The Russian Aerospace Forces or VKS are the Aerospace Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. It was established as a new armed force on the 1 August 2015 with the merging of the Russian Air Force (VVS) and the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces (VKO) under the recommendations of the Ministry of Defence. It is head-quartered in Moscow. Several reasons were announced for the merger, including greater efficiency and logistical support.