armament of the Russian army

Although in last years funding for the Russian army has increased significantly, yet most military equipment is a legacy of the Soviet era. Let this technique be of sufficient quality, but progress does not stand still. The armies of the United States, NATO and even China have long overtaken Russia in terms of the number of the latest models of military equipment that is in the service of the army.

Recent years have been marked by the arrival of new models of military equipment in the Russian army. We can say that the renewal of the fleet of military equipment is slowly but surely taking place. Many Russian models of aircraft and tanks not only correspond to their foreign counterparts, but also surpass them in many ways.

The main problem, due to which it is not possible to carry out modernization quickly, is insufficient funding. Although the share of GDP allocated to the “defense industry” by Russia is 5.3 percent, which is much more than allocated by the budgets of China and the United States, in dollar terms the amount is much lower (compared to the United States, it is 9 times less).

Despite the difficult economic situation in the country, the state every year allocates a significant amount for the purchase of new military equipment.

One of the latest news that pleased the summer of 2017 is that the Russian defense industry has advanced so much in the field of high technologies that it no longer needs foreign purchases of electronics. New army Russia in 2017-2018 will depend only on the supply of domestic defense enterprises.

Military service in the army

Although since 1992 there has been talk of a complete transfer of the army to a contract basis, the question of how many conscripts serve in the army is still relevant. It is worth noting that now the term of service in the army is one year, which is the minimum term in the entire history of the Russian army.

Conscripts are called by subpoenas to the commission, where they undergo a thorough medical examination. According to the results of the survey, future soldiers receive fitness categories in accordance with their state of health.

Despite the fact that the Russian army went through a difficult period in the 90s and 2000s, now the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are able to repulse any aggressor, since an increase in funding allows the military equipment fleet to be gradually updated.

Many people who are ignorant of military affairs may wonder what kind of troops there are in the Russian army. The answer here is very simple - Russian divisions include elite troops, land units, navy, aviation. Each part performs its own function. For large units (navy, air force, ground forces), there are support departments such as air defense, artillery. Many parts are intertwined.

To modern look shelves began to come after the collapse Russian Empire. The delimitation of troops, according to Wikipedia and other open sources, was finally established in the early 2000s, when the last reform of the Main Military Directorate took place.

The general structure of the Russian army

The number of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for 2017 is 798 thousand military personnel. Most of them are employed by the ground forces. The structure of the RF Armed Forces 2017, despite the reduction in the number of employees, has not changed and remains the same since the reform in the 2000s. What troops are in the Russian army:

• ground troops;
• military air fleet;
• Navy.

Separately, it is necessary to consider elite units - the fourth point in overall structure. This includes space troops whose members do not perform military functions, these are cosmonauts and employees who ensure the creation and dispatch of space rockets. The employees of these units do not need to be armed, but they receive military awards and badges.

The Russian military forces are commanded by the Main Directorate (GOU), which is subordinate to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. This body coordinates troop units in wartime and peacetime and determines their tasks.

The main tasks of the units according to the latest list of targets from the Ministry of Defense:

1. Ground units - providing anti-tank protection, foot offensive, border protection, reconnaissance activities, the fight against terrorism, for example, in Syria.
2. Aviation - ensuring air security, hitting targets at a great distance, transportation military units and military cargo.
3. Elite units - technical support for the army, space exploration (for space troops), missile support.
4. Marine fleet - protection of maritime borders, military maritime transportation, transportation of military and important cargoes, supply of weapons, resolution of military conflicts, naval protection.

The ground and naval forces are also entrusted with the responsibility of providing anti-terrorist protection. Naval personnel escort ships in dangerous areas, land personnel are engaged in the search and elimination of terrorist groups along with the police.

The composition of the Russian army changes every year. In 2016, there were about one million military personnel, and by 2017 the number of employees was reduced by 100,000. It should be borne in mind that some of them are conscripts undergoing military service.

The call for conscripts is annually reduced by several tens of thousands of people, which can explain the reduction in the number of employees. They provide an increase in the entire structure of troops in the Russian army according to the list above: conscripts replenish the composition of both land, sea and air force, may be in artillery, infantry or motorized rifle units.

