Russia's National Guard launches weather balloon to mark dual anniversaries
The Russian National Guard's Directorate for the Republic of Komi marked two key anniversaries with a special event. On a sunny day—mirroring the weather from a decade ago—officers launched a weather balloon equipped with advanced instruments. The occasion celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Russian National Guard and the 215th anniversary of the internal security forces. The event, titled Weather with the National Guard, took place for the second time. Officers from the Zarya SOBR unit and aerologists released a balloon carrying measuring devices, all branded with the agency's emblem. The balloon gathered real-time atmospheric data from different altitudes, which meteorologists will now use to improve regional weather forecasts.
Representatives from the regional Hydrometeorological and Environmental Monitoring Center joined the ceremony. They presented the National Guard with a certificate showing the exact weather conditions from 10 years earlier. Lieutenant Colonel Vera Kryuchek, head of the National Guard's press service, noted that the balloon launch symbolised the agency's broad role in society.
The initiative began in 2017 in the Republic of Komi and has since expanded to cities like Syktyvkar, Ukhta, and Pechora. Over the years, the collaboration has grown to include modern tools such as drones and satellite data for more accurate weather predictions and disaster response. By 2025, the programme will have trained over 500 National Guard members and introduced public warning systems. The event highlighted the National Guard's evolving partnership with meteorological services. Updated forecasting methods and new technologies are set to enhance emergency preparedness across the region. The anniversary celebrations also reinforced the agency's commitment to public safety and scientific cooperation.
