DISPOSITION OF SOVIET GROUND FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84T00491R000101600001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 19
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 1, 1984
• Content Type: MISC

~' I VIII' I ~jlll~ I II I
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NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
imagery analysis report
Disposition of Soviet Ground
Forces in Afghanistan as of
(S)
Z-14018/84
IAR-0009/84
MARCH 1984
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Intelligence Sources or Methods Involved
(WN INTE L)
NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
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NOFORN
DISPOSITION OF SOVIET GROUND FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN
is)
1. This report updates NPIC re ort Z-14522/82 and reflects changes in the status and disposition of
Soviet ground forces in Afghanistan It further contributes to the satisfaction of
community re uirements for more definitive data on Soviet group order of battle in Afghanistan. This
rport, containing four photographs, two tables, an one map,
OVERVIEW
2. The disposition and subordination of major Soviet combat units in Afghanistan has remained
essentially unchanged since early 1982 (Figure 1, Table 1, and Table 2). The airborne units, however, have
.been extensively upgraded and augmented with equipment designed to increase their firepower, maneu-
verability, and survivability. Other developments during this period include continued upgrades of
equipment in motorized rifle, reconnaissance and artillery units;
deployment of a new, large security unit, a new
security battalion, two new probable KGB border security units, and an airborne unit; and relocation of
two special purpose forces (Spetznaz) units and two airborne battalions. In addition, imagery analysis has
confirmed the motorized rifle regiment (MRR)/brigade at Kandahar Soviet MRR Bivouac as being an
independent unit. (S/WN)
DISCUSSION
Equipment Upgrades and Augmentation
3. BMD M-1981/2 self-propelled guns/mortars, variants of the BMD airborne amphibious armored
personnel carrier (APC), were delivered to several airborne units in Afghanistan during this period. One
BMD M-1981/2 battalion (18 BMD M-1981/2s and 3 to 5 BMD M-1979 command variants) and one battery
(six BMD M-1981/2s and one BMD M-1979) were first identified in Afghanistan with the airborne units at
Kabul International Airfield (Figure 2) and Bagram Airfield, respectively, In
addition, the airborne battalion deployed to Anawa Garrison site in the Panjser Valley in July 1982
included one firing section (three BMD M-1981/2s and one BMD M-1979). A second BMD M-1981/2
battalion was deployed to Kabul International Airfield in November 1982. This battalion departed Kabul
in early January 1983 and was probably dispersed in firing sections to various airborne units throughout
the country. BMD M-1981/2 firing sections were subsequently observed with airborne units at Kabul
Royal Palace at Farah Airfield at Bost Airfield0 and at Kabul
International Airfield Elements of a third BMD M-1981/2 battalion, observed at Khairabad
Transshipment Point were seen departing Khairabad
the Soviet units at Gardez New Airfield and Hesarak Soviet Camp had each received a battery of
BMD M-1981/2s. Prior to its introduction in Afghanistan, the BMD M-1981/2 had been seen only in the
Soviet Union. (S/WN)
4. All of the airborne battalions and regiments were upgraded with larger and more heavily
armored APCs during the period. In two airborne battalions organic to the independent MRR/brigades at
Kandahar Soviet MRR Bivouac and at Jalalabad Army Camp Soviet Bivouac 3, the BMP M-1981 completely
replaced the BMD by October 1982. The BMP M-1981, which mounts a 30mm automatic cannon in a
large two-man turret,2 was reported as being in Afghanistan as early as April 1981 but was first seen
deployed with airborne units in March 1982. At Kabul Barracks Regiment and Battalion Headquarters and
(r-nntinned n. 13)
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USSR
147 QbULLBAIHAH CHAGASARY f
APA
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SEC RET/WNIrjIgL
70'
L
100
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` ".~J~SHER KHAN ~..~ 1 I
CHARIKAR 19 SEHSADA /'
KABUL 22
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--CHINA
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NnFnanl
Table 1.
Deployment of Soviet Ground Forces in Afghanistan as of 31 December 1983
(Items keyed to Figure 1)
1 Sheberghan Soviet
Deployment
3 Mazer E Sharif Soviet
Bivouac
B Kholm Soviet Bivouac
South
C Kholm Bivouac Area
5 Sher Khan Pt Facs
6A Kunduz Airfield
B Kunduz Deployment Area
North
7A Talo ac Area
B Taloqan Army Barracks
BA Yangi Qala Security Post
Derived from referenced documents 4-6
New units or unit changes since Feb 82 are shown in bold type.
