Modern Air Force Russian Federation traditionally the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces. The equipment and other means in service with the Air Force are intended, first of all, to repel aggression in the aerospace sphere and protect the administrative, industrial and economic centers of the country, troop groups and important facilities from enemy attacks; to ensure action Ground Forces and the Navy; delivering strikes against enemy groups in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as against its administrative, political and military-economic centers.
The existing Air Force in its organizational structure dates back to 2008, when the country began to form a new look for the Russian Armed Forces. Then the Air Force and Air Defense commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western, Southern, Central and Eastern. The Air Force Main Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as the training of command and control personnel. In 2009–2010, a transition was made to a two-level air force command system, as a result of which the number of formations was reduced from 8 to 6, and air defense formations were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. Air regiments were consolidated into air bases total number about 70, including 25 tactical (front-line) air bases, of which 14 are purely fighter.
In 2014, the reform of the Air Force structure continued: air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of air divisions and regiments began in aviation. An Air Force and Air Defense Army is being created as part of the United Strategic Command North.
The most fundamental transformation is expected in 2015: the creation of a new type - the Aerospace Forces based on the integration of the forces and assets of the Air Force (aviation and air defense) and the Aerospace Defense Forces (space forces, air defense and missile defense).
Simultaneously with the reorganization, an active renewal of the aviation fleet is taking place. Airplanes and helicopters of previous generations began to be replaced by their new modifications, as well as promising aircraft with broader combat capabilities and flight performance characteristics. Current development work on promising aircraft systems was continued and new development work began. The active development of unmanned aircraft has begun.
The modern air fleet of the Russian Air Force is second in size only to the US Air Force.
True, its exact quantitative composition has not been officially published, but quite adequate calculations can be made based on open sources. As for updating the aircraft fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for VSVI.Klimov, the Russian Air Force in 2015 alone, in accordance with the state defense order, will receive more than 150 new aircraft and helicopters. These include the latest Su-30 SM, Su-30 M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35 S, Yak-130, Il-76 MD-90 A aircraft, as well as Ka-52 and Mi helicopters -28 N, Mi-8 AMTSH/MTV-5-1, Mi-8 MTPR, Mi-35 M, Mi-26, Ka-226 and Ansat-U. It is also known from the words of the former commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel General A. Zelin, that as of November 2010, the total number of Air Force personnel was about 170 thousand people (including 40 thousand officers).
- All aviation of the Russian Air Force as a branch of the military is divided into:
- Long-range (strategic) aviation,
- Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation,
- Military transport aviation,
Army aviation.
In addition, the Air Force includes such types of troops as anti-aircraft missile forces, radio engineering troops, special forces, as well as units and logistics institutions (all of which will not be considered in this material).
- In turn, aviation by type is divided into:
- bomber aircraft,
- attack aircraft,
- fighter aircraft,
- reconnaissance aircraft,
- transport aviation,
special aviation.
Next, all types of aircraft in the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising aircraft, are considered. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part covers military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.
Long-range aviation is a means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces and is intended to solve strategic, operational-strategic and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions). Long-range aviation is also a component of the triad of strategic nuclear forces.
The main tasks performed in peacetime are deterrence (including nuclear) of potential adversaries; in the event of the outbreak of war - the maximum reduction in the military-economic potential of the enemy by hitting his important military facilities and disrupting state and military control.
The main promising areas for the development of long-range aviation are maintaining and increasing operational capabilities to carry out assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrent forces and forces general purpose through the modernization of aircraft with an extension of their service life, the purchase of new aircraft (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising PAK-DA long-range aviation complex.
The main weapons of long-range aviation aircraft are guided missiles, both in nuclear and conventional equipment:
- Kh‑55 SM long-range strategic cruise missiles;
- aeroballistic hypersonic missiles X-15 C;
- operational-tactical cruise missiles X‑22.
As well as free-falling bombs of various calibers, including nuclear ones, disposable cluster bombs, and sea mines.
In the future, it is planned to introduce high-precision cruise missiles of the new generation X-555 and X-101 with significantly increased range and accuracy into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft.
The basis of the modern aircraft fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force are missile-carrying bombers:
- strategic missile carriers Tu-160–16 units. By 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 aircraft.
