ZAPAD-83 EXERCISE, USSR

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CIA-RDP84T00491R000100520001-9
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RIPPUB
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S
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18
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December 28, 2016
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November 17, 2011
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1
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Publication Date: 
January 1, 1984
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MISC
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER imagery analysis report 14 Zapad-83 Exercise, USSR (S) svcret-- Z-12116/83 IAR-0076/83 JANUARY 1984 copy 44 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Warning Notice Intelligence Sources or Methods Involved (WN INTE L) NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions NOFORN- Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals NOCONTRACT - Not Releasable to Contractors or Contractor/Consultants PROPIN - Caution-Proprietary Information Involved ORCON - Dissemination and Extraction of Information Controlled by Originator REL ... This Information has been Authorized for Release to ... Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 AA Antiaircraft ABS (T) Amphibious bridging system (tracked) APC Armored personnel carrier ASM Air-to-surface missile AWACS Airborne warning and control system Bn Battalion BRDM Amphibious armored reconnaissance vehicle CCD Camouflage, concealment, and deception CHS Combat helicopter squadron CL Light cruiser i CVHG Guided missile v/stol aircraft carrier DD Destroyer DDG Guided missile destroyer ECM Electronic countermeasure FF Frigate FFG Guided missile frigate GA Guards army GMRD Guards motorized rifle division GTD Guards tank division ISS Independent security and service LCMA Air cushion medium landing craft LCM Medium landing craft LCUA Air cushion utility landing craft LCPA Air cushion personnel landing craft LPD Amphibious assault transport ship LSM Medium assault amphibious landing ship LST Amphibious vehicle landing ship MD Military district MRR Motorized rifle regiment MSF Fleet minesweeper nm Nautical mile PC Patrol craft PGG Guided missile patrol combatant PMP Ponton ribbon bridge PTGH Hydrofoil missile attack boat SNA Soviet naval aviation SNI Soviet naval infantry SS Attack. submarine SP Self-propelled SSG Cruiser missile attack submarine TA Tank army VTA Military transport aviation SECRET NOFORN Reverse side blank - i - SECRET WNI NTEL IAR-0076/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET N() P() R N ZAPAD-83 EXERCISE, USSR (S) INTRODUCTION 1. This report provides an imagery-derived analysis of Zapad-83-a large scale, Soviet combined arms exercise conducted in late June and early July 1983. The exercise, staged in Western USSR, was similar in many,respects to Zapad-81 and, accordingly, has been designated Zapad-83. The Zapad (West- ern) series of exercises have involved large numbers of Soviet ground, air, and naval forces. The primary exercise area is in the Baltic and the Belorussian MDs and in the Baltic Sea. (S/WN) 2. This report is divided into three separate sections on ground, air, and naval activity associated with Zapad-83. Airborne activity is included in the air section, and naval infantry activity is included in the naval section. Unit designators and subordinations were derived from collateral sources.1-4 This report contains one location map, one table, and 16 annotated photographs. The information cutoff date is 9 August 1983. (S/WN) 3. Significant Zapad-83 exercise-related activity included the following: a. The participation of the restructured 120th GMRD at Minsk. b. The employment of the ABS (T) in a river-crossing exercise at Borisov. c. The identification of a major command/communications center at Riga. d. The first observation of FROGFOOT A (possibly in regimental strength in an exercise) at Vitebsk Airfield Northeast. e. The first observation of the MAINSTAY A AWACS with an operational unit in an exercise at Siauliai Airfield. f. Preparations for a probable airborne/paradrop exercise at Krechevitsy Airfield and Pskov Air- field. g. The possible participation of the transport unit at Balice Airfield, Poland. h. The observation of rehearsal for a major assault on Saltnicken Beach. (S/WN) DISCUSSION Ground Forces 4. Ground force units from both the Baltic and Belorussian MDs participated in Zapad-83 (Figure 1). Eight of ten maneuver divisions in the, Baltic MD were imaged during the Zapad-83 exer- cise period. Three of the eight probably partici- pated in the exercise. Nine of 12 maneuver divi- sions in the Belorussian MD were imaged during the exercise period, and one of these probably participated. In addition, front- and army-level assets of both MDs were involved in this exercise or were active' during the exercise period. Units that probably participated are listed in table 1. (S/WN) Significant Ground Forces Activity 5. Major elements of the restructured 120th GMRD had departed Minsk AL-10 The 120th GMRD had been restructured into a proba- ble new-type army corps prior to Zapad-83, the first major field training exercise after the conver- sion. Participating units included four probable maneuver brigades (three former MRRs and the former tank regiment); probable elements of the artillery and SA-11 regiments; and probably the signal, reconnaissance, and engineer battalions. Some of these units probably exercised in the Borisov area. the restructured 120th GMRD had returned to garrison, 38 nm southwest of the Borisov training area. (S/WN) 6. A river-crossing exercise employing two separate bridging systems, the ABS (T) and the PMP, was in progress in Borisov Training Area 1 and Range West in the Belorussian MDI Figure 2). This was the first time that an operationally deployed ABS (T) was observed on satellite imagery. The probable new-type army corps garrisoned at Minsk is the only unit in the Belorussian MD where the ABS (T) has been observed, suggesting the presence of probable army corps elements at the Borisov training area. (S/WN) 7. Da field command post was in a wooded area adjacent? to Riga Army Barracks Ropazi AL-26 Figure 3). The com- mand post consisted of at least six areas containing numerous net-covered, signal-associated vehicles. Also, elements of a probable ISS unit were within Riga AL-26 (usually occupied by a training MRR) and in the adjacent training area. 11 cargo trucks, 34 UAZ 69s/469s, 11 buses, and 43 sedans (probably organic to a special-purpose transport battalion), and 158 squad tents were in the garrison. Elements of a probable ISS battalion were in the adjacent training area Elements included four POL trucks, 28 cargo trucks, 33 van trucks, 20 dual-axle trailers, 7 ei ht squad-size tents, and 26 40-man tents. C both the command post and the probable ISS unit were not present. The status of the training MRR at Riga AL-26 could not be determined however, elements had returned (S WN) 8. Imagery Analyst's Comments. Ropazi Joint Command/Bnk/Hd , a hardened command and control facility immediately west of Riga AL-26, probably served as one of the com- mand centers associated with Zapad-83. The prob- able ISS unit observed at Riga AL-26 might have temporarily relocated to that facility Z-12116/83 SECRET WNINTEL IA R-0076/83 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 O 2 w ~ FIGURE 1. ZAPAD-83 EXERCISE AREAS AND HOME GARRISONS OF PARTICIPATING UNITS, USSR Naval (black) 1. Baltiysk 2. Saltnicken Beach 3. Liepaja 4. Riga Air (red) 1. Haapsalu Kedainiai Kazly-Ruda Kaliningrad/Yezau Kaliningrad/Lugovoye Kaliningrad/Proveren 7. Krechevitsy 8. Minsk/Machulishche 9. Siauliai 10. Vitebsk 11. Vasalemma 12. Riga 13. Ostrov/Gorokhovka 14. Baltiysk/Noytif 15. Baranovichi 16. Palpiepai 17. Pskov Ground (green) Garrisons 1. Riga 