MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian military analysts have presented their vision of a likely scenario for an attack on Russia by a hypothetical adversary in an article in the magazine Voyennaya Mysl (Military Thought), a publication of the Russian Defense Ministry.

In the article, the authors speculate that an attack might begin with a rapid global strike alongside several massive missile and aviation strikes on the country's administrative-political and military-industrial infrastructure. In this regard, the Russian Aerospace Forces would play a predominant role in repelling potential aggression.

Enemy forces and means

According to the article, a likely enemy is considering creation of compact, highly mobile combined multi-role groups of troops capable of inflicting heavy losses on the administrative-political and military-industrial infrastructure in all spheres: on the ground, on the high seas, in the air, in outer space and in cyberspace. These new-type military formations are designated as "joint operative formations" (JOF). The combat and numerical strength of the enemy's JOF in peacetime may be 50-70% of that required in wartime.

"The most expected ways of using the JOF are air-ground (maritime) operations (campaigns). They would begin with air offensive operations (from 2030 air-space, and in the future space-air operations), consisting of a rapid (instant) global strike and several (from 2-3 to 5-7) massive missile and air strikes," the article points out. It is emphasized that aviation would be one of the first military wings to enter combat operations, possibly even before the deployment of the main battle group.

Reconnaissance and provocations

On the eve of the active phase of the operation, according to Russian military experts, the enemy will take potentially aggressive action, including provocations, for the purpose of controlling the situation, as well as intensify all types of intelligence activity. In addition, it may start deploying aircraft carrier strike groups and ships with guided missiles under the guise of exercises. Enemy aircraft, including strategic bombers and drones, will begin to perform regular flights near Russia's national borders.

Role of Aerospace Forces

The above factors, as experts point out, expand the range of military threats to Russia. This poses new requirements for ensuring national security, with one of the key roles being assumed by the Aerospace Forces.

"The growing role of the Aerospace Forces in the overall structure of military conflicts sets new tasks in the following areas: development and commissioning of new and upgraded models of airborne systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles, weapons and military equipment; the creation and implementation of advanced automated control systems; [and] the improvement of reconnaissance, aviation engineering, airfield and other types of comprehensive support," the article says.

The authors believe that in peacetime it is necessary to ensure readiness to respond to operations by enemy groups, with a significant portion of airspace missions to be assigned to operative units of the Aerospace Forces and air defenses.