- strategic missile carriers Tu-95 MS - 38 units, and about 60 more in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been modernized to the level of the Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
- long-range missile carrier-bomber Tu-22 M3 - about 40 units, and another 109 in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been modernized to the Tu-22 M3 M level.
Long-range aviation also includes Il-78 refueling aircraft and Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft.
Tu-160
Work on a new multi-mode strategic intercontinental bomber began in the USSR in 1967. Having tried a variety of layout options, the designers eventually came to the design of an integral low-wing aircraft with a variable-sweep wing with four engines installed in pairs in engine nacelles under the fuselage.
In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into serial production at the Kazan Aviation Plant. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, 35 aircraft were produced (of which 8 prototypes); by 1994, KAPO transferred six more Tu-160 bombers to the Russian Air Force, which were stationed near Engels in Saratov region. In 2009, 3 new aircraft were built and put into service, by 2015 their number is 16 units.
In 2002, the Ministry of Defense entered into an agreement with KAPO for the modernization of the Tu-160 with the goal of gradually repairing and modernizing all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, 10 aircraft of the Tu-160 M modification will be delivered to the Russian Air Force. The modernized aircraft will receive a space communications system, improved sighting guidance systems and electronics, and will be able to use promising and modernized (X-55 SM) cruise missiles and conventional bomb weapons. In view of the need to replenish the long-range aviation fleet, in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the issue of resuming production of the Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander-in-Chief V. V. Putin officially ordered the resumption of production of the improved Tu-160 M2.
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Main characteristics of Tu-160 |
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4 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
4 × NK-32 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
4 × 18,000 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
4 × 25,000 kgf |
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2230 km/h (M=1.87) |
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Cruising speed |
917 km/h (M=0.77) |
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Maximum range without refueling |
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Range with combat load |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration |
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Service ceiling |
about 22000 m |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Weapons: |
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Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101 |
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Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh‑15 S |
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Free-falling aerial bombs of up to 4000 kg caliber, cluster bombs, mines. |
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Tu‑95MS
The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrei Tupolev back in the 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the model built by that time was approved and approved. Construction of the first two aircraft began at Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and already in the fall of 1952 the prototype made its first flight.
In 1956, aircraft, officially designated Tu‑95, began to arrive in long-range aviation units. Subsequently, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.
At the end of the 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, designated Tu-95 MS.
The new aircraft was put into mass production at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant in 1981, which continued until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced). Now the 37th Air Force has been formed as part of the Russian Air Force Air Force
strategic aviation, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu‑95 MS‑16 (Amur and Saratov regions) - a total of 38 vehicles. About 60 more units are in storage.
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Due to the obsolescence of equipment, in 2013 the modernization of aircraft in service to the level of the Tu-95 MSM began, the service life of which will last until 2025. They will be equipped with new electronics, a sighting and navigation system, a satellite navigation system, and will be able to carry new X-101 strategic cruise missiles. |
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Main characteristics of Tu-95MS |
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7 people |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
Wingspan: |
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4 × NK‑12 MP theater |
Power |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
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Cruising speed |
With. |
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Maximum speed at altitude |
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about 700 km/h |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
Maximum range |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m Weapons: Built-in Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101–6 or 16 |
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Free-falling aerial bombs up to 9000 kg caliber,
cluster bombs, mines.
Tu-22M3
Currently, about 40 Tu-22 M3 units are in service, and another 109 are in reserve. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 30 vehicles at KAPO to the level of the Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will be equipped with new electronics, expand the range of weapons by introducing the latest high-precision ammunition, and extend their service life to 40 years.
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Main characteristics of Tu-22M3 |
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4 people |
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7 people At minimum sweep angle At maximum sweep angle |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × NK-25 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 14,500 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 25,000 kgf |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
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Cruising speed |
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Range of flight |
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Combat radius with a load of 12 t |
1500…2400 km |
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Service ceiling |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m 23-mm defensive installation with GSh-23 cannons |
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X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles |
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Tactical aeroballistic missiles X‑15 S. |
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Promising developments
PAK YES
In 2008, funding for R&D was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex, the PAK DA.