Each unit is controlled by its command staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (officers). For the fleet, these are admirals, for land units, they are generals. The entire volume of troops of the Russian army is subordinate first of all to the President of the Russian Federation, then to the Ministry of Defense.

Schemes of the military structure of Russia

You can imagine the structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2017 with a diagram to make it more clear and understandable.

The most branched body of the army is the ground forces.

For an even more visual explanation of the structure of the VS, you can download a short video on this topic. All units are divided into subordinate associations - battalions, companies, platoons, brigades.

Due to the large branching of the military network of the Russian Federation, the country annually spends a large amount on providing troops. Military spending data is presented in the presentation of the overall 2017 budget schedule in the spending column. 1,021 billion rubles are spent on military needs (defense). For support intelligence groups part of the funds aimed at supporting security is being wasted.

The military structure is the most specific among other bodies. The military even have, which is separated from Supreme Court Russia.

Land units

The structure of this division includes several support departments:

• motorized rifle units;
• artillery;
• tank forces;
• air defense installations.

The main tasks are performed by motorized rifle units. They are tasked with a forced, quick attack, reconnaissance and defeat of enemy infantry. The main goal is to capture enemy territories. Tank troops are allocated to support motorized rifle units. They reinforce offensive positions and help protect the occupied territories.

Tank forces are mostly used for strategic purposes to break through blockades and echelons. They attack from the flanks or lead a frontal attack. The main advantage of these units is high damage, an armored hull, the ability to destroy not only enemy military personnel, but also equipment, important enemy defense systems. The disadvantage is the lack of maneuverability.

Artillery mounts are used to destroy enemy points from a long distance. Artillery is hard to destroy, so a small amount of equipment and personnel is enough to provide defense. The defeat of artillery points is complicated by the fact that they are installed in hidden high locations.

To ensure the protection of the airspace while the remaining units are attacking, air defenses are used. They prevent mortar strikes from the air, the landing of nuclear missiles, the dropping of point shells. Air defense is capable of shooting down not only bombers, but also enemy cargo or military passenger aircraft.

Navy

There are several divisions in the naval units. The first is the coastal troops, which guard the Russian-Japanese, Russian-Ukrainian and other maritime borders and defend Russian national interests in the maritime sector. The composition of the military personnel in this unit is significant and is almost as good as the “dry” unit.

Another service option is . These soldiers provide protection for ships and act as defenders in naval conflicts. And finally, directly the sailors themselves, who serve on warships.

High demands are placed on people who want to serve in the Navy - high growth, increased health characteristics, developed muscles. The candidate must show that he is mentally stable; it is best if he began to prepare for the service as a child. Such a policy is associated with a high risk of injury in the navy, the presence of overloads. Due to the increased danger of service, the military of these units retire at the age of 30.

The fleet is located on all maritime platforms accessible to Russian employees - the Black Sea, the Baltic, and the Pacific Ocean. Some employees cooperate or come into contact with the sailors of NATO countries.

Aviation and elite troops

Aviation can be long-range, front-line and army. Long-range strikes targets at a great distance. The front-line provides an attack, dropping mines directly above the target. Army aviation ensures the supply of cargo and military personnel. Together with aviation, air defense installations are always used (when defending positions).

To individual elite units include space troops, special forces, privileged structures. They carry out the tasks of ensuring internal and external security, and the space forces are responsible for scientific activities and space exploration.

The military structure of the national army is dynamic and may soon undergo reforms again, this is due to modernization, new management requirements, new opportunities in the technical field.

| Structure and tasks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation | Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (AF of Russia)- state military organization of the Russian Federation, designed to repel aggression directed against the Russian Federation - Russia, for the armed protection of the integrity and inviolability of its territory, as well as to perform tasks in accordance with international treaties Russia.

A branch of the Armed Forces is an integral part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, distinguished by special weapons and designed to perform assigned tasks, as a rule, in any environment (on land, in water, in the air).

✑ Ground Forces
✑ Aerospace Forces
✑ Navy.

Each branch of the Armed Forces consists of branches of service (forces), special troops and rear services.