2. Chernyakhovsk 3. Klaipeda 4. Kaliningrad 5. Dolgorukovo 6. Znamensk 7. Sovetsk 8. Minsk 9. Lapel 10. Grodno Areas 11. Borisov 12. Telsiai 13. Kornevo 14. Kutuzovo 15. Baranovichi 16. Dretun 17. Mamonovo Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 ISS regiment (probable) Air assault brigade SCALEBOARD brigade Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET NOFORN Table 1. Probable Participating Units in Zapad-83 and Units Active During Exercise Period Baltic MD MD Subordinate Units ECM air defense battalion ISS battalion SCUD brigade SA-4 brigade Signal regiment Ponton bridge regiment 1st GMRD 1 st GTD Belorussian MD Early-warning battalion battalion from Riga AL-2, where the Baltic MD subordinate ISS regiment is,garrisoned. No concurrent imagery of Riga AL-2 during the exercise period was available. Upon completion of Zapad-83, the prob- able ISS unit probably returned to Riga AL-2, its home garrison,; where the unit was observedC -7 (S/W N) Riga Army Bks E AL-2 Chernyakhovsk Army Bks N AL-3 Chernyakhovsk Army Bks N AL-3 Chernyakhovsk Army Bks W AL-8 Klaipeda Army Bks N AL-1 Kaliningrad Bks Sharlottenburg AL-3 Dolgorukovo Tac SSM A Army Bks AL-1 Znamensk Army Bks AL-1/SA-4 Spt Fac Kaliningrad Army Bks Ponart AL-8 Sovetsk Hq Gds Tk Div A AB AL-2 Kaliningrad Hq Gds MTZ R Div AL-7/SAM Kaliningrad Hq Tk Div A AB AL-4 Grodno Army Bks E AL-1 Grodno Army Bks AL-2 I Grodno Army Bks E AL-1 probable howitzer battery, one GAZ-66 multiple rocket launcher battery, one AA gun battery, and approximately 45 trucks were absent from open storage. Increased levels of activity in the facility probably represented exercise prepara- tions. (S/WN) 10. SCALEBOARD training was in progress at Chernyakhovsk Tac SSM Training Area Activity in the Baltic MD 9. MD Subordinate Units. The air assault brigade housed at Chern akhovsk AL-3 had de- parted garrison I By that date, one Z-12116/83 The SCALEBOARD brigade is housed at Chernyakhovsk AL-3. An ECM jamming battalion was absent from open storage at Cherny- akhovsk AL-8 on the same date. The battalion has been out of garrison S/WN) (Continued p. 6) WNINTEL IAR-0076/83 25X1 25X1 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Iq Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET NOFORN 11. Elements of the 3rd GMRD probably participated in Zapad-83. at least 17 BTR-60 APCs were in convoy formation in a subordinate MRR at Telsiai Army Bks AL-1 F_ These elements had probably lus returned to garrison. In another subordinate MRR, at Klaipeda AL-1, the atypical parking arrangement of the BTR-70 APCs (Figure 4) suggested that the unit might have participated in Zapad-83-associ- ated activity. (S/WN) 12. Activity in the 11th GA. High levels of activity were observed throughout the 11th GA in the Baltic MD during the Zapad-83 exercise peri- od. two convoys consisting of approxi- mately 20 vehicles were in the ISS battalion at Kaliningrad AL-3. Lower than normal activity levels at Kaliningrad AL-8 suggested that elements of the signal regiment had departed garrison. (S/WN) 13. elements of an SA-4 brigade were in convoy, departing Znamensk AL-1. In addition, SCUD missile training was in progress in the deployment area adjacent to Dolgrukovo AL-1. two ponton bridge companies were missing from open storage in the ponton bridge regiment housed at Sovetsk AL-2. The ponton bridge companies were present (S/WN) 14. I elements of the 1st GTD at Kaliningrad AL-4 and Kaliningrad Army Barracks AL-16 were departing or preparing to depart garrison. At Kaliningrad AL-4, a motor- ized rifle battalion was in convoy immediately outside the installation. Vehicles had been re- moved from storage in the MRR, the SA-6A regiment, the engineer battalion, and the signal battalion (Figure 5). At Kaliningrad AL-16, a 122mm Howitzer D-30 battalion and numerous support vehicles had been removed from covered storage. two tank regiments were departing from Kornevo Army Barracks AL-1 at Mamonovo Army