The program envisages the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace the aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and began preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to the General Director of Tupolev OJSC I. Shevchuk, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design of an integrated avionics complex for a promising complex had been developed, and the long-range aviation command of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical specification for the creation of a promising bomber. Plans were announced to build 100 vehicles, which are expected to be put into service by 2027.
The weapons most likely to be used will be advanced hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the X-101 type, short-range precision missiles and adjustable aerial bombs, as well as free-falling bombs. It was stated that some of the missile samples had already been developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation. Perhaps the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier of an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare system, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.
Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation is designed to solve operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks in operations (combat actions) of groupings of troops (forces) in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).
Bomber aviation, which is part of front-line aviation, is the main strike weapon of the Air Force primarily in operational and operational-tactical depth.
Attack aircraft are intended primarily for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects primarily at the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy. In addition to this, she can also fight aircraft enemy in the air.
The main promising areas for the development of bombers and attack aircraft of operational-tactical aviation are maintaining and increasing capabilities in the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during combat operations in the theater of operations through the supply of new ones (Su‑34) and modernization of existing ones (Su‑25 SM ) aircraft.
Bombers and attack aircraft of front-line aviation are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets different types, aircraft bombs, including adjustable ones, cluster bombs, aircraft guns.
Fighter aviation is represented by multi-role and front-line fighters, as well as fighter-interceptors. Its purpose is to destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air, as well as ground and sea targets.
The task of fighter aircraft of air defense is to cover the most important directions and individual objects from enemy air attacks by destroying their aircraft at maximum ranges with the help of interceptors. Air defense aviation also includes combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.
The main promising areas for the development of fighter aviation are maintaining and increasing the capabilities to carry out assigned tasks through the modernization of existing aircraft, the purchase of new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as the creation of a promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010 year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.
The main weapons of fighter aircraft are air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-falling and adjustable bombs, unguided missiles, cluster bombs, and aircraft cannons. Development of a promising missile weapons.
The modern aircraft fleet of attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:
- Su‑25–200 attack aircraft, including Su‑25UB, about 100 more are in storage. Despite the fact that these aircraft were put into service in the USSR, their combat potential, taking into account modernization, remains quite high. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 80 attack aircraft to the Su-25 SM level.
- front-line bombers Su‑24 M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are actively being decommissioned. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all Su‑24 M in service.
- fighter-bombers Su‑34–69 units. The latest multi-role aircraft that replace obsolete Su-24 M bombers in units. The total number of Su-34 ordered is 124 units, which will enter service in the near future.
Su‑25
The Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed to provide close support to ground forces over the battlefield. It is capable of destroying point and area targets on the ground day and night under any weather conditions. We can say that this is the best aircraft of its class in the world, tested in real combat operations. Among the troops, the Su-25 received the unofficial nickname “Rook”, in the west - the designation “Frogfoot”.
Serial production was carried out at aircraft factories in Tbilisi and Ulan-Ude (over the entire period, 1,320 aircraft of all modifications were produced, including for export).
The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat training Su‑25UB and the deck-based Su‑25UTD for the Navy. Currently, the Russian Air Force has about 200 Su-25 aircraft of various modifications, which are in service with 6 combat and several training air regiments. About 100 more old cars are in storage.
In 2009, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of purchases of Su-25 attack aircraft for the Air Force.
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At the same time, a program was adopted to modernize 80 vehicles to the level of the Su-25 SM. They are equipped with the latest electronics, including an sighting system, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, and the Spear radar. The new Su-25UBM aircraft, which will have similar equipment to the Su-25 SM, has been adopted as a combat training aircraft. |
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Main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
1 person |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × R‑95Sh turbojet engines |
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2 × 4100 kgf |
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Cruising speed |
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Maximum speed |
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Practical range with combat load |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m Ferry range 30 mm double-barreled gun GSh-30–2 (250 rounds) On external sling Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh-25 ML, Kh-25 MLP, S-25 L, Kh-29 L Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, RBK-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, FAB-100, KMGU-2 containers |
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Shooting and gun containers - SPPU-22–1 (23 mm GSh-23 gun)
Su‑24M
The Su-24 M front-line bomber with a variable-sweep wing is designed to launch missile and bomb strikes in the operational and operational-tactical depths of the enemy day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions, including at low altitudes, with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets with controlled and controlled missiles. unguided munitions. In the west it received the designation "Fencer"
Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993; about 1,200 vehicles of various modifications were built, including for export. At the turn of the century, due to the obsolescence of aviation technology, Russia began a program to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2 were transferred to the Lipetsk center combat use
. The delivery of the remaining vehicles to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.
