Russian Ground Forces as a fighting force take its roots thousand years back when “Druzina” was first introduced by Russian monarchs to fight against Mongols. Ivan the Terrible reformed it into more formidable force and Peter the Great expanded and improved. During following battles with Germans in WWI and WWII ground forces proved to be tough and unbeatable foe. Constantly updated with new tactics and equipment it was at its best in early 80s, but prolong war in Afghanistan influenced its morale and with the disintegration of Soviet Union it also suffered a great deal.

Russian Ground Forces are divided into four major groups.

• Motorized rifle troops
• Tank troops
• Artillery and Rocket Forces
• Army aviation

Motorized rifle troops is a major part of ground force in terms of manpower as well as military hardware including ground-based and aerial targets, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, tanks, artillery, mortars, reconnaissance and control.

Tank troops second largest segment of ground forces. Designed to fight Cold War foes it was ineffective during local urban conflicts in Chechnya and other North Caucuses republics. As a result deep modernization in structure and tanks were recently introduced including active protection system on tanks and urban tactics for tanks division.

Artillery and Rocket Forces was always major component of Russian Ground Forces. Its largest in Europe and has advance MRLS systems such as Grad, Okaziya and Shkval.

Army aviation design to directly support Ground Forces. Its main objectives are conducting tactical aerial reconnaissance, transporting troops and fire as well as other tasks.

• Personnel: 321,000
• Divisions: 29
• Military Districts: 6
• Vehicles and weapons:
• Tanks: ~22,000
• Armored Fighting Vehicles: ~ 26,000
• Artillery: ~ 20,000
• Anti-Aircraft Guns: ~ 12,000
• Air Defense Missiles: ~ 2,670
• Helicopters: ~ 1,700