The US 56th Artillery Command against Russia
Several years ago, a decision was made in the United States to create a new type of unit as part of missile Troops and artillery. Multi-Domain Task Force-type formations will be required to receive advanced weapons and assume combat duty in various regions. Specifically, the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, part of the reconstituted 56th Artillery Command, will be tasked with European operations. The primary objective of these formations, predictably, is to counter potential Russian aggression.
New structures
Since the end of the last decade, the Pentagon has been implementing a major program to transform the armed forces. This includes restructuring the organizational structure of various branches of the armed forces, creating new formations, and adopting advanced models. All these measures are intended to improve the overall combat readiness of the army and provide it with new capabilities to meet current challenges and threats.
One of the most interesting ideas in the new reform is the creation of "multi-domain task forces" (MDTFs). These formations are expected to be integrated into missile and artillery units. They will be equipped with the most advanced long-range systems capable of penetrating A2/AD zones and engaging distant targets.
Current plans call for the creation of several MDTFs equipped with a range of missile systems. These formations will be deployed in various parts of Eurasia and will be able to control a significant portion of the continent and, upon receiving the appropriate order, attack various targets.
The MRC Typhon complex in combat position
It has been openly stated on numerous occasions that the new "task forces" will be involved in deterring potential adversaries in Eurasia. Russia and China are traditionally considered in this role. This determines the primary deployment areas of the new MDTFs. These units are to be on combat alert in Europe, the Far East, and Southeast Asia.
In the European direction
In November 2021, the 56th Artillery Command was reestablished as part of U.S. Forces Europe. This structure received the number and insignia of the 56th Artillery Brigade/Field Artillery Command, which existed intermittently from 1942 to 1991. New challenges necessitated the reestablishment of this structure.
The 56th Command is based in Wiesbaden, Germany, in its southern Mainz-Kastel district. Its subordinate units are stationed in the city itself and in surrounding areas. If necessary, units can be redeployed to new deployment sites or training grounds, including those abroad.
The new command comprises several key formations. First and foremost is the headquarters and its support units, which operate out of Mainz-Kastel. The 56th Command also includes the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment. This unit is based at Ramstein Air Base and is tasked with ensuring communications and interaction between the artillery command and other army structures.
The 2nd Multi-Medium Task Force (2nd MDTF) is subordinate to the 56th Command. It has its own headquarters and supporting units. These structures are located in Wiesbaden, in close proximity to the parent 56th Artillery Command.
The group's composition includes four battalions of various types. Two of them have already been formed and are approaching full operational readiness. Two more will be formed in the near future.
The 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion is tasked with some combat and support missions. It has its own headquarters, a long-range weapons company, and reconnaissance, communications, and other units. To enhance its combat capabilities, the battalion has both a troop reconnaissance company and a "space" company with corresponding missions.
The 3rd Long-Range Fires Battalion will be the group's primary strike force. While organizationally part of the 12th Field Artillery Regiment, based at Fort Drum, New York, it is operationally subordinate to the 2nd MDTF.
An Indirect Fire Protection Capability Battalion and a support battalion are currently being formed and are expected to begin operations shortly.
According to previously announced plans, the formation of all units within the 56th Artillery Command was to be completed by the end of the 2025 fiscal year (September 2025 calendar year). The main battalions were to achieve initial operational capability around the same time.
The 2nd MDTF also has unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance.
Material part
The new units and subunits of the 56th Artillery Command will receive a wide range of weapons and military equipment. They will have access to a variety of transport, communications, and command and control systems, among other things. Of greatest interest, however, is the missile armament the new battalions will receive. This will determine the combat potential of the new structures.
According to available information, units from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 2nd MDTF will operate and employ missile systems of current and future models. Apparently, some of these systems were originally developed with the new "task forces" in mind.
It was previously reported that the MDTF would receive M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. In the case of the 2nd MDTF, this equipment is likely intended for the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion's Long-Range Weapons Company. However, the number of vehicles, the number of batteries carrying them, etc., have not yet been specified.
The new MRC Typhon missile system is intended for the 3rd Long-Range Weapons Battalion. Some statements also mentioned the possibility of deploying the LRHW Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system. However, other units and subunits are currently receiving such equipment.
It's not hard to imagine the combat capabilities of the new task force. Using standard systems of just two types, as well as a wide range of ammunition for them, they will be able to attack various ground targets over a significant radius. Essentially, this means the ability to solve both tactical and strategic problems.
The M142 MLRS uses the GMLRS series of guided missiles. These missiles enable the system to engage targets at ranges of approximately 90 km. A munition with a glide bomb (GLSDB) has also been developed. Its range reaches 150 km. HIMARS can also serve as a tactical missile system. This capability requires the use of the ATACMS series of missiles, with a range of up to 280-300 km, or the newer PrSM missiles, with a range of 500 km. Further PrSM modifications with extended ranges are expected in the future.
The latest Typhon system features a universal launcher based on components from the naval Mk 41. It can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. At high subsonic speeds, this munition has a range, depending on the modification, of at least 1600 km. It can also be used with an upgraded RIM-174 or SM-6 surface-to-air missile. When launched by the Typhon, it flies along a quasi-ballistic trajectory to a range of up to 740 km.
The Dark Eagle system is not currently planned for adoption by the 2nd MDTF, but it is clear that it could improve the combat capabilities of this unit. This system utilizes a unique missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle. According to the latest data, its launch range exceeds 3 km.
Eastern borders
The US has made no secret of the goals and objectives of the new command and its task force. The 56th Artillery Command and 2nd MDTF are tasked with defending NATO's eastern borders and upholding US interests in Europe. Russia, predictably, is cited as the primary threat to these interests, requiring a response in the form of new missiles.
The new missile systems being developed for multi-medium task forces boast enhanced capabilities. They could indeed pose a threat to Russian assets. Clearly, the Russian military and political leadership is aware of these developments and is making the necessary decisions. For obvious reasons, the precise plan to counter the new US forces and weapons in Europe has not yet been disclosed.
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