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR-70/60PB and BMP
equipped)
Two motorized rifle companies
(BTR-70/60PB equipped)
Heavy lift unit**
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR-70/60PB and BMP
equipped)
Elements of MRR (BTR-70/
60PB equipped)
Probable KGB border security
unit
Two motorized rifle companies have been
on perimeter defense since Jan 83
and are possibly from Termez Army Bks
AL 3 the PMP/PPS
bridge unit reported in Feb 82 departed
in Nov 82; the heavy lift unit was
newly identified in Jun 83; two security
battalions, present from Mar to May 83,
are probably deployed on road security
missions from Khairabad to Kabul
Unit relocated here from Kholm Bivouac
Area in Mar 82
Unit, present since May 82, was
newly identified in Jul 83
201st MRD headquarters
MAR (BMP M-1981/BMP
equipped) less one
battalion
Antiaircraft artillery regiment
(S-60 equipped)
Chemical battalion
Elements of signal battalion
Medical battalion
Construction battalion
Security battalion (BTR-70/
60PB and BRDM-2 equipped)
Multiple rocket launcher (MRL)
battalion (BM-21 equipped)
Artillery battalion (122mm
howitzer D-30 equipped)
Engineer battalion
Elements of signal battalion
Motor transport battalion
Maintenance battalion
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR-70 and BMP equipped)
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR-70 and BMP
equipped)
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR 70/60PB and BMP
equipped)
One RKH-M chemical, biological, radio-
logical reconnaissance vehicle was iden-
tified with chemical battalion in Feb 83;
security battlion was newly identified in
Mar 82
Motorized rifle company reported in Feb
82 is no longer present
Unit newly identified in Jul 83 is
associated with probable KGB border
security unit at Chah E Ab Security Post
Unit newly identified in Jul 83 is
associated with probable KGB border
security unit at Yangi Qala Security Post
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Table 1. (cont'd)
13 Pol E Khomri Soviet
Deployment Area
14 Jabal Os Saraj
Army Camp Soviet
Elements of MRR (BMP
equipped)
Security battalion (BTR-70/
60PB and BRDM-2 equipped)
Motorized rifle battalion
(BMP equipped)
Elements of motorized rifle
battalion (BMP equipped)
Spetznaz unit consisting of:
Motorized rifle battalion
(BTR-70, BMP M-1981/BMP
and BMD equipped)
Artillery battery (D-30 equipped)
Antiaircraft artillery battery
(ZSU-23/4 equipped)
Elements of tank company
Probable pipelaying battalion
MRR (BTR-70/60PB
equipped)
Medical unit
Motor transport regiment
Elements of troposcatter
communications battalion
MRR (BTR-70/60PB
equipped) less one
battalion
MRL battery (BM-21
equipped)
Road security company
Elements of radio and radar
intercept company
Airborne battalion (BTR-70
and BMD equipped)
Artillery battery (D-30 equipped)
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Spetznaz unit consisting of:
Motorized rifle battalion
(BTR-70/60PB, BMD, and
BMP equipped)
Artillery battery
(M-30 equipped)
Antiaircraft artillery battery
(ZSU-23/4 equipped)
Elements of tank company
Security battalion has been present but
not reported since Jan 80
Unit has been present since at least
Aug 82
Motorized rifle company was reported in
Feb 82 and has been battalion-sized
since at least Sep 82
Units were newly identified in Aug 82
after relocating from Aqcheh Soviet
BTR-70s were confirmed with MRR in
Apr 83; TWIN DISH troposcatter
antennas have been in operation
with troposcatter battalion since
Aug 82
Regimental artillery battalion was up-
graded with MT-LB tracked prime
movers in Aug 82; road security
company was identified here in
May 83; reconnaissance battalion
reported in Feb 82 is no longer
present; radio and radar intercept
company was present but not
reported in Feb 82
Spetznaz unit was identified in Jun 82
after relocating from Maimana Airfield
during Panjser V in Jun 82; unit
vacated garrison in Mar 83 and
relocated to Golbahar Complex
Garrison was established during Panjser V
in Jun 82 with at least one motorized
rifle battalion, elements of one 152mm
self-propelled gun battalion, one D-30
battalion and a motor transport unit;
these units vacated garrison in early
Jul 82; present units were identified
in late Jul 82; BMD M-1981/2 firing
section has been present since Jul 82
Unit was newly identified in Nov 83;
it had relocated from Rohka Garrison
Site in Mar 83
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Table 1. (cont'd)
B Bagram Soviet Barracks
Area
Airborne regiment
(BTR-70 and BMD equipped)
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Antitank guided missile (ATGM)
battery
Antiaircraft missile and artillery
battery
Elements of SA-8 regiment (two
batteries)
Medical battalion
Motor transport battalion
Security battalion
Elements of tracked and wheeled
vehicle maintenance regiment
Elements of radio and radar
reconnaissance company
108th MRD headquarters
Elements of tank regiment
Reconnaissance battalion
Chemical battalion
Signal battalion
Motor transport battalion
Elements of engineer battalion
Artillery battery (D-30 equipped)
MRL battery (BM-21
equipped)
Two airborne companies
(BMD equipped)
Elements of one airborne
artillery battery (D-30
equipped)
40th Army headquarters
TAC air headquarters
MRR (BMP M-1981/BMP
equipped)
Elements of SA-8 SAM regiment
(3 batteries)
Two signal regiments
TAC air signal regiment
ECM communication jamming
battalion
Communications relay battalion
Independent security service
battalion
Motor transport battalion
MRR (BTR-70/60PB
equipped)
Elements of artillery regiment
(152mm SP gun M-1973
and D-30 equipped)
MRL battery (BM-21
equipped)
Signal Unit
Vehicle maintenance battalion
Elements of construction battalion
Airborne unit (nine BMD M-1979)
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One BMD M-1981/2 battery was identi-
fied in Mar 82; one BMD M-1981/2
firing section is currently deployed
at Anawa Garrison Site; airborne
regiment was partially equipped
with BTR-70s in Apr 82; one
SA-8 battery was reported in
Feb 82; one additional battery
has been present since May 82;
elements of radio and radar
reconnaissance company were
present but not reported in Feb 82
One PARK DRIVE mobile satellite
communications station was deployed
here from mid-Jan 82 to Feb 83; MRL
battery was deployed in May 82;
chemical battalion returned from
Kabul International Airfield in Jul 82;
reconnaissance battalion was upgraded
with BMP M-1981s in Oct 82
The remainder of this battalion is
at Bagram Soviet Barracks Area
Artillery battery has been present
since Nov 81; its presence
was not reported in Feb 82
Omsk computer/electronic van trailer was
identified in Apr 83; communications
relay battalion and independent
security service battalion were
identified in Jul 83 but have been
present since at least Feb 82; motor
transport unit has been present
since Feb 82; regimental artillery
battalion was upgraded wih MT-LBs
in Apr 82
Signal unit possibly includes elements
of divisional signal battalion and
has been present but not reported since
Jan 82; artillery regiment was upgraded
with MT-LBs in May 82 and D-30s
in May 83; two BM-21 batteries
were present until Sep 82; airborne
unit has been present since Mar 83
and probably is liaison between 108th
MRD and 103rd Airborne Division
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Table 1. (cont'd)
C Kabul Bks Reg A Bn
Hq A Sch Bala Hisar
F Kabul International
Airfield
Repair Shop
B Jalalabad Army Camp
Soviet Bivouac 3
Elements of one airborne regiment
to include one BMD-equipped
airborne battalion, one
BTR-70-equipped airborne
battalion, and one airborne
regiment headquarters unit
Security battalion
Airborne battalion
(BTR-70 and BMD equipped)
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
103rd Airborne Division headquarters
Airborne regiment (BTR-70 and BMD
equipped)
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Elements of airborne assault gun
battalion (ASU-85 and T-62 tank
equipped)
Elements of airborne artillery
regiment
Medical battalion
Transportation and
maintenance battalion
Motor transport unit
Elements of one construction
battalion
Antiaircraft missile and
artillery battery
Airborne battalions were reequipped with
BTR-70s in Apr 82; one additional
airborne battalion from Kabul Ministry
of Nat Defense A Bk~
was present from Jun through
Dec 82
One PARK DRIVE mobile satellite commu-
nications station was newly identified
