Will VKS protect our Far East? Past and Present 11 th Red Banner Army Aerospace Forces. H. 2
In the second part of the review, we will try to analyze how the forces and means of air defense of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Far East are able to withstand potential aggression.
Currently, 8 C-300PS and two C-400 are deployed in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories. And in the Jewish Autonomous Region and on Sakhalin - four divisions С-300В. The Kamchatka air defense knot, where there are two deployed C-400 battalions and one C-300PS, is too distant and isolated from the rest of the Russian Aerospace Forces, and in the event of the outbreak of hostilities will be forced to fight independently.
Layout of C-300PS, C-300В and С-400 positions in the Khabarovsk, Primorsky Territories, Sakhalin and Jewish Autonomous Regions
As part of the C-300PS mobile multi-channel anti-aircraft missile system, in addition to the means for detecting airborne targets and control, there can be up to four 5P85SD launch complexes, each of which consists of one main 5P85С launcher and two additional PU 5P85D. Each self-propelled launcher has four vertically launched missiles, sealed in transport-launch containers. The rate of fire - 3-5 seconds, at the same time can be fired at up to 6 targets 12 missiles when you hover on each target to two missiles.
Satellite image of Google Earth: C-300PS ground position in Knyaz-Volkonsky, 40 km north of Khabarovsk
In total, the firing position can be up to 48 anti-aircraft missiles ready for battle, but judging by the satellite imagery at our disposal, the combat duty of the C-300PS anti-aircraft missile division usually carries three or two launch batteries - thus, ready-to-use ammunition is 32 -24 rockets. Apparently, this is due both to the deterioration of the material part of the anti-aircraft systems built in 80-s, and the lack of 5B55P type missiles, the warranty period of which ended in 2013. However, this does not mean that these missiles can not be used for air targets, but after the warranty period of storage the technical reliability factor is reduced, that is, the launch of the missile can occur - tracking failure or untimely start of the cruise engine, which happened more than once during control. training launches at the landfill.
In the long-range air defense missile battalion, the long-range C-400 can be up to 12 towed 5P85TE2 or 5P85SE2 type launch vehicles. On each launcher on 4 SAM. That is, the ammunition of one anti-aircraft missile division is 48 missiles. Compared with the C-300P family, the C-400 combat capabilities have increased significantly. The C-400 controls are capable of simultaneously accompanying up to 300 air targets and to ensure the firing of 36 of them when launching 72 missiles. The command post of an anti-aircraft missile system is able to control the actions of other anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes. As part of the C-400 can be used SAM 48N6E, 48N6E2, 48N6E3 with a range starting 150-250 km and defeat up to 27 km used as part of the upgraded S-300PM1 / PM2 and new vysokomanovrennye missiles 9M96E and 9M96E2 with destruction zone to 135 km. Unfortunately, in the C-400 combat divisions ammunition, there is still no long-range 40H6E missile, which does not allow to fully unleash the potential of the anti-aircraft system.
The S-300V anti-aircraft missile system was developed as a front-line means of protecting ground forces from nuclear tactical and operational-tactical missiles and to intercept strategic, tactical and carrier-based cruise missiles and attack aircraft at distant approaches aviation. The variety of tasks caused the S-300V to use two missiles for various purposes: 9M82 - for hitting ballistic missiles and strategic bombers and jamming aircraft over long ranges and 9M83 - for hitting aerodynamic targets at ranges up to 100 km. In the modernized version of the S-300VM, the combat zone of combat aircraft and cruise missiles has been increased to 200 km. In 2015, information appeared on the adoption of the S-300V4 modification with a missile launch range of up to 400 km.
All C-300В combat vehicles are located on unified self-propelled high-tracked crawler chassis, equipped with unified autonomous power supply, navigation, orientation, topographic location, life support, telecode, radio and telephone communications.
