AT 2006 g. as part of the US Army appeared "Asymmetric War Group" (Asymmetric Warfare Group), whose task was to study the US and foreign policies. AT 2017 g. the group released a report «Russian New Generation Warfare Handbook», compiled by the results of the analysis of Russian actions during the Ukrainian and Syrian operations.
Report paints a frightening picture: Russian army has all the necessary means of warfare. However, this does not make her an invincible force. In comparison with the Soviet army, Russian armed forces are smaller and weaker, because of what they have to abandon old strategies. In their place comes the concept of the new fourth-generation war.
Modern Russian army strategy is implemented in several basic ways, – “revealed” Russia plans to counter NATO's US media.
Reduction of units and formations. The main compound of the army becomes a battalion tactical group. Due to changes in the composition, it can be adapted to different tasks. At the operational-tactical level, Russia has generally refused to divisions in favor of the smaller joints, however, you can restore them to optimize management.
Major combat operation carried out by local "proxy". Ukraine and Syria are increasingly used by militias and private military companies, running with the participation of Russian military specialists. This approach Russian assembled in the US, who used it, from Vietnam to Afghanistan.
"Proxy" allow to release a real army to work on the necessary directions. they also give the type of operation of political legitimacy. Participation allows militias deny the real part of the army.
Moscow uses the means of cyberwar and organizes offensive information operations. Russia has created an unprecedented information apparatus to manipulate public opinion and breaking infrastructure in third countries. Western countries with open political structure is difficult to respond. In the same time, Russia's authoritarian regime can promote the official point of view and to suppress independent media, could interfere with its information campaigns.
The Russian army continues to rely on artillery. The guns are the main means of destroying the enemy, while the maneuvering unit is assigned cleanup. ACS able to accompany the troops on the offensive, thereby can protect the advanced units. Russian army, as earlier, values massed using conventional and rocket launchers.
punches efficiency is improved by the use of unmanned reconnaissance. At this speed can be low artillery. This contributes to the persistence of the centralized control system.
Russia prepares snipers. In recent years, Moscow has invested in the training of snipers and the creation of new weapons for them. The fighting area sniper deployed entire divisions. Their fighters can inflict damage on their own or serve as artillery spotters. Fight with snipers extremely difficult.
Develop means of A2 / AD. Foreign troops rely on air support and transport aviation. The Russian army in response, creates a new antiaircraft. Complexes of different types are combined in a layered air defense, a breakthrough is an extremely difficult task. The effectiveness of the Russian air defense has been shown in Ukraine. After massive losses Ukrainian Air Force equipment ceased combat missions. More advanced opponent also face serious difficulties.
Russia is developing tactical missiles. It means, that surround the objects are subjected to death threats of the enemy - even if you have air superiority.
Develop electronic warfare agents. Western armies depend on the development of electronic infrastructure. Russian EW system capable of suppressing link, management, finding and navigating even the enemy. Electronic intelligence can detect enemy targets and to direct them strikes. Under such conditions, dependence on the radio can be fatal. Foreign armies will have to adapt to new threats.
Report of Asymmetric Warfare Group napominaet, that the enemy should not be underestimated - although it is not worth to overestimate. He shows, how to change methods of warfare, and how to respond to the current challenges Russia. The Russian army is trying different methods to compensate for his own weaknesses, as well as to find and use the enemy's problems. Knowledge of the enemy's abilities could be the key to victory. Or excuse not to enter into a confrontation with him.
