SOVIET FRONTAL AVIATION SUPPORT TO GROUND FORCES OPERATIONS (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83M00171R001100080001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 38
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 23, 2007
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 1, 1977
• Content Type: IR

Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
NSA review
completed
*'awr 11w
DIA review(s)
completed.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
Intoraaticn Cutoff DDatas 1 July 197;
NAZLttRAL SECURITY [ OVt TXofi
Uaauthorlaad Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
WAR1f I l!G RoTICfd
Sensitive Iutailliasxca S*urcita and Nothoda In uived
This is a Department of Defense intelligan" Doc-assesnt
prepared by the Uviat/W;araaw Pact Division,
izirectasratc fear Intaiiissnce Raneear h,
Det? a Intellillence AR.ncy
Air torcea Rraach, a raaw tact Sortiae
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
The parposs of this report is to assess the avail-
abill-my-and employment of Soviet Frontal Aviation assets in
direct support of ground forces in a conventional conflict
between the Warsaw Fact and NATO in Central gurops. This
report emmiass tho employment, allocation, and capability
of air assets to support ground attack operations.
Addressees are requested to forward information
vbich will supplement or correct this report. Questions and
comments should be referred in writing to the Defense Intelli-
gence Agency (ATMs Di-1D2), Washington, D.C. 20301.
III
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
TABLE OF COMTE$T$
SUMMARY
1.
IRSODUCTIOM -------~~~
2.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
3.
FORCE AVAILABILITY ---------~
4.
FORCE CAPABILITY ----
-~.
5-
FORCE OIPLOTIIUT -----
-~
6.
COWLU$IOMs
A. Numeric Breakdown of Aircraft Allocations
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83MOO171 R001100080001-7
St1!SARY
Since World (i 11 Sov t
t
C
e
we
~taty doc thi ne had
, d o ed eoo *4i hated action b
b
i
i
y coa
n
m
ng attee and 64Ae
..-
P?""eX a none. The widdeon o6 Frontal Aviation VA)
B o o n of o the Mont co the none, unden the
emph"i6 o6 Sourer doettb
yam
h
te
ad changed
aw the
. the
FA 6oace have A! CONPodi On and ealaabLLi t.E: r 06 the
have CO tioConcegt 4ated on ga..ning 6texibiGity1in~ the ding to
Va
d i-tua,ti.ond . ' "g
The cim.tent FA active Lnnne ...-... - - - -
k
L
cbl
con
ott o 60Me z, 410 Combat
Eck pta t 7190 td
at cow 6LghtU-bowbe 10 tactical bonbeu,
6,ighte td, and 580 aooault hettcopte* 1.
In recent ytatd ineteaw*gly capable combat aitcta t
wi,Gt nea weapons dyd'ems have entehed duty ce; ine e4 ed
among theee ate anted aooau t hetieopte . These advanced
have stedu,Lted Lit a ground attack 6o4ce well quali,6.i,ed to
conduct 91tound duppott,t Operation.
in a conventional operation agaixdt NATO, about
ent o6 the FA 6.i.xed-wing aedete would be devoted
initially to dtti.kea on tangeu, such ad adicjielde, SAME,
n and nuct ~ weaponb 6ac.L.Uti.ea, and to nucteat wi,thhopd
n9 6 Led-wing aeeeto and all the aae:u/t
heticopte.u would 6att undeA the direct control 01 the
tort coumandtrt. These &Uce~t4Kt would be ei toyed Litp
Udi.ction and close ai.t duppont holed, with heti.co t..
in teat'uigly doew!attng the latter category. A6t t
compttti.itg the .i tLtial dtei.kee, additional ai'teha4t would
become awtilable to the tort commander.
Ad a new geneaatc,-n o aAwta6t a
d
n
new weapons with
inc4
Fnonwed aecuAfty and punch have been int~todueed, the
4WX 9 attack 6o4ct had enhanced ire capa-
bLUty to conduct ground duppott opvtations.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83MOO171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
FORCES OPERATIONS
The basic organizational structure, missions,
doctrine and po:icy of Soviet Frontal. Aviation (FA) today
evolved from, and continue generally to reflect, Soviet
thinking that dates from the closing phases of World War II.
