Russian air defense forces on combat alert

On February 8, the Russian Defense Ministry ordered Russian air defense forces to protect the capital Moscow and the country's key industrial centers to carry out combat readiness missions.

Photo: RIA Novosti

Interfax news agency on February 8 quoted the Russian Defense Ministry's announcement that the combat readiness directive had been communicated to departments and air defense units performing combat missions to protect the capital Moscow and key industrial areas of the Federation.

“The combat order has been fully implemented. Units, forces and S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems have been deployed to combat positions. The supporting equipment will be transported by rail to the designated area,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“During the deployment, the forces will simultaneously practice tasks of countering surprise attacks, overcoming obstacles…”, the Russian Defense Ministry added.

Previously, on the morning of February 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the country's military to carry out the highest combat readiness mission.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that combat readiness alert is aimed at assessing the capabilities and ability to perform tasks of federal military units.

According to the Russian Defense Minister, the air force is the most closely examined part.

“The Air Force must pay special attention to combat alert, promptly deploy air defense systems and gather air combat power to repel the enemy in time of war,” Minister Shoigu stressed.

According to TPO