This day in history: I thank comrade Vyacheslav Czech

December 17 in the Armed Forces Russian Federation a memorable day is celebrated - Day Missile Forces strategic purpose(Strategic Missile Forces).

The holiday was established on the basis of the decree of the President of Russia dated December 10, 1995 "On the establishment of the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Day of the Military Space Forces", and was also confirmed by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 31, 2006 "On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces Forces of the Russian Federation."

On this day in 1959, a decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR was issued, which previously established decision on the creation of a new branch of the Armed Forces.

Until 1995, the day of the Strategic Missile Forces was celebrated on November 19 as the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery, which was established by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated November 17, 1964.

The origin of the Strategic Missile Forces is associated with the development of domestic and foreign missile weapons, and then nuclear missile weapons, with their improvement combat use. The material basis for the creation of the Strategic Missile Forces was the deployment in the USSR of a new branch of the defense industry - rocketry.

On May 13, 1946, the Council of Ministers of the USSR adopted a resolution “Issues of rocket weapons” on the creation of a rocket industry in industry and the development of rocket weapons in the army.

This document laid the foundations for the post-war achievements of the USSR in the field of creation and production of various types of rocket weapons.

The first missile formations created in accordance with the decree were the special forces brigades of the reserve of the Supreme High Command (RVGK). The first such brigade was formed in August 1946 on the basis of the 92nd Guards Gomel Mortar Regiment.

In 1946-1959 it was created rocket- nuclear weapon and the first samples of guided ballistic missiles, missile formations were formed capable of solving operational tasks in front-line operations and strategic tasks in adjacent theaters of military operations. In 1959, the USSR Armed Forces had one formation of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), seven engineering brigades and more than 40 missile engineering regiments medium range(RSD). Moreover, about half of the engineering regiments were part of the long-range aviation of the Air Force.

The need for centralized leadership of troops equipped strategic missiles, determined the organizational design of a new type of armed forces. On December 17, 1959, the resolution of the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee "On the establishment of the post of Commander-in-Chief of missile units within the Armed Forces of the USSR" and the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR "On the establishment of the post of Commander-in-Chief of missile forces within the Armed Forces of the USSR" were adopted. In accordance with the said decisions The position of Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces was established - Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. Hero was appointed the first commander-in-chief of the Rocket Forces Soviet Union Chief Marshal of Artillery Mitrofan Nedelin.

The creation of a new independent branch of the USSR Armed Forces - the Strategic Missile Forces - was of great political importance, since before this there was no unified structure for managing strategic nuclear missile weapons in the hands of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

In 1959-1965, missile formations and units of intercontinental ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles capable of solving strategic problems in military-geographical areas and in any theaters of military operations were deployed and put on combat duty.

Continuous increase in quantity and quality characteristics missile systems, which were in service, contributed to the establishment of nuclear parity between the USSR and the USA by the early 1970s. However, the growth in the capabilities of both sides did not stop - more and more advanced missiles appeared in service, and monoblock warheads were replaced by multiple warheads, and soon these multiple warheads received individual guidance. By the mid-1980s, production of mobile Topol ICBMs began, the creation of which became a new step in ensuring the secrecy and invulnerability of strategic forces. Throughout the entire period of the existence of the USSR, the Strategic Missile Forces formed the basis of its strategic forces; they accounted for most of the more than 10 thousand warheads that the USSR had by 1991.

Achieved balance nuclear forces, changes in the military-political situation in the late 1980s - early 1990s made it possible to rethink and evaluate the futility of the arms race and to conclude a number of agreements with the US for the Soviet Union and then the Russian Federation on the mutual reduction of strategic nuclear weapons.

Started in 1992 new stage in the development of the Strategic Missile Forces - the Strategic Missile Forces as a branch of the Armed Forces became part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the liquidation of the Strategic Missile Forces missile systems outside Russia was carried out, the fifth generation Topol-M missile system was created and put on combat duty. In 1997, the Strategic Missile Forces merged with the Military Space Forces and the Rocket and Space Defense Forces. From 1997 to 2001, in addition to missile armies and divisions, the Strategic Missile Forces also included military units and launch and control institutions spacecraft, as well as associations and formations of missile and space defense.

