ZAPAD-83 EXERCISE, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84T00491R000100520001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 18
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 17, 2011
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 1, 1984
• Content Type: MISC

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
imagery analysis report
14 Zapad-83 Exercise, USSR (S)
svcret--
Z-12116/83
IAR-0076/83
JANUARY 1984
copy 44
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Warning Notice
Intelligence Sources or Methods Involved
(WN INTE L)
NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
NOFORN- Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals
NOCONTRACT - Not Releasable to Contractors or
Contractor/Consultants
PROPIN - Caution-Proprietary Information Involved
ORCON - Dissemination and Extraction of Information
Controlled by Originator
REL ... This Information has been Authorized for
Release to ...
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
AA Antiaircraft
ABS (T) Amphibious bridging system (tracked)
APC Armored personnel carrier
ASM Air-to-surface missile
AWACS Airborne warning and control system
Bn Battalion
BRDM Amphibious armored reconnaissance vehicle
CCD Camouflage, concealment, and deception
CHS Combat helicopter squadron
CL Light cruiser
i CVHG Guided missile v/stol aircraft carrier
DD Destroyer
DDG Guided missile destroyer
ECM Electronic countermeasure
FF Frigate
FFG Guided missile frigate
GA Guards army
GMRD Guards motorized rifle division
GTD Guards tank division
ISS Independent security and service
LCMA Air cushion medium landing craft
LCM Medium landing craft
LCUA Air cushion utility landing craft
LCPA Air cushion personnel landing craft
LPD Amphibious assault transport ship
LSM Medium assault amphibious landing ship
LST Amphibious vehicle landing ship
MD Military district
MRR Motorized rifle regiment
MSF Fleet minesweeper
nm Nautical mile
PC Patrol craft
PGG Guided missile patrol combatant
PMP Ponton ribbon bridge
PTGH Hydrofoil missile attack boat
SNA Soviet naval aviation
SNI Soviet naval infantry
SS Attack. submarine
SP Self-propelled
SSG Cruiser missile attack submarine
TA Tank army
VTA Military transport aviation
SECRET
NOFORN
Reverse side blank
- i -
SECRET
WNI NTEL
IAR-0076/83
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
N() P() R N
ZAPAD-83 EXERCISE, USSR (S)
INTRODUCTION
1. This report provides an imagery-derived analysis of Zapad-83-a large scale, Soviet combined
arms exercise conducted in late June and early July 1983. The exercise, staged in Western USSR, was
similar in many,respects to Zapad-81 and, accordingly, has been designated Zapad-83. The Zapad (West-
ern) series of exercises have involved large numbers of Soviet ground, air, and naval forces. The primary
exercise area is in the Baltic and the Belorussian MDs and in the Baltic Sea. (S/WN)
2. This report is divided into three separate sections on ground, air, and naval activity associated
with Zapad-83. Airborne activity is included in the air section, and naval infantry activity is included in the
naval section. Unit designators and subordinations were derived from collateral sources.1-4 This report
contains one location map, one table, and 16 annotated photographs. The information cutoff date is 9
August 1983. (S/WN)
3. Significant Zapad-83 exercise-related activity included the following:
a. The participation of the restructured 120th GMRD at Minsk.
b. The employment of the ABS (T) in a river-crossing exercise at Borisov.
c. The identification of a major command/communications center at Riga.
d. The first observation of FROGFOOT A (possibly in regimental strength in an exercise) at
Vitebsk Airfield Northeast.
e. The first observation of the MAINSTAY A AWACS with an operational unit in an exercise at
Siauliai Airfield.
f. Preparations for a probable airborne/paradrop exercise at Krechevitsy Airfield and Pskov Air-
field.
g. The possible participation of the transport unit at Balice Airfield, Poland.
h. The observation of rehearsal for a major assault on Saltnicken Beach. (S/WN)
DISCUSSION
Ground Forces
4. Ground force units from both the Baltic
and Belorussian MDs participated in Zapad-83
(Figure 1). Eight of ten maneuver divisions in the,
Baltic MD were imaged during the Zapad-83 exer-
cise period. Three of the eight probably partici-
pated in the exercise. Nine of 12 maneuver divi-
sions in the Belorussian MD were imaged during
the exercise period, and one of these probably
participated. In addition, front- and army-level
assets of both MDs were involved in this exercise
or were active' during the exercise period. Units
that probably participated are listed in table 1.