Ground troops

From the history of creation

Ground troops - ancient species troops. In the era of the slave system, they consisted of two types of troops (infantry and cavalry) or only one of them. The organization and tactics of these troops received significant development in Ancient Rome, where a coherent system of their acquisition, preparation and application was created. In the VIII - XIV centuries. the use of handguns and artillery sharply increased the combat power of the ground forces and caused changes in their tactics and organization. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. ground forces in various countries, including Russia, received a harmonious permanent organization, which included platoons, companies (squadrons), battalions, regiments, brigades, divisions and army corps. By the beginning of the First World War, the ground forces made up the bulk of the armed forces of most countries. By this time, they received magazine rifles with bayonets, heavy and light machine guns, rapid-fire guns, mortars, armored cars, and at the end of the war, tanks. The troops were united in armies, consisting of corps and divisions. The further creation and introduction of new types of weapons into the troops caused a change in the structure of the ground forces. Armored, chemical, automobile and air defense troops appeared in their composition.

Organizational structure of the Ground Forces

• General Command
• Motorized rifle troops
• Tank forces
• Rocket troops and artillery
• Air defense troops
• Intelligence formations and military units
• Engineering Troops
• Radiation, chemical and biological defense troops
• Signal Corps

Ground troops- This is a type of troops intended primarily for combat operations on land. In most states, they are the most numerous, diverse in terms of weapons and methods of conducting combat operations, and possess great fire and striking power. They are capable of conducting an offensive in order to defeat enemy troops and seize his territory, deliver fire strikes to great depths, repel an enemy invasion, and firmly hold occupied territories and lines.

These troops include:
• motorized troops,
• tank forces,
• rocket troops and artillery,
• air defense forces,
• parts and divisions of special troops,
• units and institutions of the rear.

Motorized rifle troops- the most numerous type of troops. They consist of motorized rifle formations, units and subunits and are designed to conduct military operations independently or jointly with other branches of the military and special forces. They are equipped with powerful weapons to destroy ground and air targets, have effective means of reconnaissance and control.

Tank forces designed to conduct combat operations independently and in cooperation with other branches of the military and special forces. They are equipped with tanks of various types (tracked combat vehicles with high cross-country ability, fully armored, with weapons to destroy various targets on the battlefield).
Tank troops constitute the main striking force of the ground forces. They are used mainly in the main directions for delivering powerful and deep blows to the enemy. Possessing great firepower, reliable protection, great mobility and maneuverability, they are able to achieve the final objectives of the battle and operation in a short time.

Rocket troops and artillery- a branch of the army, created in the early 60s. based on the artillery of the Ground Forces and the introduction of rocket weapons into the troops.
They serve as the main means of nuclear and fire destruction of the enemy and can destroy nuclear attack weapons, groupings of enemy troops, aviation at airfields, and air defense facilities; hit reserves, command posts, destroy warehouses, communication centers and other important objects. Combat missions are carried out with all types of fire and missile strikes.
In addition to missile systems, they are armed with artillery systems, which, according to combat properties, are divided into cannon, howitzer, jet, anti-tank and mortar, according to the methods of movement - into self-propelled, towed, self-propelled, transportable and stationary, and according to design features - into barreled, rifled , smoothbore, recoilless, jet, etc.

Air defense troops carry out tasks to repel an attack by an air enemy, to cover troops and rear facilities from air strikes. air defense organize in all types of combat during the movement of troops and the location on the spot. It includes reconnaissance of an air enemy, notification of troops about him, fighting anti-aircraft missile units and anti-aircraft artillery, aviation, as well as organized fire anti-aircraft weapons and small arms motorized rifle and tank units.

Special Troops- These are military formations, institutions and organizations designed to ensure the combat activities of the Ground Forces and solve special tasks. These include engineering troops, troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection, signal troops and others, as well as weapons and rear services.

The Federation includes various troops (missile, ground, aerospace, etc.), and together they represent an organization for organizing the defense of the country. Their main task is to repel aggression and protect the territorial integrity of the state, however, in recent times tasks have changed a bit.

1. Deterring not only military but also political threats to security.
2. Implementation of military operations in non-war time.
3. Ensuring the political and economic interests of the state.
4. Use of force for security.

At the lessons of life safety, the composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is studied in grades 10-11. Therefore, this information should be known to all citizens of the Russian Federation.

