REPLACEMENT OF PAGES 1 AND 2

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 13, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80TO1782R000100290001-5 ag
ROUTING
TO:
NAME AND ADDRESS
DATE
INITIALS
2
3
4
ACTION
DIRECT REPLY
PREPARE REPLY
APPROVAL
DISPATCH
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENT
FILE
RETURN
CONCURRE
N L
INFORMATION
SIGNATURE
REMARKS:
FROM:
AME. ADDRESS, AND PHONE NO.
DATE
w
SECRET 67
(Security Classification)
CONTROL NO. Z-20079/80-1
IAR-0210/80-1
Warning Notice
Intelligence Sources and Methods Involved
NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
AMMEA
SECRET
(Security Classification)
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80TO1782R000100290001-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
167
MEMORANDUM FOR: Recipients of Z-20079/80, IAR-0210/80
Soviet Military Readiness in the
Transcaucasus Military District, USSR (S)
Imagery Analysis Report
Dated September 1980
SUBJECT Replacement of pages 1 and 2
Please replace pages 1 and 2 of the above-mentioned report with the
WNINTEL
Z-20079/80-1
SECRET IAR-0210/80 -1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
SECRET
SOVIET MILITARY READINESS IN THE
TRANSCAUCASUS MILITARY DISTRICT, USSR (8)
I. (S/D) Imagery analysis of the military forces deployed in the Transcaucasus region of the USSR
has revealed a uniformly higher level of readiness than was evident a year ago. This appears to be the
result oi'' positive efforts to improve these forces. An increase in intelligence collection has also resulted in
a better! understanding of their current posture. This report is a compilation of the imagery-derived aspects
of Soviet readiness in this region and is supplemented by tables on command, control, and communica-
tions and intelligence (C31), ground forces, and air forces. Five maps and ten photographs are included in
this report.
2. I Transcaucasus region forces have been assessed by DIA' as having the capability
to condjuct military operations to secure Iranian Azerbaijan but lacking substantial combat support and
service support. It has been stated that operations from the Transcaucasus would be preceded by addi-
tional, detectable preparations prior to such operations.'
3. (S/D) Imagery analysis of the military forces in this region has revealed an increased readiness
posture over the past year. This increase is attributed to qualitative measures taken by the Soviets to
improve; forces. NPIC's increased knowledge is also based on improved collection and recent study.
Information derived from a comparative study of major Soviet mobilizations since 1968 suggests that all
necessary combat, combat support, and service support elements for the initiation of hostilities are pre-
sent. These forces lack only the apparent signatures of ordered full mobilization (e.g. establishment of
mobile communications networks, dispersal of units, field deployment/dispersal of logistics, and infusion
of resers{ists and civilian vehicles into military units).
DESCRIPTION
Command, Control, and Communications and Intelligence
4. (S/D) Observations of mobile and fixed C31 units and facilities (Figure 1) have revealed the presence of
the essetitial sophisticated communications systems/equipment necessary to create a Front-level communica-
tions network/system. Table I lists the currently known types and locations of advanced mobile electronics
equipme~t identified in the Transcaucasus Military District (MD) since The command levels 25X1
associatgd with these equipments and the verification dates of presence are also included.
5. (~/D) During the past year, C31 exercise activity (Figures 2 through 5) in this region occurred at all
command levels observed. Significant exercises are listed in Table 2. Photographic coverage of the Tran-
scaucasus has increased since the Iranian hostage crisis and the Afghanistan invasion.
6. (S/D) Command and control facilities have been recently identified. A possible command post and
government control center for the Georgian SSR has been identified approximately 12 nautical miles
north-northwest of Tbilisi at 41-53-15N 044-45-38E. This facility probably performs the same functions as
the site identified for the Armenian SSR at Nor Gekhi . The Georgian facility has been 25X1
under construction since 1976 and reflects long-term Soviet concern for continuity of government in the
Transcaucasus and other regions of the USSR. A probable Soviet Air Force command post has been
identified in the same general area (41-50-30N 044-40-50E) and has been established since at least March
1978.