C-300B Division on the march
The anti-aircraft system includes two self-propelled launchers 9А82 - with two 9М82 missiles and four SPU 9А83 - with four 9М83 missiles. For operation with SPU 9А82, one 9А84 two-rocket launcher installation is intended, and for SPU 9А83 - two 9А85 ROMs with four rocket. In addition to transporting and loading missiles, it is possible to launch missiles from the 9А84 and 9А85 ROMs when pairing with 9А82 and 9А83 combat vehicles. Thus, the ready-to-use ammunition of one S-CNUMXV is 300 missiles.
In addition to the units and formations of the 11 th Red Banner Army of the Aerospace Forces, the Eastern Military District has air defense forces of the Ground Forces. Although the combat potential of the air defense of the air defense of the SV after the removal of the C-300 A and part of the Buk air defense system was seriously damaged in the troops, there is still a significant number of mobile short-range air defense systems Strela-10 and Osa-AKM, ZSU-23 -4 Shilka and 23-mm paired anti-aircraft gun ZU-23. In addition, in each combined arms army (there are four of them in the Eastern District), there should be a zrbr equipped with the Buk air defense system.
In total, three Far Eastern fighter regiments have a total of a little over a hundred Su-27CM, Su-30М2, Su-35С and MiG-31 fighters. Su-27CM and Su-30М2 fighters have a combat radius with four missiles (2Х-27 and 2ХР-73) about 1000 km. In this case, the time of duty in the air with a full refueling is 4 hours.
Su-30M2 at the Dzemgi aerodrome (author photo)
The maximum range of launching the latest modifications of the P-27 missiles on oncoming courses is 95 km. But for guidance of a rocket from a semi-active GOS, target illumination by an onboard radar is required. P-73 missiles with a heat-cooled homing head are designed to hit air targets in close-range maneuver combat. The maximum launch range in the forward hemisphere can reach 40 km.
P-73 short-range air combat missile models on Su-27 fighter (author photo)
Compared with the Su-27CM and Su-30М2, the combat capabilities of the Su-35C fighters have increased significantly. The Su-35С avionics includes a radar with a passive phased antenna array H035 "Irbis", with a target detection range with an XRUM 3 ESR to 400 km. In addition to active radar facilities, a passive optical-location station is used that does not unmask the aircraft with radar radiation.
Su-35S fighter from 23-iap at Dzemgi airfield, on duty with suspended air-to-air missiles of medium-range RVV-SD
The Su-35C armament, in addition to the P-27 and P-73, included new medium-range missiles Р-77-1 (РВВ-СД) with monopulse Doppler AGSN. Unlike the P-27P, the P-77-1 does not require target illumination over the entire rocket flight path. The launch range is up to 110 km.
Three dozen long-range supersonic MiG-31 interceptors are based on the airfields of Primorye and Kamchatka. Part of the aircraft upgraded to the level of the MiG-31BM. The basis of the weapons control system of the MiG-31 aircraft is a pulse Doppler radar with a passive phased array of the RP-31 Н007 “Barrier” antenna capable of detecting a fighter or a cruise missile at a distance of 180 km. From 2008, the modernized MiG-31BM with the Zaslon-M radar, with a maximum detection range of air targets up to 320 km, arrive in the troops. An additional means of detecting airborne targets is the 8TP heat finder, with a range of up to 56 km.
Upgraded MiG-31BM 22-iap
The MiG-31BM airborne radar system is capable of simultaneously detecting up to twenty-four air targets, eight of which can be simultaneously fired at with P-33C missiles. Long-range missiles P-33С have a combined guidance system - inertial in the middle segment of the flight and semi-active radar with radio correction in the final segment. The launch range is up to 160 km. In a number of Russian sources there is information that the upgraded MiG-31BM interceptors carry long-range P-37 missiles (RVV-BD) with an active radar seeker. The maximum launch range in the forward hemisphere is up to 200 km. For MiG-31 with four missiles and two outboard fuel tanks, launching missiles in the middle of the way, dropping outboard tanks after their development, the practical range at subsonic flight speed is 3000 km.