(S/WN)
Significant Ground Forces Activity
5. Major elements of the restructured 120th
GMRD had departed Minsk AL-10 The
120th GMRD had been restructured into a proba-
ble new-type army corps prior to Zapad-83, the
first major field training exercise after the conver-
sion. Participating units included four probable
maneuver brigades (three former MRRs and the
former tank regiment); probable elements of the
artillery and SA-11 regiments; and probably the
signal, reconnaissance, and engineer battalions.
Some of these units probably exercised in the
Borisov area. the restructured 120th
GMRD had returned to garrison, 38 nm southwest
of the Borisov training area. (S/WN)
6. A river-crossing exercise employing two
separate bridging systems, the ABS (T) and the
PMP, was in progress in Borisov Training Area 1
and Range West in the Belorussian
MDI Figure 2). This was the first time that
an operationally deployed ABS (T) was observed
on satellite imagery. The probable new-type army
corps garrisoned at Minsk is the only unit in the
Belorussian MD where the ABS (T) has been
observed, suggesting the presence of probable
army corps elements at the Borisov training area.
(S/WN)
7. Da field command post was in a
wooded area adjacent? to Riga Army Barracks
Ropazi AL-26 Figure 3). The com-
mand post consisted of at least six areas containing
numerous net-covered, signal-associated vehicles.
Also, elements of a probable ISS unit were within
Riga AL-26 (usually occupied by a training MRR)
and in the adjacent training area. 11
cargo trucks, 34 UAZ 69s/469s, 11 buses, and 43
sedans (probably organic to a special-purpose
transport battalion), and 158 squad tents were in
the garrison. Elements of a probable ISS battalion
were in the adjacent training area
Elements included four POL trucks, 28
cargo trucks, 33 van trucks, 20 dual-axle trailers,
7 ei ht squad-size tents, and 26 40-man tents. C
both the command post and the probable ISS
unit were not present. The status of the training
MRR at Riga AL-26 could not be determined
however, elements had returned
(S WN)
8. Imagery Analyst's Comments. Ropazi Joint
Command/Bnk/Hd , a hardened
command and control facility immediately west of
Riga AL-26, probably served as one of the com-
mand centers associated with Zapad-83. The prob-
able ISS unit observed at Riga AL-26
might have temporarily relocated to that facility
Z-12116/83 SECRET
WNINTEL
IA R-0076/83
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
O 2
w ~ FIGURE 1. ZAPAD-83 EXERCISE AREAS AND HOME GARRISONS OF PARTICIPATING UNITS, USSR
Naval (black)
1. Baltiysk
2. Saltnicken Beach
3. Liepaja
4. Riga
Air (red)
1. Haapsalu
Kedainiai
Kazly-Ruda
Kaliningrad/Yezau
Kaliningrad/Lugovoye
Kaliningrad/Proveren
7. Krechevitsy
8. Minsk/Machulishche
9. Siauliai
10. Vitebsk
11. Vasalemma
12. Riga
13. Ostrov/Gorokhovka
14. Baltiysk/Noytif
15. Baranovichi
16. Palpiepai
17. Pskov
Ground (green)
Garrisons
1. Riga
2. Chernyakhovsk
3. Klaipeda
4. Kaliningrad
5. Dolgorukovo
6. Znamensk
7. Sovetsk
8. Minsk
9. Lapel
10. Grodno
Areas
11. Borisov
12. Telsiai
13. Kornevo
14. Kutuzovo
15. Baranovichi
16. Dretun
17. Mamonovo
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 ISS regiment (probable)
Air assault brigade
SCALEBOARD brigade
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
NOFORN
Table 1.
