Soviet Air Defence Forces

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The Soviet Air Defence Forces, known as PVO, was the air defense branch of the Soviet Armed Forces. It operated separately from the Soviet Air Force (VVS) and from the ground forces’ air defense units, and it was considered one of the three main services behind the Strategic Rocket Forces and the Ground Forces.

Origins and role
Plans to create a strong air defense began in the 1930s. By June 1941, there were 13 PVO zones ready to defend the country. When Germany attacked, the PVO rushed to rearm and expand its anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and fighter units to protect key cities and factories. Moscow, Leningrad, and other industrial areas received special protection, and the PVO helped lessen the impact of air raids on Soviet industry and communications.

World War II achievements
During the war, the PVO defended defense industry complexes and important transport routes, destroying thousands of enemy aircraft and supporting ground operations. New formations were created to coordinate air defense across the front lines, and the PVO played a crucial role in limiting German bombing efforts.

Cold War and organization
After the war, in 1949, the PVO Strany became an independent service. It operated its own radar networks, warning systems, and anti-air missiles, with a primary mission to shoot down US bombers and reconnaissance aircraft that threatened Soviet airspace.

Throughout the Cold War, the PVO expanded and restructured many times. From the 1960s onward, most fighter aviation was moved to the Air Force, while the PVO kept missile and radar units. The front-line defense was organized into several air defense armies and districts to cover the vast Soviet territory, with special attention to the north and far east.

Notable events and modernization
- The PVO downed Gary Powers’ U-2 in 1960 with an S-75 missile.
- In 1983, Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down after entering restricted airspace.
- The 1987 Mathias Rust incident sparked a major leadership shake-up and modernization efforts.
- In the 1980s, the PVO received new missiles and radars, including the S-300 system, and interceptor aircraft such as the MiG-31 and Su-27P, prioritizing defense against distant reconnaissance and carrier aviation.

Dissolution and legacy
After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, about 2,200 PVO fighters and interceptors remained, but many units and equipment were left in newly independent states. Russia inherited about 65% of the final PVO assets. In the mid-1990s, the PVO was reorganized and merged with the Russian Air Force. By 1998, the PVO ceased to exist as a separate service, and its remaining units became part of the Russian Air Force, mainly in the Moscow Region.

Traditions and structure
The Day of Air Defence Forces was observed in Russia after the merger. The PVO’s unofficial motto was Don’t fly, don’t let others. The three main branches of the PVO were Radiotechnical Troops (radar and communications), Surface-to-Air Missile Troops (missile units), and Fighter Aviation (air defense fighters). Its forces were organized into armies, corps, and divisions charged with protecting Soviet airspace.