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Currently, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su‑24M aircraft of several modifications left, but as the newest Su‑34s enter combat units, Su‑24s are removed from service and scrapped (by 2015, 103 aircraft were scrapped). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force. |
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Main characteristics of the Su-24M |
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Wingspan At maximum sweep angle At minimum sweep angle |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 people |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × AL-21 F-3 turbofan engines |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 7800 kgf |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
2 × 11200 kgf |
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1700 km/h (M=1.35) |
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Practical range with combat load |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
Maximum speed at an altitude of 200 m |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m about 11500 m 23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) On external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑23, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑59, S‑25 L, Kh‑58 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-1500, KAB-1500 L/TK, KAB-500 L/KR, ZB-500, FAB-500, RBC-500, FAB-250, RBC-250, OFAB-100, KMGU-2 containers Shooting and gun containers - SPPU-6 (23 mm GSh-6–23 gun) |
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Su‑34
The Su-34 multirole fighter-bomber is the latest aircraft of this class in the Russian Air Force and belongs to the “4+” generation of aircraft. At the same time, it is positioned as a front-line bomber, since it must replace the outdated Su-24 M aircraft in the troops. Designed to carry out high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including using nuclear weapons, against ground (surface) targets at any time of the day in any weather conditions. In the west it is designated "Fullback".
By mid-2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.
In the future, it is planned to supply approximately 150–200 new aircraft to the Russian Air Force and completely replace the outdated Su-24 with them by 2020. Thus, now the Su-34 is the main strike aircraft of our Air Force, capable of using the entire range of high-precision air-to-surface weapons.
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Main characteristics of the Su-34 |
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Main characteristics of the Su-24M |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL-31 F-M1 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 8250 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 13500 kgf |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
1900 km/h (M=1.8) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Practical range with combat load |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh-30–1 On the external sling - all types of modern air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, unguided missiles, aerial bombs, cluster bombs |
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The modern fighter aircraft fleet consists of the following types of aircraft:
- MiG-29 front-line fighters of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to the MiG-29 S, MiG-29 M and MiG-29UB modifications, the latest versions of the MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29UBT (28 and 6 units as of 2013) were put into service. At the same time, there are no plans to modernize old-built aircraft. Based on the MiG-29, the promising multi-role fighter MiG-35 was created, but the signing of a contract for its production was postponed in favor of the MiG-29 SMT.
- front-line Su-27 fighters of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, re-equipment has been underway with new modifications of the Su-27 SM and Su-27 SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
- front-line fighters Su-35 S - 34 units. According to the contract, by 2015 it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type.
- multi-role Su-30 fighters of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM. At the same time, currently delivery of the second series of Su-30 SM, 30 units should be delivered by 2016.
- MiG-31 fighter-interceptors of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014, MiG-31 BS aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31 BSM level, and another 60 MiG-31 B aircraft are planned to be upgraded to the MiG-31 BM level by 2020.
MiG-29
Light front-line fighter fourth generation The MiG-29 was developed back in the USSR and has been in mass production since 1983. In fact he was one of the best fighters of its class in the world and, having a very successful design, was repeatedly modernized and, in the form of the latest modifications, entered the 21st century as a multi-purpose aircraft as part of the Russian Air Force. Initially intended to gain air superiority at tactical depth. In the west it is known as "Fulcrum".
By the time of the collapse of the USSR, about 1,400 cars were produced at factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod various options. Now the MiG-29, in various versions, is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries near and far abroad, where it has taken part in local wars and armed conflicts.
The Russian Air Force currently operates 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:
- MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load compared to the MiG-29 and was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29 M - a multi-role fighter of the “4+” generation, had an increased range and combat load, and was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29UB - two-seat combat training version without radar;
- MiG-29 SMT is the latest modernized version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, adopted in 2004, 28 units delivered by 2013), weapons are located on six underwing and one ventral external suspension units, there is a built-in 30 mm cannon;
- MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (6 units delivered).
