16th Red Banner Air Army | |
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Active | 1942–2009 |
Country | Soviet Union Russia |
Branch | Soviet Air Force Russian Air Force |
Part of | Group of Soviet Forces in Germany |
Engagements | World War II |
Decorations | Order of the Red Banner |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Sergey Rudenko |
The 16th Red Banner Air Army (Russian: 16-я воздушная Краснознамённая армия) was the most important formation of the Special Purpose Command. Initially formed during the Second World War as a part of the Soviet Air Force, it was from its 2002 reformation to its 2009 disbandment the tactical air force component of the Moscow Military District. The 16th Air Army took part in the Battle of Berlin with 28 Aviation divisions and 7 Separate aviation regiments, and was located with the GSFG in East Germany until 1994. Withdrawn to Kubinka in that year, the army was disbanded and reformed as a corps in 1998. From 1949 to 1968, it was designated as the 24th Air Army.