in Jan 83; one KH-1 computer/
electronics van trailer was newly
identified in Sep 82; one
WOOD SINE mobile satellite
communication station was newly
identified in Jun 83
Airborne battalion was partially equipped
with BTR-70s in Apr 82; BMD M-
1981/2 firing section, newly identified in
May 83, had been present since Jan 83
BMD M-1981/2 battalion was newly
identified with the airborne artillery
regiment in Mar 82; one additional
BMD M-1981/2 firing section was
newly identified with airborne regiment
in May 83; one additional BMD M-
1981/2 battalion was present from
Nov 82 to Jan 83; airborne
regiment was partially equipped
with BTR-70s in Apr 82; 15 T-62
medium tanks have been with the air-
borne assault gun battalion since Jan 83;
motor transport unit was newly identi-
fied in Jun 82; transportation and
maintenance battalion was present
but not reported in Feb 82
Elements of tank company
Elements of two motorized rifle
companies
Artillery battery (D-30
equipped)
Elements of antiaircraft missile
and artillery battery
Security battalion
MRR (BMP M-1981/BMP
equipped) less two
battalions
Airborne battalion
(BMP M-1981 equipped)
MRL battery (BM-21
equipped)
Medical unit
Units were newly identified in Oct 82; this
is a permanent installation, not a
training area
All units are on perimeter defense;
the artillery battery and antiaircraft
unit have been present since at least
Feb 82; the motorized rifle
battalion reported in Feb 82 is no
longer present
BMP M-1981s replaced BMDs in airborne
battalion in Oct 82; the MRL battery
and medical unit have been
present since at least Feb 82
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Table 1. (cont'd)
24 Chagasary Complex
25 Hesarak Soviet Camp
26 Gardez New Airfield
28A Kandahar Soviet MRR
Bivouac
B Kandahar Airfield
International
30 Gereshk Soviet Bivouac
Area
Motorized rifle battalion
(BMP equipped)
Tank company
Artillery battery (D-30 equipped)
Elements of airborne company
MRL battery (GAZ-66 MRL
equipped)
Elements of airborne battalion
(BTR-70 and BMD equipped)
Elements of tank company
BMD M-1981/2 battery
Two airborne artillery batteries
(D-30 equipped)
Elements of air assault brigade
(one BMD and one truck equipped
battalion)
BMD M-1981/2 battery
Airborne artillery battalion
(D-30 equipped)
MRL battery (GAZ-66MRL
equipped)
Tank company
MRR (BTR-70/60PB
equipped)
MRL battery
Security battalion
Security battalion
Independent MRR/brigade
(BTR-70/60PB equipped)
Airborne battalion (BMP M-1981
and MT-LB equipped)
MRL battery (BM-21
equipped)
Medical battalion
Elements of SA-8 SAM regiment
(two batteries)
Airborne battalion
(BTR-70 and BMD equipped)
Elements of tank company
MRL battery (BM-21
equipped)
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Airborne battalion (BTR-70
and BMD equipped)
One artillery battery (D-30
equipped)
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
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Gardez Airfield
airborne artillery battalion was previously
reported as an airborne artillery regi-
ment; BMD-equipped air assault
battalion was partially equipped with
BTR-70s in Apr 82; truck-equipped air
assault battalion has been present but
not reported since Dec 81
Unit was newly identified in Oct 83; it
had been present since Oct 82
BTR-70s were confirmed with
the independent MRR/brigade
in Nov 82; MRL battery was not
reported in Feb 82; one WOOD BINE
mobile satellite communications
station was operationally deployed
with regimental/brigade signal company
in Apr 82; BMP M-1981s replaced
BMDs in the airborne battalion in
Oct 82; SA-8 batteries were probably
detached from the 5th Guards Motorized
Rifle Division at Shindand
Unit moved into permanent facility
southwest of old bivouac area in Aug 82
Airborne battalion is possibly organic to
air assault brigade based at Gardez New
Airfield; airborne battalion was partially
equipped with BTR-70s in Jun 82;
BMD M-1981/2 firing section was
newly identified in Apr 83
Battalion was deployed here from
Farah Airfield by Aug 83
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NOFORN
Table 1. (cont'd)
36 Qual-Ye-Now Soviet
Bivouac
Derived from referenced documents 4-6
"New units or unit changes since Feb 82 are shown in bold type.