Bks AI-2 E I, the tank regiment was out of garrison. In addition, a train carrying armored vehicles was in a nearby rail yard at Mamonovo. (S/WN) 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 v 25X1 25X1 25X1 -6- SECRET WNINTEL IAR-0076/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET iynFnRN 15. Elements of the 1st GMRD probably also participated in Zapad-83 elements of the tank regiment housed at Dolgrukovo AL-1 were being loaded onto railroad flatcars. Two loading ramps were used.0 elements of the other two divisional MRRs at Kaliningrad AL-7 had returned to garrison. Vehicles and equipment were being prepared for storage on that date. (S/W N) 16. Command/Communication Activity. On a command post was identified in Kutuzovo AR/SAM Mnvr Tng Area 1 Vehi- cles and equipment included one deployed TWIN PLATE set, two TWIN PLATE sets in travel mode, 20 van trucks, and six tents. (S/WN) 17. Activity in Training Areas. MRR elements were bivouacked in Kaliningrad Training Area SE 4 and a PMP ribbon bridge was deployed across a river near Znamensk AR/SAM MNVR Tng Area Elements of an SA-6A regiment and a tank Tank training included a battalion-size unit 25X1 mix of two tank companies and one BMP- 25X1 equipped motorized rifle company. Kaliningrad Training Area SE 4 and Znamensk training area are army-/MD-level training areas commonly used by 25X1 11th GA subordinate units. (S/WN) Activity in the Belorussian MD 18. In addition to the probable participation of the former 120th GMRD in Zapad-83, high levels of activity were observed in both the 7th 25X1 Tank Arm and the 28th Army of the Belorussian 25X1 MD. the 7th Tank Army SCUD brigade 25X1 was deployed outside of Lepel AL-7. This training, late in the Zapad-83 exercise period, might have been part of the normal training cycle. (S/WN) 25X1 19. Olow levels of activity in the ISS battalion and in the radio relay battalion of the 25X1 28th Army at Grodno AL-1 indicated that major elements of those units were out of garrison. At 25X1 Grodno AL-2, elements of the early-warning bat- 25X1 25X1 2~DA1 -8- SECRET WNINTEL IAR-0076/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84TOO491 R0001 00520001-9 SECRET NOFORN 13 squad tents ,(possibly for reserve personnel) observed on a parade fieldE7---] were no longer present (S/WN) 20. Command/Communication Activity. Preparations for Zapad-83 were in progress at Borisov Army Training Area 1 and Range West on Equipment included nine electronics van trucks with duali axle trailers, six electronics van trucks with single-axle trailers, at least 15 addi- tional electronics, van trucks, and 11 tents. (S/WN) 21. command post activity was identified at Dretun Army Training Area and at Minsk Army Training Area Uruchye TA 1 The command post at Dretun consisted of a probable PARK DRIVE communica- tions satellite station, five electronics van trucks, two electronics van trailers, and at least two large electronics van trailers. At least four vehicles were within a visibility screen. The command post at Minsk consisted of at least eight signal van trucks and 20 tents (six large, nine medium, and five small). (S/WN) 22. a communications unit was I)tixl deployed at Baranovichi Tng Area Lesnaya SW= 25X1 Equipment consisted of three opera- 25X1 tionally deployed TWIN PLATE sets, one TWIN PLATE set in travel mode (Figure 6), five trucks, four buses, 13 sedans/UAZ-69s, and six tents. A nearby communications equipment deployment contained a possible satellite communications sta- tion, three TWIN EAR sets, three TWIN EAR mast trucks in travel mode, and several support vehi- cles. (S/WN) 23. Activity in Training Areas.0 at 25X1 least two batteries of probable SP guns, support 25X1 vehicles, and 20 tents were at Dretun Army Train- 25X1 ing Area. elements of a tank regiment 25X1 were deployed at Baranovichi Training Area (Fig- ure 7). The garrison area at Baranovichi, housing elements of the 46th GTD, was not imaged. Addi- tional probable