Russia’s Aerospace Forces augmented with new anti-aircraft units, specialized in combat air defense

Military anti-aircraft systems and units that previously belonged to Russia’s Ground Forces have been reassigned to the main command of the Russian Aerospace Forces, writes TASS, citing sources close to Russia’s Defense Ministry.

Although the Aerospace Forces have their own missile defense, the new units joining this branch of Russia’s military specialize in covering tactical units in combat.

Since October 2017, Russia’s Aerospace Forces have been headed by General Sergey Surovikin. In October 2022, Surovikin was briefly made chief of command of the Russian military grouping in Ukraine. During his tenure, Russia began a campaign of massive missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Russia is believed to be changing its air strategy and preparing for aerial warfare over Ukraine.