Theoretically, in the first salvo, all anti-aircraft missile units deployed in the Far East, subject to their technical serviceability and combat readiness, can launch: C-300PS - 216-288 missiles, C-300В - 120 missiles, C-400 - 192 missiles. Total in the course of the reflection of the first massive attack, we have - to 552 missiles with the affected area to 90-250 km. Taking into account the fact that two anti-aircraft missiles are usually induced on one air target, in ideal conditions, in the absence of fire counteraction in the form of attacking anti-radar and cruise missiles with an autonomous guidance system and in a simple jamming environment, the probability of hitting around 0,9 can be fired at about 270 targets. However, this probability can be achieved against tactical and deck-based aircraft flying at nearsonic speeds at altitudes not lower than 200 m. Much more complicated targets are cruise missiles, which go around the terrain at low altitude. In this case, the probability of damage may be 0,5 - 0,7, which, in turn, increases the consumption of missiles. In addition, there is every reason to believe that at the first stage, the positions of radio engineering and anti-aircraft missile units, communications centers, headquarters, command and control stations and airfields will be subject to intensive strikes by anti-radar and cruise missiles. Until the enemy’s reconnaissance assets, and first of all, these are electronic reconnaissance aircraft and radar and optoelectronic reconnaissance satellites, which detect medium and long-range anti-aircraft systems, the enemy will refrain from using manned combat aircraft for bombing attacks to minimize losses. Already after the suppression of the air defense system, adjustable and free-fall bombs can be used. According to expert estimates, the Z-CNUMXP and C-300 ground-to-ground systems can destroy more than 400% of air targets in the affected area. At the first stage of the conflict, anti-aircraft and missile forces in a difficult jamming environment, being under fire attack of the enemy, will have to mainly fight with cruise missiles flying at low altitudes. At the same time, taking into account the complex terrain, detecting the KR and targeting them to missiles in some areas of the Far East can be difficult. It should also be understood that part of the old C-300PS missiles will fail after launch and the number of fired targets will be less. Knowing the number of combat-ready missiles of the first stage, based on the probability of destruction, a very good result can be considered the destruction of 120-130 air targets. However, in the event of a prolonged military conflict due to the inevitable loss and depletion of stocks of anti-aircraft missiles, there will be a decrease in the combat potential of anti-aircraft missile forces and fighter aircraft. Compared to the old C-400PS, the C-300 anti-aircraft missile battalions are more advantageous in protecting their firing positions from breaking through low-altitude air assault weapons, as they are covered by Pantsir-C1 self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems.
Given that part of the combat aircraft is constantly under repair and in reserve, the command of the 11th A VKS will be able to allocate about 70 fighters to repel a massive raid, which is certainly not enough for such a vast territory. When performing the tasks of intercepting at the maximum combat radius and suspension of four medium-range air combat missiles and two melee missiles, it can be expected that the S-35C pair is capable of shooting down four enemy cruise missiles in one combat mission. However, the capabilities of the Su-27SK and Su-30M2, equipped with less advanced radar, in the ammunition of which there is no UR with AGSN, are much more modest. The number of upgraded MiG-31BMs as part of the 865th and 23rd IAP is relatively small, although these machines have quite high capabilities to counter not only cruise missiles, but also their carriers. There is no doubt that cruise missile launch vehicles will be covered by fighters until the launch line. At the same time, the enemy can be well informed about the air situation, since a significant number of AWACS aircraft are located in Japan and Alaska. At the same time, in the Far East there is no permanent basing of A-50 DRDO aircraft and Il-78 tankers, which significantly limits the capabilities of interceptors. The last time one A-50 aircraft was present in our area in September 2014, during a major exercise fleet, combat aircraft and air defense forces in Kamchatka. Apparently, this is due to the fact that in the Far Eastern region, you can count the fingers of the airfields where heavy aircraft can be based. Unlike front-line bombers, attack aircraft, and fighter jets, our radar patrol aircraft are not capable of operating from prepared sections of freeways.