exercise-associated activity = = included SA-4 brigade elements on several trains at Brest RR Of Yard Vostochnyy -9- SECRET sloading Yard Severnyy WNINTEL IAR-0076/83 25X1 25X1 25X1 LZDAI 25X1 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84TOO491 R0001 00520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET NCFO RN Air Forces 24. Activity probably related to Zapad-83 was observed at 17 Soviet airfields. One Polish airfield might also have been involved in the exercise. (S/WN) 25. Soviet aircraft participating in the exer- cise included BACKFIRE B, BADGER, BLINDER, FENCER, FITTER, FLOGGER, FISHBED, CANDID, CUB, COOT A, MAIL, HIND, HIP, HAZE A, and HOPLITE. Polish aircraft that possibly participated in the exercise included COKE/CURL and CRATE. (S/WN) 26. Soviet airfields that probably participated in Zapad-83 included: Baltiysk/Noytif Airfield Baranovichi Airfield Haapsalu Airfield Kaliningrad/Lugovoye Heliport Kaliningrad/Proveren Airfield Kaliningrad/Yezau Airfield Kazly-Ruda Airfield Kedainiai Airfield Krechevitsy Airfield Minsk/Machulishche Airfield Ostrov/Gorokhovka Airfield Palpiepai Airfield Pskov Airfield Riga Airfield West Siauliai Airfield Vasalemma Airfield Vitebsk Airfield Northeast (S WN 27. Balice Airfield I Iwas the Polish airfield possibly involved in Zapad-83. (S/WN) service vehicles were nearby. The MAINSTAY A probably came from Akhtubinsk Flight Test Center where the MAINSTAY A AWACS test program has been in progress since August 1980. The MAINSTAY A was not observed on subsequent coverage of Siauliai Airfield. The MAINSTAY A had returned to Akhtubinsk ~S/W N) 30. Other probable exercise-associated activ- ity was also observed at Siauliai Airfield. additional communications equipment was o served at the TWIN DISH troposcatter site on the northeastern edge of the airfield. One TWIN EAR troposcatter set, one probable TWIN EAR, and one R-400/404 radio relay set has arrived since a FENCER fighter/bomber regiment (Figure 10) was present. Fifteen FENCERs were on a fueling apron, and 17 were on a dispersal taxiway. All FENCERS were uploaded with long-range auxiliary fuel tanks. Also, one CANDID and only two of the normal corn lement of 15 to 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1, 25X1 25 CUBs were present The missing 25X1 CUBs were subsequently identified at Kedainiai Airfield. CCD activity was also underway at Siauliai Camouflage netting had been placed 25X1 over a revetment containing the electronics and support equipment usually associated with the air- defense zone command post. In addition, a bi- vouac with one large and 33 small personnel tents was at the airfield. (S/WN) 31. Activity appeared to be returning to nor- mal at Siauliai Airfield the day after the exercise had been completed. The FENCER regi- ment was not observed in the cloud-free areas of the airfield, and a convoy of electronics and support vehicles (the types normally associated with an air-defense zone command post) was forming, probably preparing to depart. The CUB regiment was still absent (S/WN) 32. Possible airborne/paradrop-associated ac- tivity was in progress at Krechevits Airfield (Figure Frontal Aviation and VTA Activity 28. ROGFOOT A, in possible regimental strength (22 aircraft), had deployed to Vitebsk Airfield Northeast, a VTA Airfield in the Belorussian MD (Figure 8). Twenty-one FROG- FOOT As were on an apron normally occupied by CANDIDs, and one was on the parallel taxiway; at least 12 FROGFOOT As were canvas/net covered. The FROGFOOT As probably deployed from Sital Chay Airfield a training base where a new FROGFOOT unit has been forming. Twenty-seven FROGFOOT As were at Sital Chay This was the second Zapad exercise in which FROGFOOT As have participated. During Zapad-81, two FROGFOOT As were also temporar- ily deployed to Vitebsk, apparently to participate in the exercise. A normal complement of 25 CANDIDs was observed at Vitebsk (S/WN) 29. One MAINSTAY A AWACS aircraft (Fig- ure 