Units were deployed from Shindand
Deployment Area in Mar 82;
airborne battalion was partially equipped
with BTR-70s in Jun 82; BMD M-
1981/2 firing section was deployed in
Feb 83; units vacated garrison
in May 83 and relocated to
Gereshk Soviet Bivouac Area
by Aug 83
5th Guards Motorized Rifle
Division headquarters
Tank regiment
MRR (BMP M-1981/BMP
equipped)
less one battalion
Artillery regiment (D-30 equipped)
MRL battalion (BM-21
equipped)
Elements of SA-8 SAM
regiment (3 batteries)
MRL regiment (BM-27/BM-21
equipped)
Chemical battalion
Reconnaissance battalion
Antitank battalion
Signal battalion
Motor transport battalion
Construction battalion
Medical battalion
Maintenance battalion
Artillery regiment was upgraded
with MT-LBs in Mar 82; artillery
battalion in tank regiment was upgraded
with MT-LBs in May 82; airborne
battalion, previously located here, was
redeployed to Farah Airfield in
Mar 82; reconnaissance battalion
was upgraded with BMP M-1981s
in Dec 82; signal battalion has been
present but not reported since
Feb 82
Elements of engineer battalion
Elements of radio and
radar reconnaissance company
MRR (BTR-70/60P8
equipped)
Elements of motorized rifle
battalion (BMP M-1981/BMP
equipped)
Artillery battery (D-30 equipped)
Elements of tank company
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR-70/60PB and BMP
equipped)
Probable KGB border security
unit (BTR-70/60PB and BMP
equipped)
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Elements of the radio and radar
reconnaissance company have been
present since at least Feb 82
Tank company has been present since
at least May 82
Unit moved into bunkers north of
old bivouac area in May 82
Unit moved into bunkers southwest
of old bivouac area in May 82
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Table 2.
Probable Subordination of Soviet Ground Forces Units Deployed in Afghanistan
as of 31 December 1983
40th Army Headquarters
Two signal regiments
ECM communications
jamming battalion
Communication relay
battalion
TAC air headquarters
TAC air signal regiment
Motor transport regiment
Elements of troposcatter
communication battalion
Elements of tracked and wheeled
vehicle maintenance regiment
5th Guards Division headquarters
Motorized Rifle Tank regiment
Division MRR )less one battalion)
Artillery regiment
MRL battalion
Three SA-8 SAM batteries
Chemical battalion
Reconnassiance battalion
Antitank battalion
Signal battalion
Motor transport battalion
Construction battalion
Medical battalion
Maintenance battalion
Motorized rifle battalion
Artillery battery
Elements of tank company
Elements of engineer battalion
Elements of radio and radar
reconnaissance company
103rd Airborne Division headquarters
Division Airborne regiment
Elements of airborne assault gun
battalion
Elements of airborne artillery
regiment
Medical battalion
Transportation and maintenance
battalion
Motor transport unit
Bagram Airfield
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Elements of airborne artillery
battery
Derived from referenced document 5
Derived from referenced document 7
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Table 2. (cont'd)
Elements of airborne battalion
Elements of tank company
BMD M-1981/2 battery
Two airborne artillery batteries
108th Motorized Division headquarters
Rifle Division Elements of tank regiment
Reconnaissance battalion
Chemical battalion
Signal battalion
Motor transport battalion
Elements of engineer battalion
Artillery battery
MRL battery
Medical battalion
Motor transport battalion
Antiaircraft missile and artillery
battery
Elements of SA-8 SAM regiment
(two batteries)
Antitank guided missile battery
Elements of radio and radar
reconnaissance company
MRR
Elements of SA-8 SAM regiment
Motor transport unit
MRR
Elements of artillery regiment
MRL battery
Signal unit
Vehicle maintenance battalion
Elements of construction battalion
MRR
MRL battery
Elements of radio and radar
reconnaissance company
Elements of construction battalion
Antiaircraft missile and artillery
battery
201st Motorized Division headquarters
Rifle Regiment MRR (less one battalion)
Antiaircraft regiment
Chemical battalion
Reconnaissance battalion
Elements of signal battalion
Medical battalion