A bit of history

The modern composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is indebted to history. It was formed depending on possible acts of aggression against the state. The most significant stage in the history of the development of the army is the victory at the Kulikovo field (1380), near Poltava (1709) and, of course, in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945

A standing army in Russia was formed under Ivan the Terrible. It was he who began to create troops with centralized control and supply. In 1862-1874, a reform was carried out with the introduction of all-class military service, the principles of leadership were also changed, and technical re-equipment was carried out. However, after the revolution in 1917, the army was gone. Instead, the Red Army was formed, and then the USSR, which were divided into 3 types: land, air force and fleet.

Today, the composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has changed a little, but the main backbone has remained the same.

Ground troops

This species is the most numerous. It was created to be present on land and, by and large, the ground forces are the most important element of the army. It is impossible to capture and hold territories without this kind of troops, to repel the invasion of the landing force, etc. It is for these purposes that such units were created. In turn, they are divided into the following types:

1. Tank forces.
2. Motorized rifle.
3. Artillery.
4. Rocket troops and air defense.
5. Special services.
6. Signal Corps.

The largest personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes ground forces. This includes all types of military units listed above.

Tank (armored) troops. They represent the main striking force on earth and are an extremely powerful tool for solving problems of the first importance.

Motorized rifle troops are units with a large number of personnel and equipment. Their purpose is the independent conduct of hostilities on large area, although as part of other branches of the military, they can act as support.

Artillery and missile units always consist of formations, parts of tactical missiles, and artillery.

Air defense - troops providing protection for ground units and the rear from attacks from aircraft and other means of attack from the air. Special services perform highly specialized functions.

Military Space Force

Until 1997, they existed, but the Decree of the President of July 16, 1997 obliged to create the new kind Sun. Since that time, the composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has changed somewhat: the Air Force and space defense units have merged. This is how the Aerospace Forces were formed.

They are engaged in reconnaissance of the aerospace situation, determining the probable start of an air or missile attack and notifying the military and government controlled. It goes without saying that the Russian Aerospace Forces are called upon, among other things, to repel aggression from the air or from space, even, if necessary, with the use of nuclear weapons.

The composition of the VKS

Modern videoconferencing of Russia include:

1. Space troops.
2. Air defense and missile defense troops.
3. Military units of technical support.
4. Communications and electronic warfare troops.
5. Military educational establishments.

Each branch of the military has its own range of tasks. The Air Force, for example, repels aggression in the air, hits enemy targets and troops using conventional and nuclear weapons.

The Space Force monitors objects in space and detects threats to Russia from airless space. If necessary, they can parry possible blows. The space forces are also responsible for launching spacecraft (satellites) into the Earth's orbit and their control.

Fleet

The Navy is intended to protect the state from the sea and ocean, to protect the interests of the country in maritime areas. The Navy consists of:

1. Four fleets: Black Sea, Baltic, Pacific and Northern.
2. Caspian flotilla.
3. Submarine forces, which are designed to destroy enemy boats, strike at surface ships and their groups, and destroy ground targets.
4. Surface forces for strikes against submarines, amphibious landings, and counteraction to surface ships.
5. Naval aviation for the destruction of convoys, submarine flotilla, ship groups, violation of enemy surveillance systems.
6. Coastal troops, which are entrusted with the task of defending the coast and objects on the coast.

Rocket troops

The composition and organization of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation also include missile troops, which may contain a land, air, and water component. primarily intended for the destruction of nuclear attack weapons, as well as enemy groupings. In particular, the main targets of the strategic missile forces are enemy military bases, industrial facilities, large groups, control system, infrastructure facilities, etc.

The main and important property of the Strategic Missile Forces is the ability to accurately deliver strikes with a nuclear weapon over vast distances (ideally, anywhere in the world) and simultaneously on all important strategic targets. They are also designed to create favorable conditions for other branches of the Armed Forces. If we talk about the organization of the Strategic Missile Forces, then they consist of units that are armed with medium-range missiles and units with intercontinental missiles.