For the most part, all older MiG-29 aircraft are physically outdated and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase new equipment instead - MiG-29 SMT (a contract was signed in 2014 for the supply of 16 aircraft) and MiG-29UBT, and also promising MiG-35 fighters.
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Main characteristics of the MiG-29 SMT |
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Main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × RD‑33 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 5040 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 8300 kgf |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruising speed |
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about 700 km/h |
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Practical range with PTB |
2800…3500 km |
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Service ceiling |
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Practical range |
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23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Containers KMGU-2 |
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MiG-35
The new Russian multi-role fighter of the 4++ generation MiG-35 is a deep modernization of the MiG-29 M series aircraft, developed at the MiG Design Bureau. In design, it is maximally unified with early production aircraft, but at the same time it has an increased combat load and flight range, reduced radar signature, is equipped with an active phased array radar, the latest electronics, an on-board electronic warfare system, has an open avionics architecture, and the ability to refuel in the air. The two-seat modification is designated MiG-35 D.
The MiG-35 is designed to gain air superiority and intercept enemy air attack weapons and carry out strikes precision weapons against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne assets.
The question of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until the contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.
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Main characteristics of the MiG-35 |
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1 - 2 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF RD‑33 MK/MKV |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 5400 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 9000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2400 km/h (M=2.25) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruising speed |
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about 700 km/h |
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Practical range with PTB |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) 23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Unguided missiles - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L/KR, ZB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, OFAB-100 |
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Su-27
The Su-27 front-line fighter is a fourth-generation aircraft developed in the USSR at the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1980s. It was intended to gain air superiority and was at one time one of the best fighters in its class. The latest modifications of the Su‑27 continue to be in service with the Russian Air Force; in addition, as a result of the deep modernization of the Su‑27, new models of “4+” generation fighters have been developed. Along with the fourth-generation light front-line fighter, the MiG-29 was one of the best aircraft of its class in the world. According to Western classification, it is called “Flanker”.
Currently, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su‑27 and 52 Su‑27UB fighters of old production. Since 2010, re-equipment to the modernized version of the Su-27 SM began (first flight in 2002). Currently, 70 such vehicles have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su-27 SM3 modification are supplied (12 units were produced), which differ from the previous version in the AL-31 F-M1 engines (afterburner thrust 13,500 kgf), reinforced airframe design and additional weapons suspension points.
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Main characteristics of the Su-27 SM |
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Main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL‑31F turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 7600 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.35) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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about 700 km/h |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
more than 330 m/sec |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L/KR, ZB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, OFAB-100 |
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Su‑30
The heavy two-seat multirole fighter Su‑30 of the “4+” generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of the Su‑27UB combat trainer aircraft through deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat operations of fighters in solving problems of gaining air superiority, supporting combat operations of other types of aviation, covering ground troops and objects, destroying landing forces in the air, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance and destroying ground (surface) targets. The Su-30 features a long range and duration of flights and effective control of a group of fighters. The aircraft's Western designation is "Flanker-C".
The Russian Air Force currently has 3 Su‑30, 16 Su‑30 M2 (all produced by KNAAPO) and 32 Su‑30 SM (produced by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are supplied in accordance with contracts from 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30 SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30 M2 units were ordered.
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Main characteristics of the Su-30 SM |
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Main characteristics of the Su-24M |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL-31FP turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 7700 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2125 km/h (M=2) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Flight range without ground refueling |
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Flight range without refueling at altitude |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration without refueling |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) On external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Unguided missiles - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L/KR, FAB-250, RBK-250, KMGU |
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Su‑35
The Su-35 multi-role super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the “4++” generation and is equipped with engines with thrust vector control. Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is very close in characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su‑35 is designed to gain air superiority and intercept enemy air attack weapons, strike with high-precision weapons against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day or night in all weather conditions
conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west it is designated “Flanker-E+”.
In 2009, a contract was signed to supply the Russian Air Force with 48 of the latest production Su‑35C fighters in the period 2012–2015, of which 34 units are already in service. It is expected to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015–2020.
