Moscow air defenses to be strengthened next year - 16th Air Army

The main unit of Russia's Air Force protecting western and central Russian airspace, including Moscow, will undergo a major overhaul next year, the commander of the 16th Air Army said on Friday.

The 16th Air Army is the most important unit of the Special Purpose Command. Initially formed during the Second World War as a part of the Soviet Air Force, it is now the tactical air force component of the Moscow Military District, headquartered at Kubinka airbase near Moscow.

"We will start transforming the 16th Air Army into an Air Force and Air Defense army in 2009," Major General Alexander Belevich said, adding that the major changes would reflect the addition of air defense units and strengthening of existing units.

Read more