Since June 2001, the Strategic Missile Forces have been transformed from a branch of the Armed Forces into two types of troops - the Strategic Missile Forces and the Space Forces.

Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces are a branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the main component of its strategic nuclear forces. The Strategic Missile Forces are designed for nuclear deterrence of possible aggression and destruction as part of strategic nuclear forces or independently by massive, group or single nuclear missile strikes of strategic targets located in one or several strategic aerospace directions and forming the basis of the enemy’s military and military-economic potential.

Since 2010, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces has been Colonel General Sergei Karakaev.

At the present stage of its development, the Strategic Missile Forces include three missile armies located in Vladimir, Omsk and Orenburg and including 12 missile divisions of constant readiness.

The missile divisions of the Strategic Missile Forces are armed with six types of missile systems, divided by type of deployment into stationary and mobile. The basis of the stationary grouping is the RK with missiles of the “heavy” (RS-20V “Voevoda”) and “light” (RS-18 “Stillet”), RS-12M2 (“Topol-M”) classes. The mobile-based grouping includes the Topol mobile ground-based missile system (GGRK) with the RS-12M missile, the Topol-M with the RS-12M2 monoblock missile, and the Yars PGRK with the RS-12M2R missile and a multiple warhead in a mobile and stationary deployment options.

The Strategic Missile Forces currently have about 400 combat troops. launchers with ICBM. The share of new RCs in the Strategic Missile Forces grouping will constantly increase. It is planned that by 2022 the Strategic Missile Forces will include 100% of new missile forces.

During its history, the Strategic Missile Forces for its intended purpose as military force were never used, but together with other components of the strategic nuclear forces they were visibly present in solving many military-political problems.

The Strategic Missile Forces contain more than two-thirds of the nuclear carriers of Russia's strategic nuclear forces, capable of solving tasks of hitting targets on enemy territory in a matter of minutes.

Every day there are about six thousand people at combat posts as part of the duty forces.

Since the formation of the Strategic Missile Forces, over five thousand missile launches have been carried out, including about 500 combat training ones during the operational and combat training of troops.

The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources.

Happy Holidays to everyone involved!!!

In your professional holiday, military and civilians whose activities are related to this branch of the military accept congratulations from government officials, family, friends and loved ones.

Story

The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance. It was on this day in 1959 that the Strategic Missile Forces were created as a branch of the Armed Forces by government decision.

The history of this type of troops begins after the end of the Great Patriotic War. The first missile unit in the Soviet armed forces, the Special Purpose Brigade of the Reserve of the Supreme High Command (RVGK), was formed in July 1946.

© photo: Sputnik / Vadim Savitsky

Mobile ground-based missile system (PGRK) "Yars"

In the next decade, the first nuclear weapons and the first samples of guided ballistic missiles were created, and missile formations were deployed capable of solving operational problems in front-line operations and strategic tasks in nearby theaters of military operations.

By the end of 1959, the Soviet Armed Forces had one unit intercontinental missiles, several engineering brigades and more than 20 engineering regiments of the RVGK, armed with medium-range missiles.

Half of these regiments were part of the Air Force Long-Range Aviation. Due to the fact that the missile units and formations were located in two different types troops, their efficient use and further development became significantly more difficult.

© photo: Sputnik / Sergey Kazak

Launch of the RS-18 ballistic missile from the Baikonur cosmodrome

The Strategic Missile Forces were tasked with the day-to-day operation of ballistic missile systems in Peaceful time, preparation and conduct of missile launches by order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief in the event of the outbreak of war.

In honor of the creation of the missile forces, a professional holiday was established - Strategic Missile Forces Day, which has been celebrated since 1995.