So, in peacetime, the permanent locations of fighter air regiments and anti-aircraft missile units are well known; when a “special period” sets in, fighters should be scattered around field airfields, and anti-aircraft divisions should move to secret reserve positions. However, in the case of a surprise attack, this will be very problematic. In addition, north of Khabarovsk, the state and branching of the road network leaves much to be desired. Most of this territory - steep hills covered with taiga and marshy marshes - are absolutely impassable for heavy equipment. In addition, one should not overestimate the mobility of ground aviation units providing training and maintenance of combat aircraft, and the maneuverability of self-propelled elements of anti-aircraft missile systems. Like any weapon C-300 and C-400 have both advantages and limitations. The main 5P85С ZRS C-300PS launcher on the MAZ-543М chassis with four anti-aircraft missiles, separate missile launch preparation and control cabins and autonomous or external power supply systems with a 13 length and a 3,8 meter width has a mass more than 42 tons. It is clear that with such weight and dimensions, despite the four-axle base, the machine’s permeability on weak soils and various irregularities will be far from ideal. And all the C-400 systems available in the Far East are made in the trailed version, which, of course, is a step backwards in terms of mobility and will make relocation even more difficult.
The main potential adversary of the Russian Aerospace Force of the Russian Federation in the Pacific-Asian region is the Pacific Air Force Command with headquarters at Hikkam, Hawaii. The Pacific Command is: 5 (Japan), 7 (Republic of Korea), 11 (Alaska) and 13 (Hawaii) air armies. As part of the 5 Army Air Force with its headquarters at Yokota airbase, the 18-e wing was deployed at Kadena airbase as the main strike force. F-15C / D 44 and 67 squadrons are based here. Frequent guests at the airbase are the X-Numx generation F-5 Raptor fighters stationed permanently in Hawaii.
F-15C takes off from the airbase "Kadena"
Refueling squadrons in the air are provided by the KC-135R 909 squadron of tanker aircraft. Guidance on airborne targets and general guidance of combat aviation operations outside the zone of visibility of ground-based radars are assigned to the 961 squadron of the radar patrol and control unit equipped with DRLO and E-3С Sentry aircraft. The reconnaissance off the coast of Russia, the DPRK and the PRC are conducted by RC-135V / W Rivet Joint aircraft and long-range unmanned reconnaissance aircraft RQ-4 Global Hawk. Intelligence functions are also assigned to the base patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon, P-3С Orion and radio intelligence reconnaissance aircraft EP-3E Aries II of the US Navy, which are located at the Kadena airbase. F-16C / D 35 th Fighter Wing is deployed at the Misawa airbase. It consists of 13-I and 14-I squadrons, whose main task is to provide air defense of American bases in Japan. The number of fighters in the squadrons stationed in Japan varies. So in the 44 Squadron - 18 single and double F-15C / D, and in the 14-I squadron - 36 light F-16C / D. In total, there are about 200 aircraft of the USAF at Japanese air bases. In addition, since October 1973, the Yokosuka naval base has been the site of a permanent forward deployment of American aircraft carriers. Since 2008, the Nimitz nuclear aircraft carrier - George Washington (USS George Washington (CVN-73)) has been located here. Recently, he was replaced on duty in Japan by the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)). Combat aircraft from aircraft carriers in the Yokosuka naval base for coastal deployment use the Atsugi air base in 7 km from the Japanese city of Atsugi.
Satellite image of Google Earth: 5 aircraft of the US Navy at Atsugi airbase
The airfield is home to the carrier-based aircraft of the 5 aircraft carrier wing. It consists of three F / A-18E / F Super Hornet fighter-assault squadrons, EA-18 Growler electronic warfare squadron, E-2C / D Hawkeye DRLO squadron, as well as deck transport aircraft and helicopters for various purposes. Thus, on the territory of Japan on a permanent basis there are about 200 combat aircraft of the Air Force and the US Navy, which is almost twice the number of Russian fighters stationed in the entire Far East. In addition to the American fighters in the Japan Self-Defense Air Force there are: X-NUMX heavy F-190J / DJ fighters, X-NUMX light F-15A / B (more advanced Japanese version of F-60), around 2 multi-purpose F-16EJ, and approximately RF-40 X-UNX XJUMX multi-purpose and RF-4 X-multipurpose reconnaissance aircraft EF-10EJ. Also in the United States ordered X-NUMX fighter F-4A. That is, taking into account the fleet of Japanese combat aircraft, the superiority over the Russian VKS in the region is fourfold.
