Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu at the special teleconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces – March 5th, 2024…
⚡️ Newly established Moscow and Leningrad military districts will significantly improve the effectiveness of command and control
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu:
Against the background of NATO’s military potential building up close to Russia’s borders and the Alliance’s enlargement to include Finland and, in the longer term, Sweden, we have taken steps to strengthen force groupings in the north-western and western strategic directions.
Two strategic territorial formations of the Armed Forces – the Moscow and Leningrad military districts – have been established.
The Presidential Decree dated 26 February 2024 established the military-administrative division of Russia. The military districts are assigned their respective territories. These include new regions of the country.
The measures taken will make it possible to significantly improve the effectiveness of the command and control.
We will continue to improve the composition and structure of the Armed Forces to meet emerging threats to the Russian Federation’s military security.
I would like to recall that last month we finished the comprehensive restoration of the historic building of the Moscow Military District Headquarters, which covers an area of nearly 16,000 sq. m.
The builders have installed modern communications and engineering networks. The façade and historic interiors have been fully preserved.
In this connection, I would like once again to thank Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin for his assistance to the Armed Forces, including in solving the tasks of the special military operation.
Advanced secure communications and visualisation equipment are installed in the District’s control rooms.
⚡️ Russian troops push the enemy to the west
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu:
Following the Ukrainian fighters fleeing the defence centre of Avdeyevka, the Russian Group of Forces prevented the enemy from gaining a foothold on the Petrovskoye-Lastochkino-Severnoye line and continued to push the enemy to the west.
Our military personnel demonstrate courage, bravery, and heroism in performing their duties.
⚡️ IL-212 military transport aircraft with the PD-8 engine is being developed. It will replace the ageing fleet of An-26 and An-72.
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu:
The new transport aircraft will have increased payload capacity and range. It will also be easier to refuel and maintain.
In addition, it will be able to use unpaved and unequipped runways, as well as operate in the Arctic latitudes.
The United Aircraft Corporation has already started work on the development of the aircraft technical design.
The prototype is expected to be manufactured by the end of 2026.
United Engine Corporation ensures the required level of airworthiness of Russian Aerospace Forces grouping involved in special military operation
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu:
According to last year’s results, the Corporation fully complied with the tasks of the state defence order and secured the pre-delivery of some products according to the plans for 2024.
Design services improve the technical and resource characteristics of the engines by using only domestic materials.
Extensive testing of hybrid propulsion systems is underway, which will reduce harmful emissions and significantly improve the fuel efficiency and operational safety of aircraft.
I would like to point out that the achieved capacities of the Corporation’s enterprises ensure the required level of airworthiness of the Russian Aerospace Forces grouping involved in the special military operation.
During the teleconference, the attendees discussed the maintenance of An-124 Ruslan heavy military transport aircraft, including the progress of overhauling the D-18T engines installed on this type of aircraft.
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu:
This task on behalf of the Ministry of Defence is carried out by UZGA, which successfully implements import substitution measures for Ukrainian engine components.
To date, 49 engines have been repaired and put into service.
Repair and modernisation will extend the service life of An-124 aircraft from 20 to 45 years.
Serial production of the Russian D-18T engines is currently being planned and is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
This will increase the volume of air traffic in the interests of the Russian Armed Forces.
Sergei Shoigu congratulates servicewomen on upcoming holiday
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu:
Our meeting is taking place on the eve of the wonderful holiday of 8 March, a holiday dedicated to the beautiful half of humanity.
There is no profession where women have not demonstrated their talents, skills, and ambitions.
The Armed Forces are no exception to this.
Today, there are more than 37,500 women serving in the Armed Forces.
About 270,000 women work in various civilian positions in military organisations and units.
On behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and on my own behalf, I would like to thank all of our wonderful women, our sisters-in-arms, for their conscientious service to the good of our Motherland.
My best wishes for your well-being, reliable support and family wealth.
📑 Opening address by Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu at the special teleconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces
WtR