On the defense of the PMR: own army and Russian peacekeepers
Russian peacekeepers, 2020
The unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic again found itself in a difficult situation. After several attacks and terrorist attacks, the risk of an open attack from third countries has increased. The TMR will be able to respond to the emerging military threat with its armed forces. In addition, the Republic can count on peacekeepers from the Operational Group of Russian Forces.
Defense development
The construction of the armed forces of the unrecognized PMR began in September 1991 against the backdrop of a deteriorating situation in the region. The first step in this direction was the formation of the Guards of the Republic. Already at the end of 1991, this formation had to first engage in battle with the Moldovan army. In the spring of the following year, after the start of a full-scale war, the Guard was supplemented by the People's Militia. Both structures participated in the fighting until the end of the conflict.
After the end of the war in 1992, a plan was drawn up for the further development of the armed forces. It provided for the creation of the Ministry of Defense with all the necessary structures, the improvement of the organizational structure and the system of armaments of the army, etc. In March 1993, the personnel of the newly created armed forces took the oath.
Airborne unit of the PMR army
In the past, the 14th Guards Combined Arms Army of the USSR Armed Forces served on the territory of the Moldavian SSR. With the collapse of the USSR, she found herself in a difficult position, but in the end she remained part of the Russian army. In 1991-92. The 14th Guards OA remained neutral, and also solved peacekeeping tasks. With her direct participation, it was possible to stop the open conflict and start negotiations.
Subsequently, the army was reduced. Subdivisions and units were disbanded, their property was exported to Russia. In April 1995, the 14th Guards OA was disbanded. On the basis of the remaining units and formations, a new structure was created - the Operational Group of Russian Forces in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova (OGRV PRRM). It is stationed on the territory of the PMR and solves peacekeeping tasks.
In the future, the Pridnestrovian army and the OGRF of the PRRM developed to the best of their ability, due to which the combat capability was maintained or improved. At the same time, development faced objective difficulties, and there were no fundamental innovations. In particular, both formations are still forced to use old-style equipment and weapons, because. the transfer of modern products in some cases is impossible.
own forces
According to various sources, the TMR armed forces number from 7,5 to 15 thousand people. Probably, such a spread in numbers is associated with different methods of counting, taking into account or ignoring different structures. Recruitment to the army is carried out both by conscription (service life 1 year) and by contract. In wartime, a reserve of up to 80 thousand people can be used.
The basis of the army is four motorized rifle brigades, incl. one guard. The brigade includes three motorized rifle battalions of four companies. It also includes a mortar battery, an engineering platoon and other units. In addition to motorized rifle brigades, the ground forces have four special-purpose battalions and various support units.
The ground units have a significant number of armored vehicles, but we are talking only about old types of vehicles. Suitable for operation up to 15-20 basic tanks and about 100-200 armored personnel carriers. Artillery units operate dozens of towed and self-propelled guns, a large number of mortars and up to 30-40 BM-21 multiple rocket launchers. The infantry is armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and anti-tank systems. Anti-aircraft weapons are represented by old ZSU-23-4 and MANPADS installations.
Demonstration performances of the Transnistrian special forces, 2015
In the past, the PMR was able to form a small air force. They had An-2, An-26 and Yak-18 aircraft at their disposal. There were also multi-purpose helicopters Mi-2 and Mi-8. The total number of equipment - no more than 25-30 units. The condition of these machines and the number ready for operation are unknown.
Task force
The operational group of Russian troops from the moment of its appearance has been performing the functions of a peacekeeping contingent. Its presence ensures stability in the region and excludes the resumption of conflict. In addition, Russian military personnel are responsible for guarding the ammunition depot in the village. Sausage.
All these tasks are solved by a limited number of personnel using a small fleet of materiel. According to various data, the number of OGRF PRRM does not exceed 2,5-3 thousand people. There is no reserve as such, but if necessary, the Russian army will come to the aid of the Group with all the necessary forces and means.
Field exit of Russian motorized riflemen, 2020
The OGRV PRRM includes two separate guards motorized rifle battalions - the 82nd and 113th. They include four motorized rifle companies, a grenade launcher platoon, a control platoon, and support units. Motorized rifle battalions interact with the 540th separate control battalion. It includes headquarters, communications units and other auxiliary structures.
Motorized rifles of the OGRV PRRM have a wide range of modern domestic infantry weapons, mortars, missile systems, etc. They also have armored personnel carriers and other similar vehicles, and some of them had to be converted from other equipment on their own. Tanks, large caliber artillery, etc. missing. In the past, they were taken out of the territory of the PMR as part of the implementation of international agreements. The delivery of new vehicles and weapons turned out to be impossible due to the geographical location of Transnistria and the refusal of neighboring countries in transit.
Limited potential
In general, the armed forces of the PMR meet the requirements and cope with the task of ensuring the country's security. However, they face a number of characteristic difficulties that limit their combat effectiveness and overall potential. Thus, the relatively small number of troops, the lack of modern weapons and equipment, the impossibility of maintaining the Air Force, etc. can be considered negative factors.
Tanks of the PMR army, 2015
At the same time, the existing number and equipment, as well as the presence of large reserves, allows the PMR to maintain parity with a potential enemy in the face of Moldova. The army of the latter is slightly larger, but has no advantages in armaments and equipment. Accordingly, the current state of the Transnistrian army is quite sufficient for deterrence and security.
The situation is similar with the Russian Task Force. It has a small number and is limited in terms of weapons and equipment. However, behind it are all the armed forces of Russia with the highest potential. The presence of such a “rear” has a positive effect on the peacekeeping activities of the OGRF PRRM and, accordingly, on the situation in the region.
Fragile world
After the events of the early nineties, a fragile peace has been preserved in Transnistria. Despite disputes and aggressive rhetoric, a new open conflict has been avoided. It is obvious that the army and power structures of the PMR, as well as Russian peacekeepers, make a decisive contribution to the preservation of peace. The very fact of their presence and the existing potential deters a potential aggressor.
However, the situation in the region is deteriorating. The PMR facilities were attacked, and a full-fledged military threat appeared. Fortunately, the unrecognized Republic has the opportunity to answer it, and can also count on Russian support. Therefore, a potential adversary should soberly assess its forces - and not arrange military adventures.
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