The Information Operations Troops constitutes a military formation within the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, operating under the authority of the Ministry of Defense. This entity, somewhat analogous to USCYBERCOM, is still in its early stages of development and seems more geared towards counterpropaganda efforts rather than offensive cyber operations. The Russian Minister of Defense established the command in 2014 to protect Russia’s electronic control systems from unauthorized interference, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fortifying its cyber defenses in an evolving digital landscape. There is a lack of information about how Russia command and controls these operations, and appears to be changing regularly compared to more mature cyber programs within Russian intelligence agencies.

Russian Information Operations Troops focus on counter propaganda and the defense of military computer networks. Their primary objectives include coordinating and integrating the efforts of various cyber units within the Russian Armed Forces to safeguard Russian military control and communication systems from cyber terrorism, as well as ensuring the secure transmission of information, shielding it from potential adversaries.

This command is broken down into cybersecurity centers at each of the five Russian Military Districts (Western, Southern, Central, Eastern, and the Joint Strategic Command that is responsible for Arctic operations.) Information Operations Troops also operates a Special Development Center for training cyberspace warfare personnel.