Probable Participating Units in Zapad-83
and Units Active During Exercise Period
Baltic MD
MD Subordinate Units
ECM air defense
battalion
ISS battalion
SCUD brigade
SA-4 brigade
Signal regiment
Ponton bridge regiment
1st GMRD
1 st GTD
Belorussian MD
Early-warning
battalion
battalion
from Riga AL-2, where the Baltic MD subordinate
ISS regiment is,garrisoned. No concurrent imagery
of Riga AL-2 during the exercise period was
available. Upon completion of Zapad-83, the prob-
able ISS unit probably returned to Riga AL-2, its
home garrison,; where the unit was observedC
-7 (S/W N)
Riga Army Bks E AL-2
Chernyakhovsk Army Bks N AL-3
Chernyakhovsk Army Bks N AL-3
Chernyakhovsk Army Bks W AL-8
Klaipeda Army Bks N AL-1
Kaliningrad Bks Sharlottenburg AL-3
Dolgorukovo Tac SSM A Army Bks AL-1
Znamensk Army Bks AL-1/SA-4 Spt Fac
Kaliningrad Army Bks Ponart AL-8
Sovetsk Hq Gds Tk Div A AB AL-2
Kaliningrad Hq Gds MTZ R Div AL-7/SAM
Kaliningrad Hq Tk Div A AB AL-4
Grodno Army Bks E AL-1
Grodno Army Bks AL-2
I
Grodno Army Bks E AL-1
probable howitzer battery, one GAZ-66 multiple
rocket launcher battery, one AA gun battery, and
approximately 45 trucks were absent from open
storage. Increased levels of activity in the facility
probably represented exercise prepara-
tions. (S/WN)
10. SCALEBOARD training was in
progress at Chernyakhovsk Tac SSM Training Area
Activity in the Baltic MD
9. MD Subordinate Units. The air assault
brigade housed at Chern akhovsk AL-3 had de-
parted garrison I By that date, one
Z-12116/83
The SCALEBOARD brigade is
housed at Chernyakhovsk AL-3. An ECM jamming
battalion was absent from open storage at Cherny-
akhovsk AL-8 on the same date. The battalion has
been out of garrison S/WN)
(Continued p. 6)
WNINTEL
IAR-0076/83
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Iq
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
NOFORN
11. Elements of the 3rd GMRD probably
participated in Zapad-83. at least 17
BTR-60 APCs were in convoy formation in a
subordinate MRR at Telsiai Army Bks AL-1 F_
These elements had probably lus
returned to garrison. In another subordinate MRR,
at Klaipeda AL-1, the atypical parking arrangement
of the BTR-70 APCs (Figure 4) suggested that the
unit might have participated in Zapad-83-associ-
ated activity. (S/WN)
12. Activity in the 11th GA. High levels of
activity were observed throughout the 11th GA in
the Baltic MD during the Zapad-83 exercise peri-
od. two convoys consisting of approxi-
mately 20 vehicles were in the ISS battalion at
Kaliningrad AL-3. Lower than normal activity levels
at Kaliningrad AL-8 suggested that elements of the
signal regiment had departed garrison. (S/WN)
13. elements of an SA-4 brigade
were in convoy, departing Znamensk AL-1. In
addition, SCUD missile training was in progress in
the deployment area adjacent to Dolgrukovo AL-1.
two ponton bridge companies were
missing from open storage in the ponton bridge
regiment housed at Sovetsk AL-2. The ponton
bridge companies were present
(S/WN)
14. I elements of the 1st GTD at
Kaliningrad AL-4 and Kaliningrad Army Barracks
AL-16 were departing or preparing
to depart garrison. At Kaliningrad AL-4, a motor-
ized rifle battalion was in convoy immediately
outside the installation. Vehicles had been re-
moved from storage in the MRR, the SA-6A
regiment, the engineer battalion, and the signal
battalion (Figure 5). At Kaliningrad AL-16, a 122mm
Howitzer D-30 battalion and numerous support
vehicles had been removed from covered storage.
two tank regiments were departing
from Kornevo Army Barracks AL-1
at Mamonovo Army Bks AI-2 E I, the
tank regiment was out of garrison. In addition, a
train carrying armored vehicles was in a nearby rail
yard at Mamonovo. (S/WN)
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
v
25X1
25X1
25X1
-6-
SECRET
WNINTEL
IAR-0076/83
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
iynFnRN
15. Elements of the 1st GMRD probably also
participated in Zapad-83 elements of
the tank regiment housed at Dolgrukovo AL-1
were being loaded onto railroad flatcars. Two
loading ramps were used.0 elements of
the other two divisional MRRs at Kaliningrad AL-7
had returned to garrison. Vehicles and equipment
were being prepared for storage on that date.