In 1942 tactical air units were organised into air armies
assigned to specific front commands. Soviet doctrine has
consistently stressed coordinated action by combined arms in
a front, with overall command vested in the front commander.
The mission of Frontal Aviation is to provide direct support
to the front, with individual units being precommitted to a
specific geographic front.
During the 12-year period 1943 to 1955, Soviet
Frontal Aviation, acting in support of the Red Army, provided
direct air support to ground units. A primary tasking was
maintaining air superiority over the battle area and serving
as an "aerial extension of artillery" when required. It was
during this period that Frontal Aviation entered the jet
age. By the late 1950's, however, it was apparent that
Frontal Aviation aircraft designs, especially those used for
ground attack, bad provided only a marginal capability to
perform the assigned roles.
Early versions of the NiG-21/FISHIED were designed
as point defense interceptors and had only a ^ialmal all-
weather capability. The Su-7/FITTER A became the primary
fighter-bomber and the initial single-seat aircraft believed
capable of tactical nuclear weapons delivery. The only
other tactical aircraft capable of nuclear delivery, the
11-28/MAGLE tactical bomber, was in the subsonic performance
class. Only visual and a minimal photo capability existed
in tactical reconnaissance elements supporting Frontal Avia-
tion.
Soviet doctrine increasingly emphasised all-out
euc ar war during the period 1955 - 1965. As a result,
Frontal Aviation was reorganized, and by 1960 the force
consisted of moms 6,700 aircraft, of which more than oms-
tbird were light bombers for nuclear weapons delivery. This
period saw the introduction of supersonic second-generation
aircraft into the Frontal Aviation inventory. Allweatber
- Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
fighter-intercptors and supersonic tactical bombers repro-
seated a general improvement in the potential of Frontal
Aviation, but serious deficiencies were present. Nuclear
weapons delivery was the priority tasking, but the tactical
bombers and fighter-bombers were limited by abort range, low
payloads, and marginal avionics.
Following the ouster of Khrushchev in 1964, the need
for a flexible force emerged, and the upgrading of Frontal
Aviation was undertaken. It was recognized that now aircraft
with longer rang", sophisticated avionics, and larger pay-
load abilities were required to make this flexibility pos-
sible. Instead of trying to upgrade old airframes, the
Soviets embarked on a program to produce now designs not
only in aircraft but weapon systems as well. In 1969 the
introduction of third-generation designs began, narking an
across-the-board upgrading of frontal Aviation capabilities.
These new aircraft are well equipped to function in today's
battle environment. At present, 52 percent of the entire
Frontal Aviation ground attack force is composed of these
new designs. The rest of the force is still composed of
first- and second-generation aircraft -- mainly FITTER A and
B and early model FIShSED and a few MiG-17/FRESCO. Soviet
air forces facing NATO's Central Region, including the three
western military districts, consist of 72 percent new design
aircraft.
3. FORCE AVAILABILITY
Today's Frontal Aviation Lorca has a sufficient
number of aircraft opposing NATO's Central Region to conduct
a large variety of missions. Of the 2,410 attack aircraft
in the force, there are 790 ground support combat aircraft
in 19 regiments and about 580 assault helicopters. Addition-
ally, there are some 70 tactical bombers (Yak-28/BREWER)
remaining in the operational inventory. Lastly, there are
almost 970 fighter aircraft in 22 regiments whose primary
role is counterair operations. Many of these aircraft have
a secondary mission of ground support, mostly interdiction.
They are optimised for counterair operations, which entails
attacking air ""to on the ground, as well as in the air,
and air-related facilities.
The other Warsaw Fact countries in the NATO Guide-
lines Area (CDR, Poland, Czechoslovakia) have aver 450 ground
attack and 250 counterair aircraft as well as sow armed
assault helicopters available to conduct ground support
operations.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
4. FORCE CAFAIILITY
Force *Is* does not necessarily equate to ability,
and the Soviets, bring well aware of this and of the caMbat
environment in which the force will be operating, have made
significant improvements in force quality since 1969. In
addition to the improved PISSED, there is only one new
design, HIG-23/FIAGGER S. for the counterair mission and
three new fighter-bomber designs: KIG-27/!LOGGER D, SW-17/
FITTER C/D, and Su-19/FENCER. In every case the now fighter-
bomber aircraft are quantum advances over their predecessors;
some have up to four time the range and payload of earlier
aircraft. The most significant new avionics include a laser
range finder, a laser target designator, a Doppler naviga-
tion system, a bead-up display, a radar warning receiver,
and a tactical computer for precise weapons release data
during visual deliveries.