In 1959-1965, missile formations and units of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and medium-range missiles (RSMs), capable of solving strategic problems in military-geographical areas and in any theaters of military operations, were deployed and put on combat duty.

In 1997, the missile forces were merged with the military space forces and air defense forces. Therefore, December 17 was considered the professional holiday of the missile, space and air defense forces.

© photo: Sputnik / I. Baskakov

In 2001, the Space Forces were separated into a separate branch of the military, which had its own professional holiday. Space Forces Day is celebrated on October 4.

Modern Strategic Missile Forces include a number of structures: powerful and technically equipped missile armies, research institutes, higher education institutions, training centers, bases, repair plants, design bureaus. The Strategic Missile Forces are armed with both stationary and mobile missile launchers.

Traditions

Over the past years, several generations of rocket scientists have been trained in the Strategic Missile Forces. On this day it is customary to congratulate veterans, encourage the best specialists personnel, representatives of numerous other support services.

On the day of the Strategic Missile Forces, ceremonial events are held, which are attended by the country's top officials.

All military personnel who ensure the combat readiness of the Strategic Missile Forces, civilian specialists, employees of support services, scientists whose activities are connected in one way or another with the Strategic Missile Forces, and others celebrate their professional holiday.

This date is celebrated not only by those who served or are currently working in the Missile Forces, but also by civilian and military retirees who were involved in the Strategic Missile Forces in the past.

Missile system "Topol RT-2PM" on the territory of the Museum of Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces) on the basis of the Strategic Missile Forces Training Center in the city of Balabanovo, Kaluga Region

There are also traditions associated with the church - many divisional churches are given icons of St. Elijah of Muromets, who is heavenly patron Strategic Missile Forces.

Since its creation, more than 12 million people have served in the Strategic Missile Forces. 6 twice Heroes of the Soviet Union, 101 Heroes of the Soviet Union, 2 full holders of the Order of Glory, 6 Heroes of the Russian Federation served in the Strategic Missile Forces.

The material was prepared on the basis of open sources.

A Russian citizen always honors the traditions of bygone times and the holidays of modern times. So, all the people celebrate the Day of Strategic Missile Forces every year on December 17th. This tradition dates back to the end of the Great Patriotic War and is relevant in our time. And therefore it has a rich and interesting history.

History of the Strategic Missile Forces

In order to understand the essence of such a celebration as Missile Forces Day, it is necessary to plunge into the history of the formation of such a military association. So, back in 1946, the first missile association was created, which had in its arsenal the most powerful and terrible weapon at that time - ballistic missiles. Already by 1950, intercontinental ballistic weapons, as well as missiles with a nuclear component, were available for strategic purposes.

In connection with the growing importance of such a new association, the country's authorities decided on December 17, 1959 to make the missile forces a separate and independent cell military power. And for good reason. Indeed, today they are considered a significant and, one might say, decisive link in the Strategic Forces of the Russian Federation in the issue of nuclear weapons. Therefore, the day of the missile forces is solemnly celebrated throughout the country.

A very interesting fact is that Strategic Missile Forces Day has been celebrated since December 1959. Whereas already in 1997 there was a small addition. Thus, space and air defense also joined the celebration. And everyone together shared the professional celebration and listened to congratulations on Missile Forces Day. In 2001, the situation changed somewhat. Since the country’s space defense was gaining more and more scope, and therefore became a separate cell of the military forces of the Russian Federation. The space forces began celebrating their professional triumph on October 4, as an independent unit of the country's armed forces.

What are they, these traditions for Missile Forces Day?

The day was always celebrated on a grand scale. And this is understandable. After all, the weight of the activities of this sphere of the country’s armed forces is unquestioned and understandable. During the existence of the missile forces, Russia has trained several generations of rocket scientists, who have truly become the pride of the state. Therefore, for example, on Missile Forces Day 2014, the merits of veterans were congratulated and honored in a solemn atmosphere, and representatives of missile defense personnel and other auxiliary units who distinguished themselves in their work were awarded.