The forces of the 7 Air Force stationed in South Korea are represented by the 8 Fighter Aviation Regiment - 42 F-16C / D at Kunsan Air Base, and the 51 Fighter Wing - 36 F-16C / D belonging to the 36 Fighter Squadry figure. -24C Thunderbolt II from the 10 th Fighter Squadron.
In Alaska, within walking distance of Chukotka and the Kamchatka Territory, the 11-th American Air Force is stationed. Her most efficient part is considered 3-th Fighter Wing, which included two fighter 90-I and 525-Squadrons on fighter F-22A, 962-Air Group of radar surveillance and control E-3S and 517-I military transport squadron C -17A Globemaster III. All these aircraft are located at the Elmendorf-Richardson airbase.
Satellite image of Google Earth: F-22A fighter aircraft at Elmendorf-Richardson airbase
The Eilson airbase is home to the X-NUMX th Fighter Regiment equipped with F-354C / D. In the event of an exacerbation of the situation, some of the fighters must be relocated to Shemiya Island, the Aleutian Archipelago. In the interests of the aviation contingent in Alaska, the KC-16R 135 of the tanker wing and the 168 of the military transport wing equipped with the C-176 Hercules, HC-130J Combat King II and C-130А are operating. In terms of strength, the strength of the US Air Force in Alaska is roughly equal to the Russian Fighter Park in the Far East.
The US Air Force base Andersen on Guam is operated by the 36-wing. Although there are no permanently assigned combat aircraft, are on a rotating basis based fighter F-15C and F-22A (12-16 units), unmanned reconnaissance RQ-4 Global Hawk (3-4 units), B-52N Stratofortress, B -1B Lancer, B-2A Spirit. Usually, 6-10 strategic bombers are on duty in Guam, but if necessary they can freely accommodate up to fifty heavy bombers. To provide long-range non-stop flights, fighters, strategic bombers and anti-submarine aircraft to Andersen are assigned 12 tankers KC-135R.
The F-15C and F-22A fighters, the KC-135R tankers, and the C-17A military transport vehicles belonging to the 15-wing and the 154-wing of the National Air Force wing are assigned to the Hikkam airbase in Hawaii. Although the Hikkam airbase is far enough away from the Russian Far East, it can be used as an intermediate airfield, and for basing tanker aircraft and long-range bombers. A constantly fighter-based fighters can be quickly deployed to Japanese air bases. Based on the above, it follows that even without taking into account the combat aircraft of Japan and South Korea, the X-NUMX of the F-400C / D, F-15C / D, F-16A and A-22C attack aircraft can be used against the Russian Far East. You should also add about 10 Deck F / A-60E / F Super Hornet here.
The AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles in conventional equipment are B-1B, B-2A and B-52H bombers that are permanently present on the island of Guam, as well as F-16C / D, F-15E and F planes of tactical and carrier aircraft. A-18E / F. B-52H bomber can take 12 missiles, B-1B - 24 missiles, B-2 - 16 missiles, F-16C / D fighters, F / A-18E / F - 2 missiles, F-15E - 3 rockets
Reset of the AGM-158A JASSM cruise missile from the B-1В bomber
The AGM-158A JASSM cruise missile was developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation specifically for hitting point-mounted stationary and mobile targets covered by high-tech air defense systems. The rocket is equipped with a turbojet engine, made with elements of low radar visibility and carries a warhead weighing 450 kg. The shell of the warhead equipped with 109 kg of explosives made of high-strength tungsten alloy at a speed of 300 m / s can penetrate into the ground to a depth from 6 to 24 meters and punch reinforced concrete shelters of 1,5-2 meter. The possibility of using a cassette warhead is also provided. For guidance, an inertial system is used with the correction of the accumulated error according to the receiver of the signals of the satellite navigation system NAVSTAR. In the final segment of the flight trajectory, the IR GOS or software and hardware tools for autonomous target recognition using a pre-recorded image can be used. According to the manufacturer, the QUO is 3 m. With a length of 2,4 m, the rocket has a launch mass of 1020 kg and a flight distance of 360 km. Speed on the route - 780-1000 km / h.