New weapon systems associated with these aircraft
include several different types of rocket pods and machine-
guns, including Gatling guns; bombs with varying delivery
characteristics; and a new family of air-to-surface missiles
(ASIMs) having electromagnetic, electro-optic, and command
guidance systems. In addition, the ability of the aircraft
to carry a variety of weapons has been enhanced through the
increase in the number of weapon stations and the use of
universal ordnance pylons and multiple ejection racks.
While upgrading of the fixed-wing force has been in
progress, another dimension of direct air support is being
introduced -- the increased use of armed helicopters. This
is most vividly seen in the development of the Lt-24/HIND
series of assault helicopters. The latest version -- the
WIND D -- is the largest and most potent of its kind in the
world today. It is equipped with a variety of weapon sys-
tems such as rockets, Gatling guns, antitank missiles, bombs,
and possibly electro-optic ASNs; it is assessed to have
avionics equipment, such as low-light t.levision and loser
range finders and target designators, and a fire control
computer. With this advanced equipment the BIND is excep-
I - Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
The emphasu the Soviets have placed on assault
helicopter development, dploymsnt, and operations in both
training and exercises demonstrates their willingness and
ability to use the helicopter in the air support role, and
in the close air support role, in particular. The HIND, and
even some Mi-8/HIP and Mi-d/HOUND, have been armed to
conduct fire support operations very close to the troops
in combat. This results in a very versatile and reliable
attack force.
It'is evident from the foregoing that Frontal Avis-
racy on a wide variety of targets.
tion has a large number of air assets with the ability to
5. FORCE E]QLOYMENT
Soviet Frontal Aviation combat assets are assigned
by the General Staff to air operations or front support.
Their employment in the ground attack role, no matter where
they are assigned, falls into these categories: close air
support, interdiction, and reconnaissance. All of these
categories may be grouped under the heading of "direct sup-
port" when they are done under the command of the front
commander.
residual force, nuclear withhold needs, and further require-
size of the allocation will be dependent on the size of the
suppress air defenses. Upon the conclusion of the air oper-
ation, air assets will be released to front commanders. The
facilities. Supporting operations would be designed to
capable missile and rocket forces, and command and control
would be selectively employed against NATO airbases, nuclear-
dedicated initially to the execution of the air operation
regiments, and 2 tactical bombes regiments. FA aircraft
which comprise 18 counterair regiments, 14 fighter-bomber
aircraft (assuming 902 of the force is reai.y for combat)
wing assets. This would include about 1,320 fixed-wing
forces. They consist of, at most, 80 percent of We fixed-
superiority and the degra.tation of NATO's theater nuclear
trolled by the Soviet Air Force Headquarters under the
state of the General Staff. (See Appendix A.)
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
allocate' initially
b
e
will
The front commander least 20 percent of the fined-wing aircraft (four coon
i.ents) and all of the
ber rei
regimants and five fighter-bom assault helicopters. These assets wlto s psiimarrily in
the interdiction and close air Support ground
forces' air defense system constitute the primary counter-
air force. Some counterair aircraft will f unction in stem
air
primary air-to-air role. In interdiction, u ws n n s
and aircraft abilities have increased sign
Wen involved in close
probability of target destruction. air support of troops in combat, these sam aircraft can
quickly provide firepower with increased accuracy' (Sea
Appendix A.)
it is the armed assault
port
h this su
i
,
p
t
Even w
helicopter, particularly the RIND, that is becoming an im
portant elemsat in close air support operations. With its
ability to operate within a AAA and/or SAM air defense en-
virosmsnt, attack at very low level, and carry a great vari-
ety of weapons, the 0DD's usefulness against tanks and
troops is considered high.
recision and high probability destruction
th
e p
the oe
associated with the latest designs
will give the ground comimander a relatively high level of
confidence that his requirements will be filled.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
Is the final analysis, Soviet ground attack air
assets arc saployed to aspect, replace, or astesd the ground
force organic firepower. The objective is to deliver fire-
powr "boa and ubere the ground commander desires, sustaia-
ia the tempo and momentum of the ground force advance.
