December 17 is the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation: the history of the holiday
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- December 17 is the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation: the history of the holiday
Every year, on December 17, Russia celebrates the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces, a professional holiday for military rocket scientists who ensure the country's nuclear deterrence and security. In 2025, it falls on Wednesday. Read about the history and traditions of this date in the Izvestia article.
Day of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation – 2025: the history of the holiday
As a professional holiday, the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces) was established by decree of the President of Russia on December 10, 1995. Moreover, two dates were simultaneously fixed in this document — the Strategic Missile Forces and the Military Space Forces (celebrated on October 4), which emphasized the connection between the ground-based nuclear shield and space warning and control systems.
The choice of date is directly related to the history of the troops themselves. It symbolizes the transition from artillery and missile formations to a fundamentally different control system for nuclear forces. It was on December 17, 1959, that the Presidium of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR decided to create the General Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces and establish the post of Commander-in-Chief. From that day on, these troops officially became a separate branch of the Armed Forces.
The 72nd Special Purpose Engineering Brigade of the USSR, established in 1946 in Germany, is considered to be the cradle of future strategic forces. It studied captured German missiles and conducted the first tests. This approach allowed the USSR to reduce the technological gap in the missile field in a short time.
In the period from 1946 to 1959, the first missile units were formed in the USSR, technologies were developed, infrastructure was created, and the first launches of various types of ballistic missiles were carried out. The Kapustin Yar site became the main testing center.
In 1958, one of the first formations of the Angara intercontinental missiles was created in Plesetsk, and its "pilot" combat training launch in 1959 proved that the new weapon could be put into practice.
In the following years, new-generation silo, mobile, and missile systems were actively deployed in the USSR. In the early 1960s, the Strategic Missile Forces finally secured the status of an independent strategic instrument. In 1962, one of the Guards divisions went on combat duty with intercontinental missiles for the first time, and in 1963 it received the first "full—fledged" missile, the R-16, which significantly increased the range and power of the group.
The 1970s and 1980s were a time of large-scale deployment of silo launchers, such as the Dvina complex. In parallel, the tests and armament of upgraded missile systems and their modifications were underway, which increased the survivability, accuracy and resistance of missile parts to possible counteraction.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the number of mobile missile systems such as the Topol increased in Russia. Long-range patrol routes were worked out for them, and combat training launches were conducted.
In 2019, during the Grom-2019 strategic nuclear forces exercises, a successful launch was carried out at the Kura test site from the Yars mobile ground complex. These exercises demonstrated the coordinated work of the various components of the nuclear forces.
Today, the Strategic Missile Forces remain the core of Russia's strategic nuclear forces and one of the key factors deterring the possibility of a large-scale war between the leading powers. Combat training plans for the 2020s include regular command and staff exercises with launches of intercontinental missiles along the Kapustin Yar - Sary-Shagan and Plesetsk–Kura routes, with the development of missile defense breakthrough and actions in the conditions of electronic countermeasures.
Traditions of celebrating the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces
The main events dedicated to the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces are held in military units and educational institutions – solemn formations of personnel are held, the results of the year are summed up, the results of combat training and operation of equipment are noted. Distinguished servicemen are awarded awards, certificates of honor and commendations, and regular ranks are awarded.
Active military personnel and veterans lay wreaths and flowers at the monuments and memorials to the fallen rocket soldiers. A minute of silence is observed in memory of those who stood at the origins of the missile forces and ensured combat readiness during the most difficult periods.
The units organize talks, thematic performances and "lessons of courage." Lectures on the history of the Strategic Missile Forces, landmark operations and tests, as well as on the role of missile forces in modern defense policy are held at military universities and specialized training centers.
Concerts, sports competitions, tours of the museums of the formations, as well as displays of equipment and infrastructure elements are held in the garrisons where the missile units are stationed.
On this day, the media publish materials about the key stages of the Strategic Missile Forces development, the people behind complex technological systems, reminding society that strategic stability is based on specific units and specific people.
Congratulations on the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces in 2025
On the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces, warm words are addressed to active military personnel, officers, warrant officers, sergeants and soldiers, veterans and cadets of specialized military educational institutions, civilian personnel of research organizations, arsenals and repair enterprises working for strategic troops. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how this can be done.:
"Congratulations on the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces! Your service is a daily work for the sake of peace. I would like to thank you for your self-control, discipline and willingness to carry out an order at any time. Let there be peace on combat duty, but there are enough reasons for pride and joy in life."
"Happy professional holiday, rocket scientists! You stand at the far edge of the country's defense, remaining invisible to most citizens. But your service is indispensable for Russia's security. We wish you accurate solutions, trouble-free equipment and good health that will withstand any service schedule. Let the alarms sound only within the framework of the exercises, families will be a reliable rear, and each new year of service brings recognition and respect."
"Dear military personnel of the Strategic Missile Forces! Your experience and hard work have become the foundation for modern strategic forces. We wish you quiet shifts, a strong team by your side, well-being, the attention of your loved ones and confidence that the business to which you have devoted years continues to live and develop."
"Congratulations on the Day of the Strategic Missile Forces! We wish the country's strategic shield to always remain reliable, but never used in real combat. May the knowledge, precision, and responsibility that guide you in your service help you in everyday life, too, in solving any tasks, from work to family."
"Dear rocket scientists, congratulations on your birthday! You are responsible for ensuring that the phrase "nuclear shield" remains more of a deterrent formula than a real threat. May all your calculations always converge, your orders will be clear, your plans will be feasible, and your work will be truly appreciated by the state and society. We wish peace, stability and well-being to you and your loved ones."
Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the Constitution Day of Russia.
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