9) was at Siauliai Airfield in the Baltic MD on Siauliai Airfield normally houses the only MOSS early-warning unit in the USSR. The MAIN- STAY A was parked on a hardstand normally associated with the MOSS. Several maintenance/ 25X1 25X1 11) and at Pskov Airfield Each airfield 25X1 houses a VTA CANDID regiment in he Leningrad 25X1 MD and is associated with the 76th Guards Air- borne Division. At Krechevitsy Airfield, 27 vehi- cles, eight possible pallet carriers, and at least 300 troops in formation were in three CANDID revet- ments/hardstands at the northeastern end of the parallel taxiway. At least 140 two-man tents were near the dispersal taxiway. The normal comple- ment of 25 CANDIDs was observed. (S/WN) 33. At Pskov Airfield, preflight/postflight ac- t ss on t it 12 of the 21 r r ; e ivy was in pog a CANDIDs observed in the cloud-free areas of the 25X1 airfield. Possible exercise-related activity was also in progress at Pskov Airfield when 35 25X17 CANDIDs were present; a count of 25 to 29 CANDIDs is normal. Twenty-five CANDIDs were present on subsequent coverages Six CANDIDs, which might have come from Pskov Airfield, were at Baranovichi Airfield on 25 June. CANDIDs are not normally observed at Baranovi- chi Airfield, which supports a BLINDER ASM regi- ment subordinate to the Smolensk Air Army and a FOXBAT counter-air regiment subordinate to the Belorussian MD. (S/WN) (Continued p. 14) -10- Z-12116/83 SECRET WNINTEL IA R -0076/83 25X1 GJ..1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Iq Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET NOFORN 34. Major elements of the Polish transport regiment (five COKEs/CURLs and three CRATEs) had departed Balice Airfield by 14 June. Normal complements of nine to ten COKEs/CURLs and three to five CRATEs were present Balice Airfield houses the only transport regiment in Poland and supports the 6th Airborne Division at Krakow. The aircraft had returned the third day of Zapad-83. None of the aircraft from Balice were observed at another airfield during the Zapad-83 exercise. (S/WN) 35. A FISHBED regiment (40 aircraft) was at Vasalemma Airfield in the Baltic MD This regiment has been deployed at Vasalemma but was not present it has not been determined from which airfield the FISHBED regiment originated. (S/WN) 36. One CUB was observed in the cloud-free areas of Kazly-Ruda AirfieldAircraft are not normally observed at Kazly-Ruda, in the Baltic MD and associated with the 7th Guards Airborne Division headquartered at Kaunus, 12 nm east- northeast of the airfield. (S/WN) 37. Major elements of the attack helicopter regiment (19 HINDs and two HIPs), absent from Kaliningrad/Yezau Airfield had re- turned The missing aircraft might have been at Pa piepai Airfield, an alternate/dispersal airfield in the Baltic Fleet Air Force, where 22 HIND Ds and nine HIP Cs/Es were observed= (S/WN) 38. The CHS normally observed at Kalinin- grad/Lugovoye Heliport was not present The CHS-consisting of six HINDs, six HIPs, and 15 HOPLITEs-was present in April. This CHS proba- bly supports the 1st Guards Motorized Rifle Divi- sion of the 11th Guards Army. (S/WN) SNA Activity 39. Eight BACKFIRE Bs, five BLINDERs, and only 18 BADGERs were observed at Ostrov/Goro- khovka Airfield (most of the BADGER parking areas were cloud-free on that date). A normal complement of 52 BADGERs was present The BLINDERs probably came from Kaliningrad/Proveren Airfield, where five were missing the BACKFIRE Bs possibly came from Bykhov Airfield, approximately 250 nm north-northeast. One BADGER squadron (12 air- craft) possibly deployed to Minsk/Machulishche Airfield, where the aircraft were observed seven BACKFIRE Bs, two BLIND- ERs, and 14 BADGERs were discernible in the cloud-free areas at Ostrov/Gorokhovka Airfield. the BACKFIRE Bs and BLINDERs had departed, and the BADGER regiment had returned to normal size, with 51 aircraft present. (S/WN) 40. one BADGER squadron and seven CUBs were at Minsk/Machulishche