i. 900CLUSIM
The Soviets have the sear, is terns of aircraft
c.apabititias, numbers of fixed- and rotary-ring aircraft,
and command, control, and c' a1catior systems, to conduct
direct air support for the ground forces. Their commitment
to this concept is evidenced by szsrcisss and training is
such activities. Initial allocation of resources to the
frost commander viii be relatively saalx (e=cludisg the
assault helicopters), but as the conflict progresses the
allocation viii Scow. Frontal Aviation has the fisibility
to provide tiaely and accurate firepower is proximity
to troops is combat as veil as spinet interdiction targets.
Assault helicopters have added a acv dimension is dic,rt
support, givtaa the grid commasder additional firapc wt.
Overall, Frontal Aviation assets can provide the direct
support rewired by the JEga cumnaader is both quantity and
quality.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
Data belay represents as analytic Judgment on Numbers of
Soviet Frontal Aviation aircraft allocated is astral
Rurope. Data cutoff data is 1 July 1977.
Current Frontal Aviation Active force
Capable of Ground Attack 0pposisg 8470'. Central Region:
Assault helicopters 510
Grand total 2,410 aircraft
Air 0seratios
$02 of fixed-wing aircraft ? 1,465 aircraft
(18 cosaterair regiments. 14 figkter-bomber
regiments, aad 2 tactical bomber rapiasnts)
frost Operations
202 of fixed-wing aircraft - 365 aircraft
(4 couaterair rogirsts and 3 figktsr-bosher
regiments)
dad 1002 of rotary-wing aircraft (assault belicopten)
SRO helicopters
902 Ready for Combat ? 330 fixed-wing aircraft
helicopters
total
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83MOO171 R001100080001-7
25X3
DOD AND JOINT ACTIVITIES
U.S. ARMY (Contin :d)
A009
OSD/ATSO(AE)
C470
ARi1Y WAR COLLEGE
A024
DEF NUCLEAR AGENCY
C500
HQ TRAOOC
A104
OASD (CCC&I)
C538
WHITE SANDS MSL RG
A115
OASO/ISA
C539
TRASANA
Al 17
OSD(OOP&E)
C545
ARRCOM
,0.137
ISA NBFR PP (PENT)
C550
ELECTRONICS CMD
A210
OMAAC
C557
USAIIC-SPAD
A353
JSTPS
C591
FSTC
C619
MISSILE INTEL AGCY
C62G
USASRD MARYLAND
C641
AVIATION SCH
8040
DI7./DIO
0646
HQ COMB ARMS CEN
8055
DIA/OT-4B
C"37
USA TESTIEVAL CMD
13060
DIA/RDS-3A5
(3)
C768
ITAD (ACSI)
13080
DIA/SWS
C800
SSO ACSI DA WASH (3)
13132
DIA/DE-1
C815
USA AIR OEF CTR
B134
DIA/DE-2
8155
DIA/RDS-3M
U.S. NAVY
B167
DIA/DT-28
B229
DIA/RDS-3A1AB
0008
NISC (2)
13353
DIA/RDS-3A18
(50)
D217
NAVWPNCEN
8364
DIA/DB-1B3
D218
NRL WASH DC
B485
:)IA/IS
D246
NAVSURFWPNCEN DAHL
B573
DIA/OB-4E1
D247
NAVSURFWPNCEN WDAK
8579
DIA/DN-282
0249
NAVPGSCOL
8583
DIA/OB-1D
0506
NUC
8722
DIA/DB-58
D510
CHNAVMAT
8731
DINOB-5F
D700
CGMCDEC
B738
DIA/RDS-3AJM
D900
NFOIO
B741
DIA/RDS-2A
D982
SSO COMNAVINTCOM
2)
8784
OIAj08-1D2 (10)
6267
DIA/OP-3
U.S. AIR FORCE
U. S. ARMY
C202 III CORPS
C204 TCATA
0305 XVIII ANN CORPS
C309 DET N 500Th MIG
C428 OP TESIAEVAL AGCY
C414 FLO ARTY SCH
0459 COMO-GEN STAFF COL
C463 USA INTEL CENSSCH
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83MOO171 R001100080001-7
E010 AFIS/INDOC-HQUSAF
E020 AFIS/INZA-HQUSAF