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Main characteristics of the Su-35 |
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Main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofans with OVT AL‑41F1S |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 8800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 14500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.25) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Ground range |
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Flight range at altitude |
3600…4500 km |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) 23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M, promising long-range missiles Unguided missiles - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBK‑250, KMGU |
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MiG-31
The two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range fighter-interceptor MiG-31 was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At that time it was the first fourth generation aircraft. Designed to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from extremely low to very high, day and night, in any weather conditions, in difficult jamming environments. In fact, the main task of the MiG-31 was to intercept cruise missiles across the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an on-board radar with unique characteristics not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it is designated “Foxhound”.
The MiG-31 fighter-interceptors currently in service with the Russian Air Force (252 units) have several modifications:
- MiG-31 B - serial modification with an in-flight refueling system (adopted into service in 1990)
- MiG-31 BS is a variant of the basic MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 B, but without an in-flight refueling boom.
- The MiG-31 BM is a modernized version with the Zaslon-M radar (developed in 1998), which has a range increased to 320 km, equipped with the latest electronic systems, including satellite navigation, and capable of using air-to-surface guided missiles. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31 B to the level of the MiG-31 BM.
- The second stage of state testing of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
MiG-31 BSM is a modernized version of the MiG-31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and associated electronics. Modernization of combat aircraft has been carried out since 2014.
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Thus, the Russian Air Force will have 60 MiG-31 BM and 30-40 MiG-31 BSM aircraft in service, and approximately 150 older aircraft will be decommissioned. It is possible that a new interceptor, codenamed MiG-41, will appear in the future. |
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Main characteristics of the Su-24M |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
Main characteristics of MiG-31 BM |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × TRDDF D‑30 F6 |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 9500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2 × 15500 kgf |
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Maximum ground speed |
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3000 km/h (M=2.82) |
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Cruising speed subsonic |
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about 700 km/h |
Cruise speed supersonic |
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1450…3000 km |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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High altitude flight range with one refueling Built-in: 23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) 23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑23–6 (260 rounds) Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 M, R-73, R-77, R-40, R-33 S, R-37 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑25 MPU, Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M |
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Promising developments
Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBK‑250
PAK-FA
The promising front-line aviation complex - PAK FA - includes a fifth-generation multi-role fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau under the designation T-50. In terms of the totality of its characteristics, it will have to surpass all foreign analogues and in the near future, after being put into service, it will become the main aircraft of the front-line fighter aviation of the Russian Air Force.
According to plans, serial production of the T-50 aircraft for the Russian Air Force should begin in 2016, and by 2020 the first aviation units equipped with it will appear in Russia. It is also known that production for export is possible. In particular, an export modification is being created together with India, designated FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).
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Main characteristics (estimated) of PAK-FA |
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Main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofans with UVT AL‑41F1 |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 8800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 15000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range at subsonic speed |
2700…4300 km |
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Practical range with PTB |
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Practical range at supersonic speed |
1200…2000 km |
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Flight duration |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun 9 A1–4071 K (260 rounds) On the internal sling - all types of modern and promising air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, aerial bombs, cluster bombs |
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PAK-DP (MiG‑41)
Some sources report that the MiG Design Bureau, together with the design bureau of the Sokol aircraft plant (Nizhny Novgorod), is currently developing a long-range, high-speed fighter-interceptor with the code name “advanced long-range interception aircraft complex” - PAK DP, also known as MiG-41. It was stated that development began in 2013 on the basis of the MiG-31 fighter by order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Perhaps this refers to a deep modernization of the MiG-31, which was worked on earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that the promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the weapons program until 2020 and put into service until 2028.
In 2014, information appeared in the media that the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force V. Bondarev said that now only research work is underway, and in 2017 it is planned to begin development work on the creation of a promising long-range interception aircraft complex.