Construction battalion
MRL battalion
Artillery battalion
Engineer battalion
Elements of signal battlalion
Motor transport battalion
Maintenance battalion
MRR
Medical unit
Kabul International Airfield 21 F
Kunduz De to ment Area North 6B
Pol E Khomri Soviet Deployment Area 13
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Table 2. (cont'd)
Elements of MRR
Motorized rifle company
One tank company
Unid Independent MRR/brigade
Motorized Airborne battalion
Rifle Regiment/ MRL battery
Brigade Medical battalion
Two SA-8 SAM batteries
(subordination unknown)
Unid Independent MRR/brigade (less two
Motorized battalions)
Rifle Regiment/ Airborne battalion
Brigade MRL battery
Medical unit
860th
Independent
Motorized
Rifle Regiment
Motorized rifle battalion
Tank company
Artillery battery
Elements of one airborne company
GAZ-66 MRL battery
Elements of tank company
Elements of two motorized rifle
companies
Artillery battery
Elements of antiaircraft missile
and artillery battery
Elements of motorized rifle
battalion
Unid Independent MRR
Motorized
Rifle Regiment
Unid Independent Two airborne assault battalions
Air Assault Airborne artillery battalion
Brigade BMD M-1981/2 battery
GAZ-66 MRL battery
Tank company
Airborne battalion
Elements of tank company
MRL battery
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Unid Independent Airborne regiment (less one
Airborne battalion)
Regiment BMD M-1981/2 battery
Airborne battalion
Artillery battery
BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Camp
Sher Khan Pt Facs
Taloqan Bivouac Area
Kandahar Soviet MRR Bivouac
Chagasaray Com lex 24
Seh Sada Training Area 22
Mazer Soviet Barracks
Kal Khan Military Facility
h ni E 27A
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NOFORN
Table 2. (cont'd)
Unid Independent Airborne battalion
Airborne Artillery battery
Battalion BMD M-1981/2 firing section
Special Purpose Motorized rifle battalion
forces (Spetznaz) Artillery battery
Units Antiaircraft artillery battery
Elements of tank company
Motorized rifle battalion
Artillery battery
Antiaircraft artillery battery
Elements of tank company
Probable KGB. BTR-70/60PB company
Border Security BMP company
Units
BTR-70/60PB company
BMP company
Security
Battalions
BTR-70/60PB company
BMP company
BTR-70/60PB company
Elements of BMP company
BTR-70/60PB company
Elements of BMP company
BTR-70/60PB company
Elements of BMP company
BTR-70/60PB company
Elements of BMP company
BTR-70/60PB company
Elements of BMP company
All units consist of BTR-70/60PBs
and BRDM-2s and are deployed
for perimeter defense
Area
7
Aybak Soviet B' ac
Sheberghan Soviet Deployment
Mazer E Sharif Soviet Bivouac
Kholm Soviet Bivouac South
F __1
Yangi Qala Security Post
Chah E Ab Security Post
Taloqan Army Barracks
Qual-Ye-Now Soviet Bivouac
Maimana Airfield
Kunduz Airfield
Ba ra A'rf' Id
Kabul Bks Re A Bn Hq A Sch Bala Hisar
Jalalabad Airfield
F
Ghazni Military Camp SE
E
Ghazni Airfield
Kandahar Airfield International
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Table 2. (cont'd)
All units consist of BTR-70/60PBs
and BRDM-2s and are deployed
for perimeter defense
Miscellaneous Headquarters/signal unit
Units
Table 1 Item No
Two security battalions
(probably providing road security
on road from Kabul to
Khairabad)
Two motorized rifle companies
Heavy lift unit
Independent security service
battalion
Probable pipelaying
battalion
Khairabad Transshipment Point
Kabul Deployment Area SW
Derived from referenced document 5
"Derived from referenced document 7
Kabul Deployment Area NW
Kholm Bivouac Area
School Bala Hisar, one of the two BMD-equipped airborne battalions was completely re-equipped with
BTR-70s by June 1983 (Figure 3). BTR-70 APCs had partially replaced or augmented BMDs in all other
airborne battalions and regiments by July 1982. The BMP M-1981 and the BTR-70 provide airborne units
with increased combat capabilities and armor protection. (S/WN)
5. The firepower of the airborne assault gun battalion of the-103rd Airborne. Division based at Kabul
International Airfield increased significantly with the addition of T-62 medium tanks in January 1983. As of
December 1983, the battalion consisted of at least 15 T-62 medium tanks and 15 ASU-85 assault guns.
