Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday, June 10, the appointment of Colonel General Alexander Chaiko as commander in chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, under a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin in May.
Reuters quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that Chaiko, who previously commanded Russian forces in Syria, became the new commander in chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, succeeding General Viktor Afzalov.
The Russian Defense Ministry’s website said that “Colonel General Alexander Yuryevich Chaiko has become commander in chief of the Aerospace Forces,” after previously serving as deputy chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
The appointment comes as Moscow continues reshuffling its military leadership while seeking to preserve its external military influence, particularly in Syria, where it still maintains two strategic bases in Tartus and Hmeimim.
Who Is Alexander Chaiko?
Alexander Yuryevich Chaiko was born on July 27, 1971, in the Odintsovo area near the Russian capital, Moscow. He graduated from the Moscow Higher Military Command School before continuing his studies at the Higher Military Command Academy and later obtaining a degree from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
He began his military career in the early 2000s as commander of an armored unit in the Moscow Military District, then rose through leadership posts in the Russian army, moving between command of armored units, military training centers, and various operational positions.
In 2009, he headed the 473rd regional center for training and qualifying new soldiers in the Northern Military District.
In 2013, he was appointed deputy commander of the Central Military District, before assuming command of the 1st Guards Tank Army in the Western Military District after it was reestablished in 2014.
In 2016, he received the rank of colonel general, then in 2019 became deputy chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
His Presence in Syria
Chaiko’s name has been linked to Russia’s military presence in Syria since Moscow’s direct intervention alongside Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2015.
Chaiko played a role in organizing Russian military operations, supervising field planning, and coordinating with Syrian regime forces at the time. He also contributed to strengthening Russia’s military infrastructure inside the country.
Between 2019 and 2020, he commanded Russian forces in the eastern region of the country and oversaw joint Russian military operations with the former regime’s forces during a period that witnessed a broad military escalation in northwestern Syria.
His name was also linked to the expansion of the logistical and military role of Russian bases in Syria, including the Hmeimim air base in Latakia countryside and the Tartus naval base on the Syrian coast.
Chaiko returned to Syria in 2024 after the dismissal of the official responsible for Russian forces in Syria, General Sergei Kisel, following the Syrian opposition’s launch of Operation Deterrence of Aggression.
Future of Russian Bases
Chaiko’s appointment coincides with continuing discussions between Moscow and Damascus over the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that Russia is discussing with the Syrian authorities a “possible restructuring” of its two military bases in Syria, noting that relations between the two countries still include military and security cooperation files.
She added that the issue of the Russian military presence is subject to ongoing discussion with the Syrian side, but clarified that the details of these talks fall within the competence of the Russian Defense Ministry and are usually discussed through closed channels.
The Tartus naval base is Russia’s only supply hub on the Mediterranean Sea, while the Hmeimim air base represents a key foothold for Russian military operations in the Middle East and Africa.
What Are the Russian Aerospace Forces?
The Aerospace Forces are one of the most important branches of the Russian Armed Forces. They were formed in their current structure after the air force, air defense forces, and space forces were merged under a unified command.
These forces handle air and space defense, early warning against missile attacks, space monitoring, and the launch and operation of military satellites, in addition to managing Russian air operations inside and outside the country.
The post is viewed as one of Russia’s most prominent military positions because of the central role played by the Aerospace Forces in the war in Ukraine and in managing Russia’s missile, air, and space capabilities.
