Soviet Air Defence Forces

The Soviet Air Defence Forces (Russian: войска ПВО, voyska protivovozdushnoy oborony, voyska PVO, V-PVO, lit. Anti-Air Defence Troops; and formerly protivovozdushnaya oborona strany, PVO strany, lit. Anti-Air Defence of the Nation) was the air defence branch of the Soviet Armed Forces. It continued being a service branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from 1991 to 1998. Unlike Western air defence forces, V-PVO was a branch of the military unto itself, separate from the Soviet Air Force (VVS) and Air Defence Troops of Ground Forces. During the Soviet period it was generally ranked third in importance of the Soviet services, behind the Strategic Rocket Forces and the Ground Forces.

History

Service during Second World War

Preparations for creation of the air defence forces started in 1932, and by the start of the war there were 13 PVO zones located within the military districts. At the outbreak of war, air defence forces were in the midst of rearmament. Anti-aircraft artillery teams had few of the latest 37 mm automatic and 85 mm guns. Moreover, the troops were deficient in Yak-1 s and MiG-3s; 46% of the fleet were obsolete aircraft. Increased rates of production were initiated to provide the troops new equipment.

Defence Forces

Defence Force(s) or Defense Force(s) is the title of the armed forces of certain countries. It could mean:

A number of football clubs related to defence forces are also named such, for example:

Defence Forces (Ireland)

The military of Ireland, known as the Defence Forces (Irish: Fórsaí Cosanta, officially styled Óglaigh na hÉireann) encompass the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, and Reserve Defence Force.

The Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces is the President of Ireland. All Defence Forces officers hold their commission from the President, but in practice the Minister for Defence acts on the President's behalf and reports to the Government of Ireland. The Minister for Defence is advised by the Council of Defence on the business of the Department of Defence.

Role

The State has a long-standing policy of non-belligerence in armed conflicts that included neutrality in World War II. Ireland's military capabilities are relatively modest. However, the state has a long history of involvement in United Nations Peacekeeping operations. Functions of the Defence Forces include: