According to a source close to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a new branch of Russian armed forces will be established – Aerospace Forces. At that the Air Forces will lose the status of the branch of the armed forces. Russian armed forces will comprise three major Commands: Army, Navy and Aerospace Forces, Kommersant reports.

«All the decisions required for establishing the new branch of armed forces have already been made. The matter will be officially announced soon. Aerospace Forces will comprise Air Defense Forces and aviation (both part of Air Forces), as well as Aerospace Defense Forces,» the source said.

Structure of the Aerospace Forces has already been approved. The branch will comprise reconnaissance, air and space attack early warning system; aerospace defense system; integrated control system and comprehensive support system.

«It is expected that one of the Military District Commanders will become the first Commander-in-Chief of the new branch of the armed forces, because they have experience in managing different military units, including aviation and air defense forces. The most probable candidate is the Commander of the Central Military District Colonel General Vladimir Zarudnitsky,» the source added.