The Moscow line of defense was created on the basis of the order of the State Defense Committee of the USSR of July 16, 1941. The basis of the defense line in the center was the Mozhaisk fortified strip, which consisted of the lines: the main defensive, the first intermediate, the rear defensive, the second defensive.

The first three defensive lines constituted a tactical defense zone. The total length of the "Mozhaisk fortified strip" along the front was 65-68 km. At a depth from the front edge of about 60 km. According to the nature of the terrain and the conditions of defense, the entire defensive line was divided into 6 combat areas.

The site of the Borodino field, from Zakharino to dd. Rogachevo, Yelnya, Kargen with a length of 18 km. Was designed for two divisions and covered the motorway Moscow-Minsk, Smolensk highway, the railway, as well as the nearest operational area to Moscow and the routes leading to the rear areas.