Of course, top officials of the country always come to Missile Forces Day and pay tribute to those people who are engaged in the air defense of Russian space and monitor the integrity of Russia. And rocket scientists and veterans of this field of activity simply listen to congratulations on Rocket Forces Day and accept them with pride. It’s so nice to know that you are needed and important not only to your loved ones, but also to your entire homeland.

Rocket Forces and Artillery Day

It is considered customary to celebrate November 19 as a separate, but no less significant and significant celebration for all Russians. This date was not chosen in vain. After all, for the Federation, and, in general, for every individual citizen of the country, it is especially memorable. Since it is continuously connected with the victorious liberation of Stalingrad from German occupation during the Great Patriotic War, which began directly with the counter-offensive activities of Russian troops. That is why on such a day it is customary to congratulate representatives of the country’s artillery defense with special trepidation and gratitude.

The turning point, and therefore such a memorable and responsible moment at the end of the hostilities at Stalingrad, was precisely the successful completion of the key task of artillery defense, which simply showed super-tasks and changed the course of military events.

Taking this into account, in 1964 the celebration received an updated name - the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery. After all, the main task of any citizen of Russia is to honor the memory of the heroes who did not lose heart, heroically defended their freedom and native lands, and also courageously fought to the last of their strength for their and our future.

Why are the activities of rocket and artillery troops so important?

No one will deny that thanks to the experience of the country's artillery and missile forces, conflict situations can be solved with minimal losses or without them at all. After all, this is the key to exceptional maneuverability and operational activity, as well as the firepower of all armed forces. Titanically difficult work and heroic feat Generations of soldiers who are trying with all their might not to let down their homeland and the population of Russia perform it with dignity.

Therefore, every artilleryman or missileman needs to constantly improve his skills, follow the latest technical equipment and weapons, increase the level of his combat skill and dexterity, and also unquestioningly carry out the tasks assigned by the leadership.

In this regard, the celebration of Missile Forces Day on November 19 is always characterized by festive parades, demonstration shooting and military exercises on a national scale.

Modern missile forces

Today, the missile forces of the Russian Federation make up a significant share of the country’s total weapons. After all, they have the newest ones that can completely change the course of military history. Moreover, modern strategic missile forces have not only their own command, but also three super-powerful missile formations, their own Kapustin Yar training ground and several factories for the repair and production of specialized missile equipment.

Naturally, the government of the country also takes care of training missile specialists. Therefore, in Russia there are several higher educational institutions that produce professional rocket scientists, for example, the Peter the Great Moscow Military Academy. That is why Russian Missile Forces Day is celebrated on such a grand scale in the country. After all, these guys are constantly guarding the nuclear defense of their homeland from a possible aggressor.

The main tasks of the country's missile forces

1. In peacetime, Russian missile forces must ensure order and “peaceful sleep” for their citizens. And if necessary, take all security measures to eliminate the influence of a possible aggressor in terms of nuclear intervention on the territory of the Russian Federation.

2. In the event of a military situation, the missile forces must perform to the maximum, quickly respond to the advancing threat and immediately begin to defend the homeland. After all, an attack can happen at any time of the day or night, and therefore you should always be on guard.

Today, Russia's missile weapons are presented in the form of stationary and mobile systems. rocket launchers. In the first case, medium and heavy class missile devices are located in specialized silos. In the second, these are Topol class complexes.

Rocket Forces - Guarantor of Security

Thanks to a modern set of measures to ensure the country’s nuclear safety, Russia has already for a long time was able to successfully avoid serious nuclear accidents. Of course, this is the joint merit of the creators of the missile launchers and the qualified personnel of the strategic missile forces of the Russian Federation.

Despite the emerging difficulties and problems in the country, missile weapons Due attention is always given. And if necessary, the strategic missile army will certainly prove its readiness to protect citizens from a nuclear attack and defend the borders of its homeland. After all, the efficiency, mobility and combat effectiveness of the missile army cannot be doubted.