The very first unit was formed on July 15, 1946. Already in 1947, a successful first test launch of the R-1 (ballistic) guided missile was made. By 1955, there were already several units that had long-range missiles. But literally 2 years later they conducted an intercontinental test, with several stages. It is noteworthy that she was the first in the world. After testing an intercontinental missile, it became possible to create a new branch of the military - a strategic one. This logical step was followed, and in 1960 another branch of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Missile Forces, was organized.

Long-range or strategic aviation

We have already talked about the Aerospace Forces, but we have not yet touched on such a branch of the troops as long-range aviation. It deserves a separate chapter. The structure and composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes strategic bombers. It is noteworthy that only two countries of the world have them - the USA and Russia. Together with intercontinental missiles and submarine missile carriers, strategic bombers are part of the nuclear triad and are primarily responsible for the security of the state.

The composition and tasks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in particular, long-range aviation, is to bombard important military-industrial facilities behind enemy lines, destroy its infrastructure and large concentrations of troops, military bases. The targets of these aircraft are power plants, factories, bridges, and entire cities.

Such aircraft are called strategic bombers because of the ability to make intercontinental flights and use nuclear weapons. Some types of aircraft can use it, but are unable to make intercontinental flights. They are called long-range bombers.

A few words about the TU-160 - "White Swan"

Speaking of long-range aviation, one cannot fail to mention the Tu-160 missile carrier with a variable wing geometry. In history, it is the largest, most powerful and heaviest supersonic aircraft. Its feature is swept wing. Among the existing strategic bombers, it has the largest takeoff weight and combat load. The pilots gave him the nickname - "White Swan".

Armament TU-160

The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 40 tons of weapons, including different types guided missiles, free-fall bombs and nuclear weapons. The bombs of the "White Swan" bear the unofficial name of "weapons of the second stage", that is, they are intended to destroy targets that have survived after missile attack. Its huge arsenal is capable of carrying the Tu-160 aircraft, which is why its strategic status is fully justified.

In total, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation include 76 such bombers. But this information is constantly changing due to the decommissioning of old aircraft and the acceptance of new aircraft.

We have described the main points regarding the purpose and composition of the Russian Federation, but in fact the armed forces are an extremely complex structure, which is understood from the inside only by specialists directly related to it.

The main guarantor of the independence and inviolability of the borders of any state is its armed forces. Diplomacy and economic means- these are, of course, important (and effective) instruments of international politics, but only the country that is able to defend itself is viable. The entire political history of mankind is proof of this thesis.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces) are currently one of the largest in the world in terms of numbers. In ratings compiled by expert groups, the Russian army is usually in the top five, along with the armed forces of China, India, the United States and North Korea. The size of the Russian army is determined by decrees of the President of the country, who, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Currently (summer 2018) it is 1,885,371 people, including about 1 million military personnel. Today, the mobilization resource of our country is approximately 62 million people.

Russia is a nuclear state. Moreover, our country has one of the largest arsenals of nuclear weapons, as well as sophisticated and numerous means of delivering them. The Russian Federation ensures a closed nuclear weapons production cycle.

Our country has one of the most developed military-industrial complexes in the world, the Russian military-industrial complex is able to provide the armed forces with almost the entire range of weapons, military equipment and ammunition from pistols to ballistic missiles. Moreover, Russia is one of the largest arms exporters in the world, with $14 billion worth of Russian weapons sold in 2017.

The armed forces of the Russian Federation were created on May 7, 1992 on the basis of units of the USSR Armed Forces, but the history of the Russian army is much longer and richer. It can be called the heiress not only of the armed forces of the USSR, but also of the Russian imperial army, which ceased to exist in 1917.

In our time, the recruitment of the Russian armed forces takes place according to a mixed principle: both through conscription into the army and on a contract basis. Modern state policy in the field of formation of the armed forces is aimed at increasing the number of professionals serving under the contract. At present, the entire sergeant staff of the RF Armed Forces is fully professional.

The annual budget of the Russian armed forces in 2018 was 3.287 trillion rubles. This is 5.4% of the country's total GDP.

Currently, the term of service in the Russian army on conscription is 12 months. Men between the ages of 18 and 27 can be drafted into the armed forces.

History of the Russian army

On July 14, 1990, the first Russian military department appeared. It was named " State Committee RSFSR on support and interaction with the Ministry of Defense and the KGB of the USSR. After the August coup in Moscow, the Ministry of Defense of the RSFSR was formed on the basis of the committee for a short time.

