AirDefense Academy · Contents · Chapter 1 · §1.3 · Nederlandse versie

§1.3 The three components

The VKS consists of three branches. Each gets its own in-depth chapter further on.

Open §1.3 in the academy

The merged VKS divides into three main components — the "layers" around which this learning environment is built:

VKS — Russian Aerospace Forces
± 165,000 personnel · central command in Moscow
1 · Air Force (VVS)
The flying part: fighters, bombing, ground attack, transport, reconnaissance. Organised into 5 tactical commands (AFADA) + Long-Range Aviation (LRA) + Transport Aviation (VTA).
2 · Aerospace & Air Defence (ADD / PVO-PRO)
Ground-based air defence: the radar network (radio-technical troops), surface-to-air missiles (S-400, S-300, Buk, Pantsir) and missile defence around Moscow (A-135/A-235).
3 · Space Forces (KV)
Launch and operation of military satellites, space surveillance and the early-warning system against ballistic missiles (SPRN).

The first two components are the most important for the air-combat analyst and are covered in detail. The space component is treated briefly.

Read on

Chapter 3 covers the command structure; chapter 4 goes deep per AFADA; chapter 5 covers the layered air defence (ADD); chapter 6 the doctrine and TTPs. The map and the threat library are the interactive parts.