Strategic Missile Forces Day (Strategic Missile Forces Day) is a professional holiday for Strategic Missile Forces employees. This is also a memorable day of the Russian Federation. It is celebrated by strategic missileers, military personnel, civilian specialists and employees of support services, research institutes, educational institutions, specialized factories, and training grounds.

In Russia in 2020, Strategic Missile Forces Day is celebrated on December 17 and is being held at the official level for the 15th time.

Meaning: the holiday is dedicated to the day of formation of the Strategic Missile Forces on December 17, 1959.

On this day, traditional honoring of strategic missilemen takes place. Distinguished employees are given memorable gifts. Various composition incentives are taking place.

The content of the article

history of the holiday

The date of the holiday has a symbolic meaning. On December 17, 1959, the USSR Government decided to create the Strategic Missile Forces. In 1997, they were merged with the Military Space Forces and the Rocket and Space Defense Forces into a single type of force - the Strategic Missile Forces. By Decree of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin dated March 24, 2001 No. 337c “On ensuring the construction and development of the RF Armed Forces, improving their structure,” the Strategic Missile Forces were separated from the Space Forces. In 2006, a professional holiday for strategic missilemen was established (Decree of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin dated May 31, 2006 No. 549).

Holiday traditions

On this day, a reception is held in the Kremlin on the occasion of the holiday. Ceremonial formations are taking place in military units. The best military personnel are awarded with awards and given new ranks. Some divisional churches are presented with icons of St. Elijah of Murom, the patron saint of the Strategic Missile Forces.

Daily task

Look documentary or a report on the Strategic Missile Forces.

• The Strategic Missile Forces are the only ones in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation whose army-divisional structure has remained unchanged. In all other troops it was modified or abolished.
• In 1980, during the next inspection of the central command post The USSR Strategic Missile Forces commission asked the general on duty what actions he intended to take if, when the command for a missile launch was received, the lock of the safe where the documentation was stored did not open, and all 3 attempts to enter the code were unsuccessful. The general replied that for such cases he kept a sledgehammer behind the safe, and he would have to use it to knock down the lock. Most of the commission was outraged by such a response, but the head of the 8th Directorate of the General Staff managed to convince them that this fallback option was justified, and the order for the storage of such an instrument should be delivered to all troops immediately. After this inspection, the sledgehammer was legalized and was located at every post of the duty commander of the Strategic Missile Forces.
• In 2008, Russia had 682 strategic delivery vehicles, in 2011 - 492, in 2013 - 448, in 2015 - 526.
• The main headquarters of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation is located in the village of Vlasikha in the Moscow region.
• The Strategic Missile Forces includes three training grounds: Kapustin Yar, Kura (Kamchatka), Sary-Shagan (Kazakhstan).
• The patron saint of Strategic Missile Forces employees is Saint Elijah of Muromets, also considered the patron saint of the Russian border service and the defender of his native land.

Toasts

“On the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces, I send my rocket with congratulations and wishes of strength, perseverance, confidence, good luck and victory. May your work be famous for success and accurately hitting the right point, may your life always be full of explosive, happy and wonderful moments!

“Happy Missile Forces Day to all military personnel whose service provides our country with peace and protection from sudden invasions. You are a threat to our enemies, an invincible stronghold of our army. Let your instructions always be ready, but never need to be used, because the peace and tranquility of our people is above all!

“Today we celebrate another important holiday dedicated to the valiant servants of our country - the rocket scientists. With your labors the path to peace for peaceful citizens has been paved. Let combat intercontinental maneuvers, despite their accuracy and effectiveness, remain only on the map, and in peaceful life not a single missile will strike other lands!”

Present

Pocket flask. A pocket flask for drinks with the emblem of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation made of stainless steel will be an original and memorable present.

Gift book. A gift edition of a fiction or historical book on a military theme would be a good gift idea for a rocket scientist on his professional holiday.