Airfield, which supports a BLINDER ASM regiment subordi- nate to the Smolensk Air Army and a FLOGGER B regiment subordinate to the Belorussian MD. BADGERs are not normally at this airfield, and CUBs are occasionally seen. Neither the BADGERs nor the CUBs were discernible in cloud-free areas of the airfield (S/WN) 41. Seventeen BLINDERs and 26 FITTERs were at Kaliningrad/Proveren Airfield and only 14 BLINDERs and 24 FITTERs were ob- served in cloud-free areas of the airfield I 25X1 = At least seven HIP transport helicopters, not 25X1 usually observed there, were also present. The missing BLINDERs probably deployed to Os- trov/Gorokhovka Airfield, where five were ob- 25X1 served The status of the missing 25X1 FITTERs could not be determined. Activit at Kaliningrad/Proveren had returned to normal 25X1 = when the normal complement of 19 BLIND- 25X1 ERs and 38 FITTERs was observed. (S/WN) 42. one COOT A and 14 HIPs/ 25X1 HAZEs were at Riga Airfield West, an SNA-associ- ated airfield which supports a MAY ASW squadron subordinate to the Baltic Fleet Air Forces. The COOT A and HIPs/HAZEs, not normally seen at 25X1 Riga Airfield West, have arrived 25X1 one COOT A and four HIPs/HAZEs were in 25X1 cloud-free areas of the airfield. aircraft 25X1 counts had returned to normal, with four MAYs 25X1 and one CUB present. (S/WN) 43. ASW aircraft deployed to Haapsalu Air- field in the Leningrad MDO when eight MAILs (two not on graphic; Figure 12) were observed. These aircraft probably deployed from Baltiysk/Noytif Airfield, which supports a MAIL ASW squadron subordinate to the Baltic Fleet Air 25X1 Force and where only three MAILs were present 25X1 Eleven MAILs, a normal count, were at 25X1 Baltiysk/Noytif on subsequent imagery 25X1 (S/WN) 25X1 25X1 Naval Forces 44. From mid-June to early July, amphibious warfare ships, surface and patrol combatants, a variety of submarines, and the SNI brigade of the Baltic Fleet participated in Zapad-83. Almost all of the rehearsal landings in late June culminated in a major assault on Saltnicken Beach (north of Balti- ysk), Baltiysk Naval Infantry Training Area been completed The exercise had 25X1 25X1 25X1 Amphibious Operations 45. Preparations for the exercise began in 25X1 mid-June, when an unusually large number of amphibious warfare ships were at Baltiysk Naval 25X1 Base Figure 13). these 25X1 ships included an Ivan Rogov LPD (Figure 14), the largest and most capable amphibious warfare ship in the Soviet Navy; five Ropucha LSTs; two Alliga- )till tor LSTs; 16 Polnocny LSMs; seven LCUAs; four 25X1 Lebed LCMAs; nine Gus LCPAs (Figure 15); and six LCMs. Unlike Zapad-81, there was little participa- 25X1 tion by the Black and Northern Fleets in the Zapad-83 exercise. The only Soviet non-Baltic Fleet ship observed participating in the exercise was a Ropucha class LST from the Northern Fleet. 25X1 (S/WN) 46. 0 a major sortie of amphibious ships and surface/patrol combatant-including at least five Aist/LCUs, at least five Ropucha LSTs, two Alligator LSTs, and five Polnocny LSMs-had departed Baltiysk for the Zapad-83 exercise. In a related movement, two East German Frosch LSTs (Figure 16), which deployed to Riga Naval Base 25X1 and Shipyard Bolderaja in late 7rX1 June, had departed for the exercise :25X1 East European ships These units were the only - 14- SECRET WNINTEL IA R-0076/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 SECRET NOFORN observed in Zapad-83. The main landings during Zapad-83 involved conventional assault ships and air cushion landing craft. Several amphibious war- fare ships and part of their escort force were observed dead in the water off Baltiysk Their decks were empty, indicating that the had been completed. (S/WN) Surface and Patrol Combatant Activity 47. A number of surface and patrol combat- ants participated in Zapad-83. a Kotlin DDG, a modified Kildin DD, a Riga FF, and two Nanuchka PGGs departed Liepaja Naval Base Winter Harbor probably to sup- port a