AGM-158A JASSM cruise missile
To date, Lockheed Martin has built more than 2000 KR AGM-158. In 2010, deliveries of the improved AGM-158B JASSM-ER CR began with a launch range of 980 km. At such a range, the launch of the rocket can be made from the carrier not only long before entering the C-400 ground-to-ground missile attack zone, but also outside the supersonic line for intercepting MiG-31 fighters.
However, AGM-158 is not the only type of cruise missile in service with the Air Force and the Navy and USMC. The armament of the B-52H bomber includes AGM-86C / D CALCM cruise missiles with a 1100 km launch range. One B-52H is capable of carrying up to 20 KR.
Reset CG AGM-86 from a B-52H bomber
A cruise missile with a launch weight of up to 1950 kg can be equipped with a warhead weighing 540-1362 kg with a programmed detonation point. Although the first AGM-86 entered service in the early 80-x, thanks to the phased modernization, they still represent a fairly effective weapon. Missiles equipped with conventional warheads have an inertial guidance system Litton with 3 generation GPS satellite navigation corrected signals with high noise immunity. The circular deviation from the aiming point is 3 m. The speed is 775 — 1000 km / h (0,65-0,85 M). Flight altitude control is performed using a radio or laser altimeter. The most perfect at the moment modification of the AGM-86D CALCM Block II quickly deployed in the 2002 year. As of 2017 year in the USAF there was about 300 KR AGM-86C / D.
US Navy F / A-18C / D, F / A-18E / F, P-3C, P-8А aircraft are capable of hitting land targets with AGM-84 SLAM missiles. This rocket is based on the AGM-84 Harpoon PCR, but has a different guidance system. Instead of the active RGSN in SLAM, an inertial system with GPS correction and the possibility of remote TV is used. In 2000, the AGM-84H SLAM-ER, which is a deep processing of AGM-84E SLAM, was adopted. The rocket's aerodynamic design has been completely revised. Instead of the previous X-shaped short wings inherited from the "Harpoon", SLAM-ER received two low-lying elongated wings, made according to the "reverse gull" scheme. The wingspan reaches 2,4 m. Due to this, it was possible to significantly increase the lifting force and flight range. When creating the SLAM-ER, considerable attention was paid to reducing the radar visibility of the rocket.
KR AGM-84Н SLAM-ER
The missile guidance system has also been modified. SLAM-ER can independently identify the target according to the data previously stored in the on-board computer of the rocket and does not need operator participation. The possibility of remote control, however, remains, so that the operator can intervene at any time in the process of guidance. The 675 kg missile is equipped with a 225 kg warhead and is capable of hitting targets at a range of 270 km. Flight speed - 855 km / h. In addition to the naval aviation aircraft of the KR, the SLAM-ER was introduced into the F-15E Strike Eagle armament.
The AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile is intended specifically for the destruction of the guidance stations of the air defense missile system, air defense systems and surveillance radars. According to data published by the manufacturing company Raytheon Corporation, the PCR of the AGM-88C modification is capable of targeting radio sources operating in the 300-20,000 MHz band.
Start AGM-88 HARM with F-16C
A solid-fuel rocket with a launch weight of 360 kg carries a 66 kg warhead and is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 150 km. Maximum flight speed - 2280 km / h. The last modification of the AGM-88E AARGM, commissioned in 2012, was equipped with satellite navigation equipment, in addition to the passive radar GPS, with remembering the coordinates of the radio source and on-board millimeter-wave radar, with which precise targeting is performed.