(S/W N)
16. Command/Communication Activity. On
a command post was identified in Kutuzovo
AR/SAM Mnvr Tng Area 1 Vehi-
cles and equipment included one deployed TWIN
PLATE set, two TWIN PLATE sets in travel mode, 20
van trucks, and six tents. (S/WN)
17. Activity in Training Areas.
MRR elements were bivouacked in Kaliningrad
Training Area SE 4 and a PMP
ribbon bridge was deployed across a river near
Znamensk AR/SAM MNVR Tng Area
Elements of an SA-6A regiment and a tank
Tank training included a battalion-size unit 25X1
mix of two tank companies and one BMP- 25X1
equipped motorized rifle company. Kaliningrad
Training Area SE 4 and Znamensk training area are
army-/MD-level training areas commonly used by 25X1
11th GA subordinate units. (S/WN)
Activity in the Belorussian MD
18. In addition to the probable participation
of the former 120th GMRD in Zapad-83, high
levels of activity were observed in both the 7th 25X1
Tank Arm and the 28th Army of the Belorussian 25X1
MD. the 7th Tank Army SCUD brigade 25X1
was deployed outside of Lepel AL-7. This training,
late in the Zapad-83 exercise period, might have
been part of the normal training cycle. (S/WN)
25X1
19. Olow levels of activity in the ISS
battalion and in the radio relay battalion of the 25X1
28th Army at Grodno AL-1 indicated that major
elements of those units were out of garrison. At 25X1
Grodno AL-2, elements of the early-warning bat- 25X1
25X1
2~DA1
-8-
SECRET
WNINTEL
IAR-0076/83
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84TOO491 R0001 00520001-9
SECRET
NOFORN
13 squad tents ,(possibly for reserve personnel)
observed on a parade fieldE7---] were no
longer present (S/WN)
20. Command/Communication Activity.
Preparations for Zapad-83 were in progress at
Borisov Army Training Area 1 and Range West on
Equipment included nine electronics van
trucks with duali axle trailers, six electronics van
trucks with single-axle trailers, at least 15 addi-
tional electronics, van trucks, and 11 tents. (S/WN)
21. command post activity was
identified at Dretun Army Training Area
and at Minsk Army Training Area Uruchye
TA 1 The command post at Dretun
consisted of a probable PARK DRIVE communica-
tions satellite station, five electronics van trucks,
two electronics van trailers, and at least two large
electronics van trailers. At least four vehicles were
within a visibility screen. The command post at
Minsk consisted of at least eight signal van trucks
and 20 tents (six large, nine medium, and five
small). (S/WN)
22. a communications unit was I)tixl
deployed at Baranovichi Tng Area Lesnaya SW= 25X1
Equipment consisted of three opera- 25X1
tionally deployed TWIN PLATE sets, one TWIN
PLATE set in travel mode (Figure 6), five trucks,
four buses, 13 sedans/UAZ-69s, and six tents. A
nearby communications equipment deployment
contained a possible satellite communications sta-
tion, three TWIN EAR sets, three TWIN EAR mast
trucks in travel mode, and several support vehi-
cles. (S/WN)
23. Activity in Training Areas.0 at 25X1
least two batteries of probable SP guns, support 25X1
vehicles, and 20 tents were at Dretun Army Train- 25X1
ing Area. elements of a tank regiment 25X1
were deployed at Baranovichi Training Area (Fig-
ure 7). The garrison area at Baranovichi, housing
elements of the 46th GTD, was not imaged. Addi-
tional probable exercise-associated activity =
= included SA-4 brigade elements on several
trains at Brest RR Of Yard Vostochnyy
-9-
SECRET
sloading Yard Severnyy
WNINTEL
IAR-0076/83
25X1
25X1
25X1
LZDAI
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84TOO491 R0001 00520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
NCFO RN
Air Forces
24. Activity probably related to Zapad-83 was
observed at 17 Soviet airfields. One Polish airfield
might also have been involved in the exercise.