E053 AF/INAKA-HQUSAF
E054 AF/INAKB-HQUSAF
E100 TAC (INSA) (10)
E200 AAC
E293 AF/XOOFA-HQUSAF (2)
E303 AF/INAP-HQUSAF
E408 AFWL/IN
E411 FTD/ETID (ASO)
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
U.S. AIR FFT0CE 0pR~N (CMt1~ d)
E429 S4ISD/1ND (Y)
E437 AFIS/INI
E450 AU/IN
u $ S COMM
FOGS CINOI C
5005 CINCAWNOMD
HDOS USCINCEUR
MOOS LGEUCCIS SEFANALCTR
55100 USAFE
HIOI 497RT$ (uSAFE IRC) (10)
55306 IX31 US CON BERLIN
55500 CINCUSNAVEUR
I$11 Ca1SIXTINFLT
55525 VII CORPS
NS30 1ST ARM DIV
JODS CINCLANT
JS15 FICEUPLANT
JGSO AIRMAN ONE
K10O PACAF 00)
K31S IPAC ( 1-24)
K650 CENNAV3UWPAC
LOOS CINCSAC (10)
NOOS USCINCRED
OTHERS
P002 (SC ii (6i) 2X5)
POS5 E CIA CIA (SC NESi1 TATE P0POSS 90 SNSA (COS)T (3)I) ( )
TOTAL DIA DISTRIUUTIONt- t=COPIES
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00l71 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7 ~'
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
/i3Ohyy7 7
D DI-1300-99-77
MICRO 1 M~D
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE REPORT
MODERNIZATION OF SOVIET
FRONTAL AVIATION FORCES
IN THE FORWARD AREA, 1970-
1977
AUGUST 1977
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7 ,
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
SECRET
MODERNIZATION OF SOVIET FRONTAL AVIATION FORCES
IN THE FORWARD AREA, 1970--1977
Information Cutoff Date: 15 June 1977
NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION.
Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
This is a Department of Defense Intelligence Document
prepared by the Soviet/Warsaw Pact Division,
Directorate for Intelligence Research,
Defense Intelligence Agency
Air Forces Branch,
Frontal Aviation/Warsaw Pact Section
CLASSIFIED By CIA 08
SUBJECT TO GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION
SCHEDULE OF Ex[CUTIVI.ORDER 11652
AUTOMATICALLY DOWNCPADED AT TWO
YEAR INTERVALS
DECLASSIFIEDON 31 DECEMBER 1985
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
SECRET
PREFACE
This report focuses on the upgrading of Soviet
Frontal Aviation counterair, ground attack, and
reconnaissance units located in Eastern Europe. It also
describes the capabilities of this force and the extent to
which the modernization program has increased the threat to
NATO's Central Region.
Supplementary informatio., on contemporary air order
of battle can be found in DIA Air Order of Battle, Volume I -
DDI-1300-101-series,
U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europee
j
Detailed information on Soviet aircraft
capabilities is available in DIA Aircraft Handbook
(Characteristics and Performance), Eurasian Communist
CountrieDST-1300-11-series, 0 Recent
developments 'n the entire Soviet Frontal Aviation forces are
discussed in Defense Intelligence Report, Soviet Frontal
Aviation: 1975 in Review DDI-1300-92-77-SI,
Addressees are requested to forward information
which will supplement or correct this report. Questions and
comments should be referred in writing to the Defense
Intelligence Agency (ATTN: DB-1D2),-Washington, D.C. 20301.