Icon. An icon or amulet with the face of Elijah of Murom will serve as a memorable gift for a Strategic Missile Forces employee. Such a gift will also become a talisman for a believer.

Souvenir products. A T-shirt, baseball cap, or mug with a print on an artillery theme will be an original thematic gift for a professional holiday.

Contest

Launching rockets
Couples participate in the competition, each of which is given a roll by the presenter. toilet paper. One of the participants depicts a rocket and stands with his palms raised and folded above his head. The second participant prepares the rocket for launch. His task is to wrap his partner in paper from his feet to his head. The couple that completes the task faster wins the competition.

Strength and Endurance
In the competition, participants have the opportunity to demonstrate strength and endurance. Their task is to do push-ups or sit-ups as many times as possible. To complicate the task, contestants are asked to do push-ups on one hand or squats with a partner in their arms. The one who completes the exercise more times wins.

Model Soldier
To hold the competition, it is necessary to prepare as many elements of army clothing as possible: T-shirts, foot wraps, boots, tunics, trousers, belts, etc. Contestants stand at the same distance from the props. When the presenter lights a match, the contestants begin to put on their clothes. When the match burns out, participants count the number of items of clothing they are wearing. The one who has more of them wins the competition.

About the profession

The Strategic Missile Forces are considered an elite unit of the Russian Armed Forces. They include missile armies and military units. They also include associations, formations, cosmodromes, research stations and institutes, military universities, training centers, technical schools, arsenals, repair plants and central bases. The task of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is to deter possible aggression and defeat the enemy's strategic nuclear forces (SNF) by group or single nuclear missile strikes.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are in constant combat readiness. Serving in these troops involves risk to life. The path to the profession begins with graduation from a specialized university or secondary technical educational institution.

This holiday in other countries

In Ukraine, November 3 is celebrated as the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery. In Belarus and Kazakhstan this holiday is celebrated on November 19th.

ASS-DOSSIER. Strategic Missile Forces Day is a memorable date for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Established by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 31, 2006, it is celebrated annually on December 17. The date was chosen due to the fact that on December 17, 1959, the USSR government decided to create a new type of armed forces - the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces).

History of the Strategic Missile Forces

Active research into rocket technology for military purposes began in the 1930s and 1940s. The first production guided ballistic missile was the German V-2 (“V-2”), first launched in 1942. From a military point of view, the use of the V-2 Hitler's Germany had little effect, but after the end of World War II, ballistic missiles began to be considered as the most promising means of delivering nuclear weapons.

August 15, 1946 as part of the Group Soviet troops In Germany, the 72nd Special Purpose Engineering Brigade was formed (in 1947 it was deployed to the Kapustin Yar training ground in the Astrakhan region, then stationed in Gvardeysk, Kaliningrad region). The brigade was engaged in test launches of German V-2 missiles, and then the first Soviet ballistic missiles created under the leadership of Sergei Korolev (R-1, R-2, etc.). In 1946-1959, new missile units and formations were created in the USSR; in 1957, the first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile R-7 was successfully launched. On December 15, 1959, the combat launch position of these missiles was deployed in Plesetsk (Arkhangelsk region).

On December 17, 1959, the government of the USSR decided to create a new type of armed forces - the Strategic Missile Forces, intended for nuclear deterrence of possible aggression and the destruction of strategic targets of the enemy’s military and military-economic potential with nuclear missile strikes. The first commander-in-chief of the Strategic Missile Forces was Chief Marshal of Artillery Mitrofan Nedelin.

The first Soviet silo-based ballistic missile, the R-16, entered combat duty in 1962. The first missile with multiple warheads R-36 - in 1970. The first intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of mobile complexes on the Temp-2s wheeled chassis appeared in the Strategic Missile Forces in 1976, and the first railway-based RT-23 UTTH “Molodets” - in 1989.