In addition to air-launched cruise missiles, the RGM / UGM-109 Tomahawk maritime cruise missiles pose a great danger to the coastal areas. These missiles were widely used in all major military conflicts involving the United States in the 21 century. As of 2016, the year in the US Navy can be simultaneously installed around 4600 KR “Tomahawk” on more than 120 surface and underwater media. At the moment, the most modern is the KR RGM / UGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk. Inertial guidance, TERCOM system and GPS navigation are used for flight control. There is also a two-way satellite communications system that allows you to retarget a rocket right in flight. The image obtained from the onboard camera allows you to assess the state of the target in real time and decide on the continuation of the attack or strike on another object. The launch range of about 1600 km allows launching Tomogawks at a considerable distance from the interception lines and the zone of destruction of our coastal anti-ship complexes. The rocket is equipped with a cluster or high-explosive warhead with a mass of 340 kg, and on the route it develops speed up to 880 km / h. Circular Probable Deviation - 10 m. As part of the American 7 fleet duty forces there are always carriers capable of ensuring the launch of sea-based cruise missiles 500.
In addition to the proximity of the bases of the Air Force and the US Navy, which pose a potential danger to our Far Eastern territories, Russia has a long border with China. At the moment, we have normal relations with China, but not the fact that it will always be like this. After all, no one in the middle of 50 could assume that in 15 years the situation on the Soviet-Chinese border would become so acute that it would take to use heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems. Even now, despite the chatter about strategic partnership, the “strategic partners” not only do not rush to enter into any military alliances with us, but also refrain from actively supporting Russia in the international arena. At the same time, there is an intensive buildup of military power in the PRC, and military expenditures increase annually. Contrary to the optimistic statements of our "patriots" about the backwardness of Chinese military aircraft, it is a rather formidable force. Already, the PLA Air Force has more than 100 upgraded H-6 long-range bombers capable of carrying CJ-10A cruise missiles with a range of about 1000 km. Outdated Q-5 ground attack aircraft are being replaced by JH-7A fighter-bombers, which have already been built at least 200 units. In the segment of modern light fighter jets stands J-10 (around 350 aircraft).
Chinese light fighter J-10
Twin-engine heavy fighters in the PLAC Air Force are represented by: Su-27SK (40 units), Su-27UPK (27 units), Su-30МК (22 units), Su-30МКК (70 units), Su-35С (14 units), Su-11С (X-NNUMXМКК (30 units), Su-200С (11 units), Su-150С (XNNX units), Su-8С (XNNX units), Su-300C (X-NNXX units) .). In addition, J-7В aircraft are being built at the aircraft plant in Shenyang, which have a lot in common with the Russian Su-21MK. At the moment, more than 400 J-1800 fighters of their own construction have been operated in China. Also still in the ranks around 2 interceptors J-3 and intelligence officers built on their base. In the rear and training aviation regiments, approximately X-NUMX lightweight J-7 fighter jets (the Chinese equivalent of the MiG-6) are operated. Chinese naval aviation has even more 78 combat aircraft. Thus, in the Air Force and the PLA Navy aviation, about 2000 combat aircraft are in service, of which 200 / 500 are modern. A significant part of Chinese fighters and percussion machines are equipped with filling rods. Refueling in the air is assigned to the JH-154 and H-8 aircraft of early versions and Russian-made IL-XNUMX. To control the actions of Chinese aviation and the timely detection of targets, two dozen DRLO KJ-XNUMX, KJ-XNUMX and KJ-XNUMX airplanes can be used. Conducting electronic intelligence assigned to the Tu-XNUMXMD and Y-XNUMXG. The “strategic ally” radio intelligence reconnaissance aircraft regularly fly along the Russian border in the Far East.