iii
(Reverse Blank)
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
SECRET
Page
SUMMARY -------------------------------------------- vii
1. INTRODUCTION ---------------------------~ 1
2. UNIT UPGRADING ----------------------- 3
a. Counterair Regiments -------?---------------- 3
b. Ground Attack Regiments 3
c. Reconnaissance Units ----------- 5
3. IMPROVED FORCE CAPABILITIES -------------------- 5
4. CONCLUSIONS ------------------------------------ 6
A. Counterair Force Upgrading -------------------- 7
B. Ground Attack Force Upgrading ----------------- 8
C. Reconnaissance Force Upgrading ----------------- 9
Figure
1. Soviet Fighter and Light Bomber Assets in
the Forward Area ---------------------------- .~ 2
2. FISHED J/K/L -------------------.-_------------ 3
3. FITTER C/D ---------------------------- -----~ 4
4. FLOGGER D ------=----------------------- ---- 4
V
(Reverse Blank)
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
SECRET
SUMMARY
The Soviet Union had an avaitabte 4oree ob 2,300
tighteu and fightelL-bombe1td in the Fo'w.wtd Area and
he .three webtenn mlitany did.tJ7ictt6 o,( the USSR. At-
most 1,400 o5 these are based L. the Getman VemocaLatic
RepubtLc, Po.eand, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. These
aikcnagt can be divided into three categonied accon.ding
to pAim4y no.ee: counteca A, around attack, and
neconnai,66ance.
Since 1970, Soviet ponces in Eadte/Ln EurLope
n undergoing an upgnadi.ng pnognnm, which has
been ae.ee.eeiLated since 1973. The coup-teh.ain 4o4ce,
which is the..eangezt oA the three categonied, had bzen
eompteteh; keequinped with .tUAd-generation MiG-21/FISHBEV
J/K/L and l.UG-23/FLOGGER B ai'tc&a;4t. The ground attack
Kotce had been aemo,st ent &eey modernized, p4ima4ito with
Su-17/FITTER C/V and WG-27/FLOGGER V a.vccu t. The
nuonr_aihsanee ponce, which is the 6maU"t element, had
#a, -ed behind in modeLn%.zation, but some new IUG-25/FOXBAT
have been intit.odueed.
~Thede new ailtcha1t, with their incneaded range
an pay oad eapabititie6 and the,vr new equipment, have
inc eased .a.i.gnifican;tey the combat potena iae of the Soviet
tar icaL_ aiA /,onces opposite NATO's Centnae Region.
vii
(Reverse Blank)
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83MOO171 R001 100080001-7
SECRET
IN THE FORWARD AREA, 1970-1977
1. INTRODUCTION
All Soviet Air Force (SAF) combat air assets in
cne :'sward Area are allocated the Soviet Frontal
Aviation taczical.air armies in the Cerman Democratic
Republic (GDR), Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. The
fighter and light bomber regiments assigned to these air
armies can be divided into three categories according to
primary role: counterair, ground attack, and
reconnaissance.
SAP CDR, the largest of these air armies, has 405
counters r fighters in nine regiments, 260 ground attack
fighter-bombers in six regiments, and 83 reconnaissance
aircraft in three units -- a total of nearly 750 aircraft.
SAF Poland consists of three counterair regiments totaling
135 aircraft, three ground attack regiments with 126
aircraft, and one reconnaissance regiment with 40 aircraft --
a total of more than 300 aircraft. SAF Czechoslovakia, the
smallest of the Forward Area air armies, has only 106 combat
fighter aircraft -- 90 in two counterair regiments and 16 in
one recot~aaissance unit. SAF Hungary has 135 aircraft in
three counterair regiments (including one regiment of 32
light bombers), 74 aircraft in a ground tta.:k role, and
24 with reconnaissance responsibilities, for a total of 233
aircraft. Most regiments in all four air armies also have a
few training aircraft assigned. (See Figure 1.)
The Soviets initiated an upgrading program for
these forces in 1970 when the much-improved MiG-21/FISHBED J
began replacing "D" and "F" variants of FISHBED as well as
first-generation MiG-17/FRESCO and MiG-19/FARMER aircraft.
Since 1973 the force has been.upgraded at an accelerated
Irate, with most activity involving the introduction of
variable-geometry-wing aircraft. Primary among these are
FISHBED J/K/L and MiG-23/FLOGGER B counterair aircraft and
MiG-27/FLOGGER D and Su-17/FITTER C/D/E ground attack models.
1
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83MOO171 R001 100080001-7
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP83M00171 R001100080001-7
SECRET
Q o ' M!ror,
wdtstock
4 Temphn I
Zagan
0 Szprotawa
? Osla
Zerbst Brand 1
RCP BIIC*iuterbog (1)
Kothen- F!nsterwalde
Allstedl ? Ikenberg weirow
Merseburg
#Grossenha!n
AUSTRIA
I
!,J I'\i ', lil \1~!I'i! \ I Ii i