A defensive zone is a previously prepared area of terrain allocated for defense to a military formation, where its forces and means are located, a fire system is organized, engineering barriers and fortifications are erected.[1][2]

The Gurkha divisions are preparing defensive positions, July 1915

The defensive zone from the front is limited by the front line, from the flanks – by demarcation lines with neighboring units, and from the rear – by the depth of the battle formation or operational formation of the troops involved.[1][2] The spatial dimensions of the defense zone are determined by the combat capabilities of the military formation protecting it.[1]

As a rule, when conducting positional defense, the defense zone is set up in order to consolidate on important lines and repel offensive actions of the enemy.[1][2] When using tactics of maneuverable defense, it serves to defeat the enemy by arranging fire bags and consistently holding a number of lines echeloned in depth.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e "Defensive Zone". Military Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. Moscow: Military Publishing House. 2002. p. 494. ISBN 5-203-01873-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b c "Defensive Zone". Soviet Military Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. Moscow: Military Publishing House of the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union. 1978. p. 430.

Sources edit

External links edit

  • "Defensive Zone". Encyclopedia. Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Website.