Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU)

HQ: Moscow
Command: Lieutenant General Nikolay Parshin

Organizational Structure

The Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) is a critical component of the Russian military, responsible for overseeing the development, production, and maintenance of missile and artillery systems. The headquarters is located in Moscow, and the directorate is commanded by Lieutenant General Nikolay Parshin. GRAU manages a network of arsenals and bases, each designated by a specific military unit number, which are strategically distributed across Russia to support logistical and operational needs.

Location Analysis

The GRAU's headquarters in Moscow serves as the central hub for command and control, facilitating coordination across its various arsenals and bases. These facilities are dispersed throughout Russia, ensuring a wide geographical coverage that enhances strategic flexibility and resilience. The distribution of these sites allows for efficient supply chain management and rapid deployment capabilities, essential for maintaining readiness and operational effectiveness.

Infrastructure Capabilities

The infrastructure of the GRAU encompasses a range of facilities, including arsenals, ammunition bases, and training centers. Each site is equipped to handle specific functions such as storage, maintenance, and training. For instance, the 100th Arsenal (military unit 55486) and the 101st Arsenal (military unit 55448) are tasked with storing and maintaining artillery armaments, while the 721st Training Center GRAU (military unit 41026) focuses on training personnel in the operation and maintenance of missile and artillery systems. This diversified infrastructure supports the comprehensive needs of the Russian military's missile and artillery capabilities.

Operational Readiness

The GRAU maintains a high level of operational readiness through its extensive network of arsenals and bases. Facilities such as the 120th Arsenal (military unit 42696) and the 1215th Central Artillery Ammunition Base (military unit 75226) are critical for ensuring the availability of munitions and equipment. Regular maintenance and modernization efforts are conducted to keep the inventory in optimal condition, while training programs at centers like the 721st Training Center GRAU ensure that personnel are proficient in the latest technologies and tactics.

Strategic Importance

The GRAU plays a pivotal role in Russia's defense strategy by providing the necessary support for missile and artillery operations. The strategic placement of its facilities, such as the 13th Arsenal (military unit 64531) and the 2161st Arsenal (military unit 96570), ensures that the Russian military can project power and respond to threats effectively. The directorate's ability to manage a vast array of weaponry and munitions is crucial for maintaining Russia's military capabilities and deterrence posture.

Challenges and Considerations

While the GRAU's infrastructure is robust, it faces challenges such as the need for continuous modernization and the potential vulnerability of its sites to emerging threats. The abandoned 59th Arsenal (military unit 42697) highlights the importance of maintaining and upgrading facilities to prevent obsolescence. Additionally, geopolitical tensions necessitate a focus on securing these sites against cyber and physical threats, ensuring that they remain operationally secure and effective.

Places

100th Arsenal

military unit 55486

101st Arsenal

military unit 55448

104th Arsenal

military unit 34581

120th Arsenal

military unit 42696

1215th Central Artillery Ammunition Base

military unit 75226

13th Arsenal

military unit 64531

2161st Arsenal

military unit 96570

23rd Arsenal

military unit 71628

260th Central Rocket Artillery Base

2652th Artillery Armament and Ammunition Base

military unit 09956

50th Artillery and Air Force Weapons Warehouse

53rd Arsenal

54th Arsenal

military unit 68586

55th Arsenal

military unit 86286

59th Arsenal (abandoned)

military unit 42697

68th Arsenal

military unit 30184

70th Arsenal

military unit 92922

721st Training Center GRAU

military unit 41026

75th Arsenal

military unit 42708

94th Arsenal

military unit 63779

Artillery Arsenal

military unit 42289

Artillery Warehouse

Missile Arsenal

military unit 67877

Missile Arsenal

Weapons Depot

military unit 74059