Recent developments from the Orenburg region reveal significant advancements for Russia’s strategic military capabilities, particularly with the complete deployment of the Avangard missile system. This groundbreaking update was announced by General Sergey Karakaev, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, on December 17, coinciding with the forces' professional holiday, marking the perfect occasion for such significant news.
According to Karakaev, the long-anticipated plans to upgrade the stationary missile grouping have reached near completion. He detailed this accomplishment during interviews, stating, "The scheduled plans for rearmament of the stationary grouping have been practically completed. The rearmament of the Yasnensky formation has been finalized with the Avangard missile system." This marks a major milestone, as the Yasnensky division becomes fully equipped with these hypersonic missile capabilities, enhancing Russia's deterrent power.
The Avangard missile complex, regarded for its impressive hypersonic capabilities, has been under deployment at the Yasnensky division for approximately three years. The complex is characterized by its ability to reach speeds exceeding Mach 27, allowing it to swiftly maneuver, which renders it virtually impervious to interception by existing missile defense systems. This strategic asset not only bolsters Russia's offensive capabilities but also serves as a significant tool for maintaining nuclear deterrence.
Further cementing this upgrade, the Russian defense ministry confirmed the operational readiness of the Avangard systems. The Yasnensky division's certification was rounded off with rigorous training and evaluations to prepare the personnel for this state-of-the-art technology. Previously, the first regiment had undergone rearmament, which completed before the dawn of 2021, and the second regiment was officially put on combat duty with the Avangard missile systems on December 17, 2022, coinciding with the anniversary of the Strategic Missile Forces.
Karakaev highlighted the importance of this deployment, stating, "The fulfillment of planned rearmament activities has increased the share of modern missile systems within the Strategic Missile Forces to approximately 88%, providing us new opportunities for achieving nuclear deterrence objectives." This figure is particularly significant as it demonstrates the modernization efforts undertaken by Russia to bolster its military defenses, particularly concerning its strategic deterrent capabilities.
Aside from the operationalization of the Avangard system, there are plans underway for transitioning the Tatishevo Missile Division to the Yars missile system, another advanced platform expected to be fully operational by 2025. Karakaev mentioned this development as part of the broader rearmament strategy, indicating an extensive overview of Russia's investment in modern missile technology.
This momentum is indicative of Russia's shift toward modern warfare, where hypersonic technology plays a key role. The Avangard system’s design was developed to outpace and outmaneuver any anticipated missile defense setups. With the capability to change course and altitude during flight, the missile system aims to confuse interceptors, making it almost impossible to track accurately.
To complement these advancements, the first testing of the hypersonic Avangard was successfully conducted back in December 2018, laying the groundwork for today's fully operational capabilities. With this announcement, the comprehensive rearmament program can now be deemed successful, boasting the integration of significant technology within the Russian military's strategic planning.
The Strategic Missile Forces of Russia have undergone numerous transformations since their inception, dating back to 1946. Currently, they encompass three missile armies located across Vladimir, Omsk, and Orenburg, with twelve missile formations. The rearmament program reflects the continuous evolution of the military branch, emphasizing its adaptability and resilience amid changing global dynamics.
The introduction of new formations to support the medium-range missile development project called "Oreshnik" is also being explored as the demand for advanced capabilities increases. The need to innovate reflects the realities of modern strategic military engagements and addresses the need for effective response mechanisms.
Overall, the successful deployment of the Avangard missile system signifies not just significant advancements for Russia’s military capabilities but also presents another layer of complexity to international strategic relations.
