The 99th Missile Brigade (Russian: 99-я ракетная бригада) was a Ballistic missile brigade of the Afghan Army.^[1]

History

The brigade was formed in May 1988 using the missile systems of the Soviet 111th Missile Brigade. The brigade participated in the Battle of Jalalabad in 1989. Soldiers of the brigade were awarded by President Najibullah for their actions during their defense of Khost.^[2][3] After the resignation of Mohammad Najibullah in April 1992, Ahmad Shah Masoud's forces captured the 99th's Scud Launchers however the 99th Missile Brigade ditched their uniforms and left leaving Masoud's forces with no way of operating their newly acquired Scud launchers.^[4][5][6]

On October 12 of 1992, remnants of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan Armed Forces launched aerial bombing attack on Massoud's forces destroying multiple armed Scud launchers in Kabul. From 1989 to 1991 it is reported the 99th Missile Brigade launched 1,548 Scud Missiles.^[7]

Equipment

By 1992, at least 2000 Missiles had been launched by the brigade. The 99th Missile Brigade's usage of Scuds was the most intensive – and less well-known – use of weapon. The 99th Missile Brigade had a large quantity of Scud-Bs and some Scud-Cs as well.^[8]

References