Russia Announces Formation of Five Divisions in 2025

The Russian Armed Forces are undergoing a structural reorganization, returning to a divisional structure.

As previously reported, the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of Russia’s Pacific Fleet has been restructured into the 55th Marine Division.

This is the most recent confirmed case of a brigade being converted into a division within the Russian Armed Forces.

Previously, the deployment of the 71st Guards Motor Rifle Division was also documented, formed on the basis of the 200th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade.

Both cases are part of a broader reorganization of the Russian military aimed at restoring a divisional force structure.

In December 2022, then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to form 17 new maneuver divisions.

Most of the newly announced divisions are being created from brigades that already have combat experience.

At the same time, a significant portion of these formations, according to analysts, have not reached their doctrinal strength due to losses and ongoing participation in combat operations.

Brigades of the Russian Armed Forces reorganized into divisions:

155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade → 55th Marine Division
Status: confirmed
On December 1, the Russian Pacific Fleet announced the reorganization of the 155th brigade into the 55th division. ISW confirms the change and notes the unit is likely undermanned due to losses in the war against Ukraine.

200th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade → 71st Guards Motor Rifle Division
Status: confirmed
Analysts recorded the deployment of the 71st Motorized Rifle Division based on the 200th brigade. The division has already been used in combat but is believed not to have reached full strength.

Other declared marine divisions remain unconfirmed. Despite statements by the Russian Defense Ministry about the formation of five marine divisions, open sources currently confirm only one.

Previously, Russia announced the combat deployment of its first S-500 air defense missile system regiment.