After the collapse of the USSR, the Joint Armed Forces of the CIS countries were formed, but this was a temporary measure: on May 7, 1992, the first Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a decree on the creation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Initially, the RF Armed Forces included all military units located on the territory of the country, as well as troops that were under Russian jurisdiction. Then their number was 2.88 million people. Almost immediately, the question of reforming the armed forces arose.

The 90s were a difficult period for the Russian army. Chronic underfunding led to the fact that the best personnel left it, the purchase of new types of weapons practically ceased, many military factories were closed, and promising projects were stopped. Almost immediately after the creation of the Russian armed forces, plans appeared to completely transfer them to a contract basis, but the lack of funding for a long time did not allow moving in this direction.

In 1995, the first Chechen campaign began, which demonstrated the catastrophic situation of the Russian army. The troops were understaffed, the fighting showed serious shortcomings in their management.

In 2008, the RF Armed Forces took part in the conflict in South Ossetia. He revealed a large number of shortcomings and problems of the modern Russian army. The most serious of these were low troop mobility and poor handling. After the end of the conflict, it was announced the beginning military reform, which was supposed to significantly increase the mobility of the Armed Forces units and increase the coordination of their joint actions. The result of the reform was a reduction in the number of military districts (four instead of six), a simplification of the ground forces command and control system, and a significant increase in the army budget.

All this made it possible to speed up the entry of new military equipment into the troops, to attract a greater number of contract professionals, and to increase the intensity of combat training of units.

In the same period, regiments and divisions began to be reorganized into brigades. True, in 2013 the reverse process began: regiments and divisions began to form again.

In 2014, the Russian army played a key role in the return of Crimea. In September 2018, the operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria began, which continues to this day.

The structure of the Russian army

According to the Russian Constitution, the general leadership of the Russian armed forces is exercised by Supreme Commander, he is the president of the country. He heads and forms the Security Council of the Russian Federation, whose tasks include the development of military doctrine and the appointment of the top leadership of the armed forces. The President of the country signs decrees on urgent conscription and dismissal of military personnel, approves various international documents in the field of defense and military cooperation.

The direct control of the armed forces is carried out by the Ministry of Defense. Its main task is to carry out public policy in the field of defense, maintaining the constant readiness of the Armed Forces, developing the military potential of the state, solving a wide range of social issues, holding events for interstate cooperation in the military sphere.

Currently (since 2012), the Minister of Defense of Russia is General of the Army Sergei Shoigu.

The operational command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is carried out by the General Staff of the country. His chief at the moment is General of the Army Valery Gerasimov.

The General Staff conducts strategic planning for the use of the armed forces, as well as other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation. This body is also involved in the operational and mobilization training of the Russian army. If necessary, it is under the leadership of the General Staff that the mobilization deployment of the RF Armed Forces takes place.

Now the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation include three types of troops:

Also an integral part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are the following types of troops:

• Special Troops.

The most numerous are the Ground Forces, they include the following types of troops:

• tank;
• Air Defense Forces;
• Special Troops.

The ground forces are the backbone of the modern Russian army, they are the ones who carry out ground operations, seize territories and inflict the main damage on the enemy.

The Aerospace Forces are the youngest type of troops in the Russian army. The decree on their formation was issued on August 1, 2015. The VKS were created on the basis of the Russian Air Force.

The VCS includes Air Force, consisting of army, front, distant and military transport aviation. In addition, anti-aircraft missile troops and radio engineering troops are an integral part of the Air Force.

Another branch of the military, which is part of the VKS, is the air defense and anti-missile defense forces. Their task is to warn of a missile attack, control the orbital constellation of satellites, missile defense Russian capital, spacecraft launch, testing various kinds rocket and aviation technology. The structure of these troops includes two cosmodromes: "Plesetsk" and "Baikonur".

Another component of the Air Force is the Space Force.

The navy is a branch of the armed forces that can conduct operations in the maritime and oceanic theaters of war. It is capable of inflicting nuclear and conventional strikes on enemy sea and land targets, landing troops on the coast, protecting the country's economic interests, and conducting search and rescue operations.

The composition of the Russian Navy includes surface, submarine forces, naval aviation, coastal troops and units special purpose. The submarine forces of the Russian Navy can carry out strategic tasks, they are armed with submarine missile carriers with ballistic nuclear missiles.

The Coastal Troops include marines and missile and artillery coastal troops.

The Russian Navy includes four fleets: the Pacific, Black Sea, Baltic and Northern fleets, as well as the Caspian flotilla.

A separate branch of the military is the Strategic Missile Forces - this is the main component of Russia's nuclear forces. The Strategic Missile Forces is an instrument of global deterrence; it is a guarantee of a retaliatory strike in the event of a nuclear attack on our country. The main weapons of the Strategic Missile Forces are strategic intercontinental missiles with a nuclear warhead mobile and silo-based.

The Strategic Missile Forces are composed of three missile armies(with headquarters in Omsk, Vladimir and Orenburg), the Kapustin Yar test site, research and educational institutions.

The airborne troops also belong to a separate branch of the military and are the reserve of the Commander-in-Chief. The first airborne units were formed in the USSR in the early 1930s. This branch of service has always been considered the elite of the army, it remains so to this day.

The composition of the Airborne Forces includes airborne and airborne assault units: divisions, brigades and separate units. The main purpose of the paratroopers is to conduct combat operations behind enemy lines. Today, the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation include five divisions, five brigades and a separate communications regiment, as well as specialized educational institutions and training centers.

The RF Armed Forces also include special troops. This name refers to a set of units that ensure the normal functioning of the Ground Forces, Aerospace Forces and the Navy. To special forces include railway troops, medical service, road and pipeline troops, topographic service. This type of troops also includes special units of the GRU.

Territorial division of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Currently, the territory of Russia is divided into four military districts: Western (headquarters in St. Petersburg), Central (headquarters in Yekaterinburg), Southern (Rostov-on-Don) and Eastern with headquarters in Khabarovsk.

In 2014, it was announced the formation of a new military structure - the strategic command "North", whose task is to protect Russian state interests in the Arctic. In fact, this is another military district created on the basis of the Northern Fleet. It has land, air and naval components.

Armament of the Russian army

Most of the types of weapons and military equipment currently used by the Russian army were developed and manufactured back in the Soviet period. Tanks T-72, T-80, BTR-80, BMP-1, BMP-2 and BMP-3, BMD-1, BMD-2 and BMD-3 - all this was inherited by the Russian army from the USSR. The situation is similar with cannon and rocket artillery (MLRS Grad, Uragan, Smerch) and aviation (MiG-29, Su-27, Su-25 and Su-24). It cannot be said that this technique is catastrophically outdated, it can be used in local conflicts against not very strong opponents. In addition, so many weapons and military equipment were produced in the USSR (63 thousand tanks, 86 thousand infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers) that they can be used for many more years.

However, this technique is already significantly inferior to the latest analogues adopted by the armies of the United States, China and Western Europe.

From about the middle of the last decade, new models of military equipment began to enter the arsenal of the Russian army. Today, the process of rearmament is actively going on in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Examples include the T-90 and T-14 Armata tanks, the Kurganets infantry fighting vehicle, combat vehicle landing BMD-3, BTR-82, MLRS "Tornado-G" and "Tornado-S", tactical missile system"Iskander", the latest modifications of the Buk, Thor and Pantsir air defense systems. There is an active renewal of the aircraft fleet (Su-35, Su-30, Su-34). The fifth-generation Russian fighter PAK FA is being tested.

Currently, significant funds are also being invested in the re-equipment of the Russian strategic forces. Old missile systems, created back in the USSR, are gradually being taken off duty and replaced with new ones. New missiles are being developed (such as the Sarmat). Submarines-missile carriers of the fourth generation of the Borey project have been put into service. For them, a new Bulava missile system was developed.

The Russian Navy is also being re-equipped. According to the state program for the development of weapons (2011-2020), the Russian Navy should include ten new nuclear submarines (both missile and multi-purpose), twenty diesel submarines (Varshavyanka and Lada projects), fourteen frigates ( projects 2230 and 13356) and more than fifty corvettes of various projects.

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