At the time of the collapse of the USSR, the Strategic Missile Forces had 6 armies and 28 divisions. The number of missiles on combat duty reached its peak in 1985 (2 thousand 500 missiles, of which 1 thousand 398 intercontinental). Wherein greatest number warheads on combat duty were noted in 1986 - 10 thousand 300.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Strategic Missile Forces became part of the Russian Armed Forces in 1992, and in 1997 they were merged with the Military Space Forces and the Rocket and Space Defense Forces (as a result of which the Strategic Missile Forces included military units and institutions for launching and controlling spacecraft). In 2001, the Space Forces were separated from the Strategic Missile Forces into a separate branch of the military (now part of the Aerospace Forces, VKS).

Current state

Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces are one of the main components of Russia's strategic nuclear forces, along with naval strategic forces and strategic aviation.

According to open sources, the Strategic Missile Forces are armed with about 300 mobile and silo-based intercontinental ballistic nuclear missiles, carrying about 1,200 warheads.

Armament of the Strategic Missile Forces

R-36M2 "Voevoda". A two-stage silo-based liquid-propellant rocket developed by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk, Ukrainian SSR; now Ukraine). Tests began in 1983, adopted for service in 1988. Firing range - up to 15 thousand km. Starting weight - 211 tons. Throwing cargo weight - 8.8 tons. Combat equipment - multiple warhead (10 individually targeted warheads).

UR-100N UTTH. A two-stage silo-based liquid rocket, developed by the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (city of Reutov, Moscow region). Tests began in 1977, adopted for service in 1979. Firing range - 10 thousand km. Starting weight - 105.6 tons. Throwing cargo weight - 4.35 tons. Equipped with a multiple warhead with six warheads.

RT-2PM "Topol". A three-stage mobile-based solid-propellant rocket developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Tests began in 1982, adopted for service in 1988. Firing range - 10.5 thousand km. Starting weight - 45 tons. Throwing cargo weight - 1 ton. Equipped with one warhead.

RT-2PM1/M2 "Topol-M". A silo-based or mobile-based three-stage solid-propellant rocket developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Tests began in 1994, put into service in 2000 (mine version), 2007 (mobile version). Firing range - 11 thousand km, launch weight - 46.5 tons. Throwable cargo weight - 1.2 tons. Equipped with one warhead.

PC-24 "Yars". A three-stage mobile-based solid-propellant rocket developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Testing began in 2007, put into service in 2009. Firing range - 11 thousand km. Starting weight - 49 tons. Equipped with several individually targeted warheads.

Troop composition, educational institution, headquarters

The Strategic Missile Forces include the directorates of three missile armies (Vladimir, Omsk, Orenburg), including 12 missile divisions of constant readiness, missile ranges, arsenals, communications centers and training centers.

Officer cadres for the Strategic Missile Forces are trained by the Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces named after. Peter the Great (Moscow, branch in Serpukhov). Training of junior military specialists is carried out in training centers in Pereslavl-Zalessky (Yaroslavl region), Ostrov (Pskov region) and Znamensk (Astrakhan region).

The headquarters of the Strategic Missile Forces is located in the village. Vlasikha, Moscow region.

Commanders of the Strategic Missile Forces

Chief Marshal of Artillery Mitrofan Nedelin (1959-1960), Marshal of the Soviet Union Kirill Moskalenko (1960-1962), Marshal of the Soviet Union Sergei Biryuzov (1962-1963), Marshal of the Soviet Union Nikolai Krylov (1963-1972), Army General Vladimir Tolubko (1972) -1985), Army General Yuri Maksimov (1985-1992), Colonel General Igor Sergeev (1992-1997), Colonel General Vladimir Yakovlev (1997-2001), Colonel General Nikolai Solovtsov (2001-2009), Lieutenant General Andrey Shvaichenko (2009-2010), Lieutenant General, later Colonel General Sergei Karakaev (2010-present). tass.ru/info/2533315

Strategic Missile Forces Day should not be confused with Missile Forces and Artillery Day, which is celebrated on November 19.