(S/WN)
25. Soviet aircraft participating in the exer-
cise included BACKFIRE B, BADGER, BLINDER,
FENCER, FITTER, FLOGGER, FISHBED, CANDID,
CUB, COOT A, MAIL, HIND, HIP, HAZE A, and
HOPLITE. Polish aircraft that possibly participated
in the exercise included COKE/CURL and CRATE.
(S/WN)
26. Soviet airfields that probably participated
in Zapad-83 included:
Baltiysk/Noytif Airfield
Baranovichi Airfield
Haapsalu Airfield
Kaliningrad/Lugovoye
Heliport
Kaliningrad/Proveren
Airfield
Kaliningrad/Yezau Airfield
Kazly-Ruda Airfield
Kedainiai Airfield
Krechevitsy Airfield
Minsk/Machulishche
Airfield
Ostrov/Gorokhovka
Airfield
Palpiepai Airfield
Pskov Airfield
Riga Airfield West
Siauliai Airfield
Vasalemma Airfield
Vitebsk Airfield Northeast
(S WN
27. Balice Airfield I Iwas the
Polish airfield possibly involved in Zapad-83.
(S/WN)
service vehicles were nearby. The MAINSTAY A
probably came from Akhtubinsk Flight Test Center
where the MAINSTAY A AWACS
test program has been in progress since August
1980. The MAINSTAY A was not observed on
subsequent coverage of Siauliai Airfield. The
MAINSTAY A had returned to Akhtubinsk
~S/W N)
30. Other probable exercise-associated activ-
ity was also observed at Siauliai Airfield.
additional communications equipment was
o served at the TWIN DISH troposcatter site on
the northeastern edge of the airfield. One TWIN
EAR troposcatter set, one probable TWIN EAR,
and one R-400/404 radio relay set has arrived since
a FENCER fighter/bomber
regiment (Figure 10) was present. Fifteen FENCERs
were on a fueling apron, and 17 were on a
dispersal taxiway. All FENCERS were uploaded with
long-range auxiliary fuel tanks. Also, one CANDID
and only two of the normal corn lement of 15 to
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1,
25X1
25 CUBs were present The missing 25X1
CUBs were subsequently identified at Kedainiai
Airfield. CCD activity was also underway at Siauliai
Camouflage netting had been placed 25X1
over a revetment containing the electronics and
support equipment usually associated with the air-
defense zone command post. In addition, a bi-
vouac with one large and 33 small personnel tents
was at the airfield. (S/WN)
31. Activity appeared to be returning to nor-
mal at Siauliai Airfield the day after the
exercise had been completed. The FENCER regi-
ment was not observed in the cloud-free areas of
the airfield, and a convoy of electronics and
support vehicles (the types normally associated
with an air-defense zone command post) was
forming, probably preparing to depart. The CUB
regiment was still absent (S/WN)
32. Possible airborne/paradrop-associated ac-
tivity was in progress at Krechevits Airfield (Figure
Frontal Aviation and VTA Activity
28. ROGFOOT A, in possible
regimental strength (22 aircraft), had deployed to
Vitebsk Airfield Northeast, a VTA Airfield in the
Belorussian MD (Figure 8). Twenty-one FROG-
FOOT As were on an apron normally occupied by
CANDIDs, and one was on the parallel taxiway; at
least 12 FROGFOOT As were canvas/net covered.
The FROGFOOT As probably deployed from Sital
Chay Airfield a training base
where a new FROGFOOT unit has been forming.