landing rehearsal. With the exception of the Riga FF, these ships returned to Liepaja the next day. (S/WN) 48. a significant number of surface and patrol combatants de- parted the Baltiysk area. This sortie consisted of a Sverdlov CL, a Modified Kashin DDG, a Krivak-II FFG, and a Krivak-I FFG. This force represented a very strong mix of capabilities-with the Sverdlov's twelve 152mm guns providing fire support, the Modified Kashin providing air defense, and the Krivak roviding the ASW screen. In addition, by two Nanuchka PGG, a Poti PC, and a T-43 MSF had left Liepaja Naval Base Winter Harbor. These vessels probably provided additional sup- port for the amphibious ships. A probable aggres- sor force, used to attack the amphibious ships and their escorts, left Baltiysk Missile PT Boat Base and Shipyard Kamstigal ) during the same time. This force consisted of two Tarantul-II (Band Stand Radome/SS-N-2C equipped) PGGs, one Tarantul-I PGG, two Nanuchka PGGs, and five Matka PTGHs. Most of these vessels had returned to their respective bases (S/WN) Submarine Activity 49. Submarines frequently participate in am- phibious-oriented exercises like Zapad-83. Subma- rines are used as aggressor units, and their move- ments can indicate major exercises. Six WHISKEY SSs left Liepaja Naval Base 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 and were probably involved in the rehearsal exer- cise. Four of these submarines had returned to Liepaja three 25X1 WHISKEY SSs again departed the base, probably in time for the main landings at Saltnicken Beach, A JULIETT SSG, also probably involved in the exercise, had left Liepaja Winter Harbor) and had returned (S/WN) Aircraft Carrier Activity 50. Unlike Zapad-81, no Soviet aircraft carri- ers were involved in Zapad-83. Since the Baltic Fleet does not have an assigned aircraft carrier, the carrier subordinate to the Northern Fleet has been utilized in the past. The Kiev CVHG, subordinate to the Northern Fleet, was undergoing a major overhaul at Nikolayev in the Black Sea during the 25X1 exercise and was unavailable to participate in Zapad-83. Its replacement, the recently completed Novorossiysk CVHG, had just completed a transit from the Black Sea to the North and was also unavailable to participate in Zapad-83. (S/WN) Soviet Naval Infantry 51. The SNI brigade at Baltiysk Naval Infantry Installation was preparing to de- part the facility when twelve PT-76 light amphibious tanks and seven BRDMs were staging in the central portion of the installation. Elements of the 122mm SP artillery battalion (Fig- ure 17) were staging as well. Two bivouac areas were established north of the installation. Nine tracked amphibious transporters, two radio relay vans, and eight tents were in one of the bivouac areas, and six radio relay vans, four generators, three cargo trucks and two tents were in the other bivouac area, elements of the brigade were departing. Two convoys, with approximately 50 vehicles, were in front of the shed at the vehicle storage area. The SNI brigade had departed the orlyl 25X1 installation for the exercise a 25X1 BTR-60 company was near the beach. The SNI brigade had returned to garrison ( ~ (S/WN) 25X1 1. NPIC. IAR-0036/83, Z-12046/83, Major Restructuring of Combat Maneuver Divisions at Kyakhta and Minsk, , USSR (5), May 83 (SECRET/NOFORN 25X1 2. DIA. DDB-1100-373-83, Warsaw Pact Ground Force Structure Troop List Western TVD (U), Volume V, Apr 83 (SECRET/NOFORN) P (Extracted information is SECRET/NOFORN 25X1 3. DIA. DDB-1300-101-83, Air Order of Battle, Volume 1, USSR and Eastern Europe (U), Apr 83 (SECRET/NO- FOR N) (Extracted information is SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN 4. Soldat Und Technik, Marz 83, pp. 123-3 (UNCLASSIFIED) - 16 - WNINTEL Z-12116/83 SECRET IA R-0076/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied Iq Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9 Secret Secret Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9