Given the multiple numerical superiority of the potential adversaries, our air defense forces in the Far East may not cope with the abundance of very difficult to attack air attack weapons. The positions of the C-400 ZRS under Nakhodka, Vladivostok and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky are not far from the coast, and in the conditions of difficult jamming conditions and a large number of potentially dangerous air targets, few anti-aircraft missile divisions can be suppressed after the use of ready-to-use ammunition. Guidance and control of interceptors will be difficult due to strong radio interference and attacks on radar posts and control points. The air base with capital runways is also inevitably subjected to a powerful fire attack.
In the event of an escalation of tension in the Far East, additional forces may be transferred here from the western regions of the country. But these reserves are not so great that they would have a noticeable impact on the balance of power. In addition to Moscow, St. Petersburg and some other territories, the rest of the country is very poorly covered from air strikes. The deliveries of new equipment and weapons, which began about 10 years ago, have not yet allowed to eliminate the gaps formed in the Air Force and Air Defense during the years of "reform". Transfer fast-range anti-aircraft systems from the central part of the country does not work. At best, this will take about a week, even though Transsib is very vulnerable. More mobile are the fighter regiments, but as already mentioned, the 2 / 3 of the capital airfields built during Soviet times are currently unsuitable for use, and it may happen that the existing fighters simply have nowhere to land.
As you know, the best means of defense are your own Tanks at the enemy’s airfield. However, a series of concrete-piercing bombs precisely laid down on hangars with aircraft and the runway is also very effective. However, our capabilities regarding the impact of non-nuclear means on the air bases of Japan and Alaska are very modest. Front-line bombers Su-24M and Su-34 of the 277th base based on the Khurba air base, and Su-30MS of the 120th air regiment from the Domna air base, taking into account how well the territory of Japan is covered by the MIM-104 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and how many F-15C interceptors are there, there are few chances to strike back, even when using X-59M guided missiles with a launch range of more than 200 km. Until 2011, two regiments of Tu-22M3 missile carriers were based in the area of Sovetskaya Gavan and not far from Ussuriysk. These vehicles carrying X-22 supersonic cruise missiles were considered by a potential adversary as a serious threat to aircraft carriers and coastal airfields. However, in 2011, our top military-political leadership decided to liquidate naval missile-carrying aircraft. After that, aircraft capable of rising into the air were overtaken to the central part of the country, and the rest of the Tu-22M3 that were in need of repair were "disposed of". Currently, in the Russian Aerospace Forces in flight condition there are about three dozen Tu-22M3. But since the KR X-22 is outdated and has exhausted its resource, only free-falling bombs are in the armament.
Long-range bombers of the Tu-95MS 182 Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment deployed at the Ukrainka Air Base in the Amur Region can be used to attack enemy air bases. The armament of the modified Tu-95MS includes the X-101 long-range cruise missile. According to information published in the Russian media, a cruise missile with a mass of 2200-2400 kg is capable of delivering an 400 kg warhead to a range of more than 5000 km. A missile equipped with a combined guidance system can be re-targeted in flight after being dropped from the carrier, and on tests demonstrated accuracy of hitting around 5 m. However, the number of Tu-95MS equipped with CU X-101 is relatively small and long-range bombers will require fighter cover in combat missions in case of action on targets in Japan, South Korea and Guam.
Based on the above, it is clear that the 11-I Red Banner Army of the VKS is not able to compete on equal terms with the aircraft of the United States, Japan and China, and will be able to conduct mainly defensive military operations. In case of a conflict, the forecast is seen as unfavorable. Our potential adversaries in the Far East have much more resources and are able to multiply their strengths. Due to the remoteness from the central regions of the country, the insufficient number of large airfields, vulnerability and low capacity of transport communications, the transfer of our reserves to the Far East looks very problematic. In these conditions, the only solution to avoid the defeat of our troops and the destruction of the structure of life support of the population and industrial potential is the use of tactical nuclear charges, which will allow to devalue the numerical superiority of the aggressor.
PS: All the information presented in this publication is obtained in open and public sources, a list of which is given.
Based on:
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The Military Balance 2017
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