Ground! Forces
7. D Transcaucasus MD
(~/ ) ground forces units (Figure 6) received additional and new equipment
during the past year. Several organizational changes were also observed. Units at all command levels were
observed! in training during this timeframe. Combined-arms field training exercises on a large scale were
not obserrved, but the profile of units observed in training indicates active training programs in combat (all
levels) units, communications units, air defense troops, diversionary/reconnaissance troops, and non-
divisional artillery (Figures 7 through 9). Table 3 lists observed ground forces training exercises (except
communications, Table 1).
8. ($/D) Significant qualitative improvements in equipment and organization and basing changes
have beer observed in frontal, army/corps, and divisional units.
Front-level
The MD-subordinate motorized rifle division (MRD) at Tbilisi received BMP armored personnel
carriers (APCs). It is believed that at least a portion of the BTR-60 APCs remained.
-IThe AAA division moved from Lagodekhi approximately 20 nm south to Tsteli Tskaro between
November 1979 and May 1980.
---Front artillery assets were observed training in the Rustavi Training Area; 240mm self-propelled
mortars were involved in this training. These weapons may indicate either the existence of a
currently unlocated heavy/high-powered artillery brigade in the MD or the training of a reinforc-
ing unit from the interior MDs/RVGK assets.
Z-20079/80 SECRET
(Continued p. 10) '
IAR-0210/80
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5
SECRET
Table 1. Advanced Mobile Communications and Electronics Equipment
Identified in Transcaucasus MD Since
COMMAND Satellite KH-1 TWIN R-406 R-412 TWIN R-410 R-410M R-136 FIX LGE DO DO R-834 GER-EL-01
LEVEL Ground PAN EAR 24 TALL EL-01 EL-05 P RADAR
Station' RODS
(Front/Higher Level)
Rustavi AL-2 x x x x x
(Feb 80) (May 80) (Jun 79) (May 80 (May 80)
Tbilisi AL-16 x It x
(Mar 80) (Aug 79) (Nov 79)
Tbilisi Tng AR 4 x"
(Jun 80)
Rustavi AL-4 x x
(Aug 80) (Aug 80)
Tanrykulular it
AL-I (Aug 80)
Kobi Tropo Sta X
(Aug 80)
Tbilisi Ord/Mun
Tbilisi A1.-13
Stepanakert Al -1
X
(Jun 80)
Baku x x x x
Add/Bnk/Hd (Aug 80) (Aug 80) (Aug 80) (Aug 80)
Sumgait AW
Fac"
Army Level
4 Army Area
Baku AL-2
Baku Tng Ar
WNW 2
Baku-Bingaday
7 Arms Area
Yerevan Al-6
Yercc an AL-9
I I Corp. Area
Kutaisi Al -8
Kutaisi Al.-7
Kirovakan M Bks
'Seen in exercises since 1977
"'KH-I ma have moved to Tbilisi Tng Area 4 from Tbilisi .Al -10
"'Sumgait AW Radar Fac is within the PVO Straits network
Table 2.
Number of Observed Exercises
This table in its entire' is classified SECRET/WNINTELI
X
(Jul 80)
X
(Mar 80)
A
(Jul 80)
Gen Staff
Front
Army
Corps
Div
Unsubord
Aug 80
1
1
Jul 80
3
1
2
Jun80
3
1
May 80
3
5
2
1
Apr 80
1
1
1
Mar 80
1
1
1
Feb 80
1
1
Jan 80
1
Dec 79
Nov 79
1
period
prior to
increased
Oct 79
Sep 79
Aug 79
1
coverage
Jul 79 Jun79
-2-
7_-'0079/80 SECRET
it x
(Aug 80) (Aug 80)
X x
(Apr 80) (May 80)
X x
(May 80) (Apr 80)
X
(Jun 80)
X
(Jul 80)
Y it
(Jun 79) (Jun 79)
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/13: CIA-RDP80T01782R000100290001-5