Twenty-seven FROGFOOT As were at Sital Chay
This was the second Zapad exercise in
which FROGFOOT As have participated. During
Zapad-81, two FROGFOOT As were also temporar-
ily deployed to Vitebsk, apparently to participate
in the exercise. A normal complement of 25
CANDIDs was observed at Vitebsk
(S/WN)
29. One MAINSTAY A AWACS aircraft (Fig-
ure 9) was at Siauliai Airfield in the Baltic MD on
Siauliai Airfield normally houses the only
MOSS early-warning unit in the USSR. The MAIN-
STAY A was parked on a hardstand normally
associated with the MOSS. Several maintenance/
25X1
25X1
11) and at Pskov Airfield
Each airfield
25X1
houses a VTA CANDID regiment in he Leningrad
25X1
MD and is associated with the 76th Guards Air-
borne Division. At Krechevitsy Airfield, 27 vehi-
cles, eight possible pallet carriers, and at least 300
troops in formation were in three CANDID revet-
ments/hardstands at the northeastern end of the
parallel taxiway. At least 140 two-man tents were
near the dispersal taxiway. The normal comple-
ment of 25 CANDIDs was observed. (S/WN)
33. At Pskov Airfield, preflight/postflight ac-
t
ss on t it 12 of the 21
r r
; e
ivy was in pog a
CANDIDs observed in the cloud-free areas of the 25X1
airfield. Possible exercise-related activity was also
in progress at Pskov Airfield when 35 25X17
CANDIDs were present; a count of 25 to 29
CANDIDs is normal. Twenty-five CANDIDs were
present on subsequent coverages Six
CANDIDs, which might have come from Pskov
Airfield, were at Baranovichi Airfield on 25 June.
CANDIDs are not normally observed at Baranovi-
chi Airfield, which supports a BLINDER ASM regi-
ment subordinate to the Smolensk Air Army and a
FOXBAT counter-air regiment subordinate to the
Belorussian MD. (S/WN)
(Continued p. 14)
-10-
Z-12116/83 SECRET
WNINTEL
IA R -0076/83
25X1
GJ..1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Iq
Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
NOFORN
34. Major elements of the Polish transport
regiment (five COKEs/CURLs and three CRATEs)
had departed Balice Airfield by 14 June. Normal
complements of nine to ten COKEs/CURLs and
three to five CRATEs were present
Balice Airfield houses the only transport regiment
in Poland and supports the 6th Airborne Division
at Krakow. The aircraft had returned the
third day of Zapad-83. None of the aircraft from
Balice were observed at another airfield during the
Zapad-83 exercise. (S/WN)
35. A FISHBED regiment (40 aircraft) was at
Vasalemma Airfield in the Baltic MD
This regiment has been deployed at Vasalemma
but was not present it
has not been determined from which airfield the
FISHBED regiment originated. (S/WN)
36. One CUB was observed in the cloud-free
areas of Kazly-Ruda AirfieldAircraft are
not normally observed at Kazly-Ruda, in the Baltic
MD and associated with the 7th Guards Airborne
Division headquartered at Kaunus, 12 nm east-
northeast of the airfield. (S/WN)
37. Major elements of the attack helicopter
regiment (19 HINDs and two HIPs), absent from
Kaliningrad/Yezau Airfield had re-
turned The missing aircraft might have
been at Pa piepai Airfield, an alternate/dispersal
airfield in the Baltic Fleet Air Force, where 22
HIND Ds and nine HIP Cs/Es were observed=
(S/WN)
38. The CHS normally observed at Kalinin-
grad/Lugovoye Heliport was not present
The CHS-consisting of six HINDs, six HIPs, and 15
HOPLITEs-was present in April. This CHS proba-
bly supports the 1st Guards Motorized Rifle Divi-
sion of the 11th Guards Army. (S/WN)
SNA Activity
39. Eight BACKFIRE Bs, five BLINDERs, and
only 18 BADGERs were observed at Ostrov/Goro-
khovka Airfield (most of the BADGER
parking areas were cloud-free on that date). A
normal complement of 52 BADGERs was present
The BLINDERs probably came from
Kaliningrad/Proveren Airfield, where five were
missing the BACKFIRE Bs possibly
came from Bykhov Airfield, approximately 250 nm
north-northeast. One BADGER squadron (12 air-
craft) possibly deployed to Minsk/Machulishche
Airfield, where the aircraft were observed
seven BACKFIRE Bs, two BLIND-
ERs, and 14 BADGERs were discernible in the
cloud-free areas at Ostrov/Gorokhovka Airfield.
the BACKFIRE Bs and BLINDERs had
departed, and the BADGER regiment had returned
to normal size, with 51 aircraft present. (S/WN)
40. one BADGER squadron and
seven CUBs were at Minsk/Machulishche Airfield,
which supports a BLINDER ASM regiment subordi-
nate to the Smolensk Air Army and a FLOGGER B
regiment subordinate to the Belorussian MD.