(S/WN)
6. In addition to upgrading airborne units, BMP M-1981s have been deployed in battalion strength
in MRRs at Kabul Deployment Area Southwest and Kunduz Airfield since at least April 1982 and in fewer
numbers with motorized rifle battalions at Shindand Deployment Area, Jalalabad Army Camp Soviet
Bivouac 3, and Chakhcharan Airfield. BMP M-1981s had also replaced standard BMPs in the reconnais-
sance units at Shindand Deployment Area, Bagram Soviet Barracks Area, and Kandahar Soviet MRR
Bivouac by December 1982. BMP M-1981s have also been deployed with the Spetznaz unit at Aybak
Soviet Bivouac (Figure 4). (S/WN)
7. Upgrading was also observed in all the divisional and regimental artillery units when MT-LB
tracked prime movers replaced trucks. The MT-LB upgrade, completed by October 1982, affords greater
all-terrain capability and crew protection. (S/WN)
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New Units
9. A new, large security unit consisting of two battalions, equipped with BTR-70 APCs and BRDM-2
armored scout cars, was newly identified bivouacked approximately 0.5 nm south of Khairabad
Transshipment Point The unit remained essentially unchanged in the bivouac until its 25X1
departure Subsequently, one company-sized security unit, possibly organic 20A]
to the Khairabad unit, was observed at Jabal Os Saraj Army Camp Soviet The departure of the 25X1
two battalions from Khairabad and the arrival of the company at Jabal Os Saraj suggest that the remainder
of the security unit may be providing security along the road from Khairabad to Kabul . (S/WN)
10. A security battalion was newly identified on perimeter defense at Ghazni Airfield in October
1983. The unit, present since at least October 1982, is equipped with BTR-70/60PB APCs and BRDM-2
scout cars and is similar to security battalions identified at eight other Soviet installations in Afghanistan.
(S/W N)
11. Two probable KGB border security units equipped with BMPs, BTR-70s and searchlight trucks
were newly identified in 1983. The one unit, was deployed near Yangi 25X1
Qala and Chah E Ab. The other unit, identified was permanently deployed at 25X1
Kholm Soviet Bivouac South. Five similarly equipped, probable KGB border security units had been
previously identified in Afghanistan. (S/WN)
12. A small Soviet airborne unit consisting of nine BMD M-1979s has been deployed with the signal
unit at Kabul Deployment Area NW since March 1983. This unit is probably a liaison between the 108th
MRD and the 103rd Airborne Division. (S/WN)
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Unit Relocations
13. The two Spetznaz units deployed in Afghanistan have relocated since early 1982. One unit
moved from Maimana Airfield to Rohka Garrison Site in the Panjser Valley during the fifth Panjser Valley
offensive in June 1982. This unit departed Rohka Garrison Site when the Soviets withdrew from the upper
valley in March 1983 and has been at Golbahar Complex since at least June 1983. The other unit relocated
from Aqcheh Soviet Bivouac to its present location at Aybak Soviet Bivouac in August
1982. (S/WN)
14. Two airborne battalions were also redeployed during the period. One battalion departed
Shindand Airfield in western Afghanistan in February 1982 and established a base of operations at Farah
Airfield in March 1982. The battalion withdrew from Farah in late May 1983 and is currently at Gereshk
Soviet Bivouac. The other battalion, probably organic to the airborne regiment at Bagram Airfield, was
deployed to Anawa Garrison Site in the Panjser Valley in July 1982. This battalion, the only known unit
maintaining a Soviet presence in the Panjser Valley, has not been observed out of garrison. (S/WN)
15. One MRR of the 201st MRD moved from Kholm Bivouac Area to nearby Kholm Military Camp
in March 1982.1 (S/WN)
Confirmation of Independent MRR/Brigade
16. The operational deployment of one WOOD BINE satellite communication station at Kandahar
Soviet MRR Bivouac indicates that the MRR/brigade stationed there since at least July
1980 is an independent unit. In Afghanistan, WOOD BINE and PARK DRIVE mobile satellite communica-
tion stations are deployed only with army, division, and independent regiment/brigade headquarters;
they afford these units a rapid communications channel with command elements in Kabul and the Soviet
Union.3 (S/WN)
1. NPIC. Z-14522/82, IAR-0009/82, Disposition of Soviet Ground Forces in Afghanistan
Mar 82 (SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN,
(SECRET
3. NPIC. Z-12050/83, IAR-0023/83, Soviet Long-Range Communications in Afghanistan (5), Jun 83 (SECRET/
WNINTEL/NOFORN
4. DIA. IAR-5-82, Soviet Security Units in Afghanistan (U), Oct 82 (SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
5. DIA. DDB-1100-UR-81, Ground Order of Battle: USSR (U), Jan 81 (SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN*)
6. DIA. DDB-1100-2-82, The Soviet Airborne Forces, Apr 82 (UNCLASSIFIED)
7. DIA. DDB-1100-333-82, Soviet Divisional Organizational Guide, Jul 82 (UNCLASSFIED)
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