Soviet And Czech Forces Compared

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31765, 23 August 1968, Page 5

Soviet And Czech Forces Compared

(N.Z.P.A.Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, August 21

A comparison of Czechoslovakian and Soviet military strength has been made by the Institute for Strategic Studies, London.

Russia’s regular forces are estimated at 3,220,000 men, plus 250,000 men of the para military forces, including the security and border troops of the Ministry of the Interior The combined strength of the Czech Army and Air Force is 225,000 men plus 40,000 in the para-military forces. including border troops. The Soviet Army’s total strength is estimated at two million men thought to be or-1 ganised in about 140 divisions, but the institute notes that there are three degrees of combat-readiness in the Soviet Army, and probably less than half the 140 divisions are at or near full combatstrength. “The remainder could be brought up to strength at short notice, although about a quarter are at the lowest de gree of readiness and would require major reinforcement,” the institute says. Twenty divisions are in East Germany, two in Poland, four in Hungary, 60 in the Soviet Union west of the Urals and north of the Cau casus, 10 in central Russia, 30 in the south, and 15 in the Soviet Far East. The Soviet air forces have about 10,250 combat aircraft. Czechoslovakia’s 14 Army divisions are composed of four tank and 10 motorised rifle divisions plus one airborne brigade.

The Czech Air Force comprises 600 combat aircraft. Among other Warsaw Pact allies, East Germany’s regular armed forces total 127.000 men, Poland’s 270,000, Bulgaria’s 154,000 and Hungary's 102,000. The East German Army's 85,000 men are formed in two tank and four motorised rifle divisions. The Air Force —25,000 men—flies 300 combat planes. East Germany also has 70.000 security and border troops.

Poland's 185,000 soldiers I are organised in five armoured divisions, nine motorised divisions, one airborne division, and one amphibious assault division. The Polish Air Force flies 820 combat aircraft. Bulgaria’s 125,000 army men are organised into four tank and eight motorised rifle divisions. The Air Force comprises 250 combat aircraft.

The Hungarian Army’s 95,000 men are organised in one tank and five motorised rifle divisions. The 7000strong Air Force flies 140 combat aircraft.