BADGERs are not normally at this airfield, and
CUBs are occasionally seen. Neither the BADGERs
nor the CUBs were discernible in cloud-free areas
of the airfield (S/WN)
41. Seventeen BLINDERs and 26 FITTERs
were at Kaliningrad/Proveren Airfield
and only 14 BLINDERs and 24 FITTERs were ob-
served in cloud-free areas of the airfield I
25X1
= At least seven HIP transport helicopters, not 25X1
usually observed there, were also present. The
missing BLINDERs probably deployed to Os-
trov/Gorokhovka Airfield, where five were ob- 25X1
served The status of the missing 25X1
FITTERs could not be determined. Activit at
Kaliningrad/Proveren had returned to normal 25X1
= when the normal complement of 19 BLIND- 25X1
ERs and 38 FITTERs was observed. (S/WN)
42. one COOT A and 14 HIPs/ 25X1
HAZEs were at Riga Airfield West, an SNA-associ-
ated airfield which supports a MAY ASW squadron
subordinate to the Baltic Fleet Air Forces. The
COOT A and HIPs/HAZEs, not normally seen at 25X1
Riga Airfield West, have arrived 25X1
one COOT A and four HIPs/HAZEs were in 25X1
cloud-free areas of the airfield. aircraft 25X1
counts had returned to normal, with four MAYs 25X1
and one CUB present. (S/WN)
43. ASW aircraft deployed to Haapsalu Air-
field in the Leningrad MDO when eight
MAILs (two not on graphic; Figure 12) were
observed. These aircraft probably deployed from
Baltiysk/Noytif Airfield, which supports a MAIL
ASW squadron subordinate to the Baltic Fleet Air 25X1
Force and where only three MAILs were present 25X1
Eleven MAILs, a normal count, were at 25X1
Baltiysk/Noytif on subsequent imagery 25X1
(S/WN) 25X1
25X1
Naval Forces
44. From mid-June to early July, amphibious
warfare ships, surface and patrol combatants, a
variety of submarines, and the SNI brigade of the
Baltic Fleet participated in Zapad-83. Almost all of
the rehearsal landings in late June culminated in a
major assault on Saltnicken Beach (north of Balti-
ysk), Baltiysk Naval Infantry Training Area
been completed
The exercise had
25X1
25X1
25X1
Amphibious Operations
45. Preparations for the exercise began in 25X1
mid-June, when an unusually large number of
amphibious warfare ships were at Baltiysk Naval 25X1
Base Figure 13). these 25X1
ships included an Ivan Rogov LPD (Figure 14), the
largest and most capable amphibious warfare ship
in the Soviet Navy; five Ropucha LSTs; two Alliga- )till
tor LSTs; 16 Polnocny LSMs; seven LCUAs; four 25X1
Lebed LCMAs; nine Gus LCPAs (Figure 15); and six
LCMs. Unlike Zapad-81, there was little participa-
25X1
tion by the Black and Northern Fleets in the
Zapad-83 exercise. The only Soviet non-Baltic Fleet
ship observed participating in the exercise was a
Ropucha class LST from the Northern Fleet. 25X1
(S/WN)
46. 0 a major sortie of amphibious
ships and surface/patrol combatant-including at
least five Aist/LCUs, at least five Ropucha LSTs,
two Alligator LSTs, and five Polnocny LSMs-had
departed Baltiysk for the Zapad-83 exercise. In a
related movement, two East German Frosch LSTs
(Figure 16), which deployed to Riga Naval Base 25X1
and Shipyard Bolderaja in late 7rX1
June, had departed for the exercise :25X1
East European ships
These units were the only
- 14-
SECRET
WNINTEL
IA R-0076/83
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
SECRET
NOFORN
observed in Zapad-83. The main landings during
Zapad-83 involved conventional assault ships and
air cushion landing craft. Several amphibious war-
fare ships and part of their escort force were
observed dead in the water off Baltiysk
Their decks were empty, indicating that the had been completed. (S/WN)
Surface and Patrol Combatant Activity
47. A number of surface and patrol combat-
ants participated in Zapad-83. a
Kotlin DDG, a modified Kildin DD, a Riga FF, and
two Nanuchka PGGs departed Liepaja Naval Base
Winter Harbor probably to sup-
port a landing rehearsal. With the exception of the
Riga FF, these ships returned to Liepaja the next
day. (S/WN)
48. a significant
number of surface and patrol combatants de-
parted the Baltiysk area. This sortie consisted of a
Sverdlov CL, a Modified Kashin DDG, a Krivak-II
FFG, and a Krivak-I FFG. This force represented a
very strong mix of capabilities-with the Sverdlov's
twelve 152mm guns providing fire support, the
Modified Kashin providing air defense, and the
Krivak roviding the ASW screen. In addition, by
two Nanuchka PGG, a Poti PC, and a T-43
MSF had left Liepaja Naval Base Winter Harbor.
These vessels probably provided additional sup-
port for the amphibious ships. A probable aggres-
sor force, used to attack the amphibious ships and
their escorts, left Baltiysk Missile PT Boat Base and
Shipyard Kamstigal ) during the
same time. This force consisted of two Tarantul-II
(Band Stand Radome/SS-N-2C equipped) PGGs,
one Tarantul-I PGG, two Nanuchka PGGs, and five
Matka PTGHs. Most of these vessels had returned
to their respective bases (S/WN)
Submarine Activity
49. Submarines frequently participate in am-
phibious-oriented exercises like Zapad-83. Subma-
rines are used as aggressor units, and their move-
ments can indicate major exercises. Six WHISKEY
SSs left Liepaja Naval Base
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
and were probably involved in the rehearsal exer-
cise. Four of these submarines had returned to
Liepaja three 25X1
WHISKEY SSs again departed the base, probably in
time for the main landings at Saltnicken Beach,
A JULIETT SSG, also
probably involved in the exercise, had left Liepaja
Winter Harbor) and had returned
(S/WN)
Aircraft Carrier Activity
50. Unlike Zapad-81, no Soviet aircraft carri-
ers were involved in Zapad-83. Since the Baltic
Fleet does not have an assigned aircraft carrier, the
carrier subordinate to the Northern Fleet has been
utilized in the past. The Kiev CVHG, subordinate
to the Northern Fleet, was undergoing a major
overhaul at Nikolayev in the Black Sea during the 25X1
exercise and was unavailable to participate in
Zapad-83. Its replacement, the recently completed
Novorossiysk CVHG, had just completed a transit
from the Black Sea to the North and was also
unavailable to participate in Zapad-83. (S/WN)
Soviet Naval Infantry
51. The SNI brigade at Baltiysk Naval Infantry
Installation was preparing to de-
part the facility when twelve PT-76
light amphibious tanks and seven BRDMs were
staging in the central portion of the installation.
Elements of the 122mm SP artillery battalion (Fig-
ure 17) were staging as well. Two bivouac areas
were established north of the installation. Nine
tracked amphibious transporters, two radio relay
vans, and eight tents were in one of the bivouac
areas, and six radio relay vans, four generators,
three cargo trucks and two tents were in the other
bivouac area, elements of the brigade
were departing. Two convoys, with approximately
50 vehicles, were in front of the shed at the vehicle
storage area. The SNI brigade had departed the
orlyl
25X1
installation for the exercise a
25X1
BTR-60 company was near the beach. The SNI
brigade had returned to garrison
( ~
(S/WN)
25X1
1. NPIC. IAR-0036/83, Z-12046/83, Major Restructuring of Combat Maneuver Divisions at Kyakhta and Minsk, ,
USSR (5), May 83 (SECRET/NOFORN 25X1
2. DIA. DDB-1100-373-83, Warsaw Pact Ground Force Structure Troop List Western TVD (U), Volume V, Apr 83
(SECRET/NOFORN) P
(Extracted information is SECRET/NOFORN 25X1
3. DIA. DDB-1300-101-83, Air Order of Battle, Volume 1, USSR and Eastern Europe (U), Apr 83 (SECRET/NO-
FOR N)
(Extracted information is SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
4. Soldat Und Technik, Marz 83, pp. 123-3 (UNCLASSIFIED)
- 16 - WNINTEL
Z-12116/83 SECRET IA R-0076/83
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied
Iq
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9
Secret
Secret
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/17: CIA-RDP84T00491 R000100520001-9