(continued in the next issue)
Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015)*
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Aircraft type |
Quantity |
Planned |
Planned |
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Bomber aircraft as part of long-range aviation |
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Strategic missile carriers Tu-160 |
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Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS |
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Long-range missile carrier-bomber Tu-22M3 |
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Bomber and attack aircraft as part of front-line aviation |
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Su-25 attack aircraft |
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Su-24M front-line bombers |
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Su-34 fighter-bombers |
124 (total) |
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Fighter aircraft as part of front-line aviation |
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Frontline fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT |
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Frontline fighters Su-27, Su-27SM |
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Frontline fighters Su-35S |
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Multirole fighters Su-30, Su-30SM |
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Interceptor fighters MiG-31, MiG-31BSM |
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Promising front-line aviation complex - PAK FA |
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Military transport aviation |
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Transport aircraft An-22 |
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Transport aircraft An-124 and An-124-100 |
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Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A |
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Transport aircraft An-12 |
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Transport aircraft An-72 |
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Transport aircraft An-26, An-24 |
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Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140 |
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Promising military transport aircraft Il-112V |
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Promising military transport aircraft Il-214 |
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Army Aviation Helicopters |
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Multi-purpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV |
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Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35 |
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Mi-28N attack helicopters |
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Ka-50 attack helicopters |
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Ka-52 attack helicopters |
146 (total) |
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Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M |
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Promising multi-purpose helicopter Mi-38 |
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Reconnaissance and special aviation |
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Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U |
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Airplanes RER and electronic warfare Il-20M |
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An-30 reconnaissance aircraft |
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Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft |
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Tu-214ON reconnaissance aircraft |
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Air command posts IL-80 |
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Il-78, Il-78M refueling aircraft |
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Promising AWACS aircraft A-100 |
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Promising aircraft RER and electronic warfare A-90 |
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Il-96-400TZ tanker aircraft |
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Unmanned aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces) |
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"Bee-1T" |
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The two most powerful powers in the world have the most powerful air fleets. These are Russia and the United States of America. Both countries are constantly improving them. New military personnel are released, if not annually, then every two to three years. Huge funds are allocated for development in this area. If we talk about Russian strategic aviation, then do not expect that you will be able to find accurate statistical data anywhere on the number of attack aircraft, fighters, etc. in service. Such information is considered top secret. Therefore, the information provided in this article may be subjective. General overview of the Russian air fleetIt is included in the Aerospace Forces of our country. One of the important components of the WWF is aviation. It is divided for long-range, transport, operational-tactical and army. This includes attack aircraft, bombers, fighters, and transport aircraft. How many military aircraft does Russia have? Approximate figure - 1614 units of military air equipment. These include 80 strategic bombers, 150 long-range bombers, 241 attack aircraft, etc. For comparison, you can give how many passenger planes there are in Russia. Total 753. Of them 547 - main and 206 — regional. Since 2014, the demand for passenger flights began to fall, so the number of aircraft in use has also decreased. 72% of them- these are foreign models ( and ). New aircraft in the Russian Air Force are improved models military equipment. Among them we can highlight Su-57. This 5th generation fighter with a wide range of functions. Until August 2017, it was developed under a different name - Tu-50. They began to create it as a replacement for the Su-27. The first time he soared into the sky was still in 2010 year. Three years later it was put into small-scale production for testing. By 2018 Multi-batch deliveries will begin.
A-100 “Premier”- another new product from the Russian Air Force. Long-range radio navigation aircraft. It must replace outdated models - A50 and A50U. From training machines you can bring Yak-152. It was developed for the selection of pilots at the first stage of training. Among military transport models there are Il-112 and Il-214. The first of them is a light aircraft that should replace the An-26. The second was developed jointly with, but now they continue to design it, as a replacement for An-12. Among helicopters, such new models are under development - Ka-60 and Mi-38. Ka-60 is a transport helicopter. It is designed to deliver ammunition and weapons to military conflict zones. Mi-38 is a multifunctional helicopter. It is financed directly by the state.
There is also a new item among passenger models. This is IL-114. Turboprop aircraft with two engines. It holds 64 passengers, but flies at a distance - up to 1500 km. It is being developed to replace An-24. If we talk about Russian small aviation, the situation here is extremely deplorable. There are only 2-4 thousand planes and helicopters. And the number of amateur pilots is decreasing every year. This is due to the fact that for any aircraft you have to pay two taxes at once - transport and property. Air fleets of Russia and the USA - comparative analysisThe total number of aircraft the US has is: that's 13,513 cars. Researchers note that of these - only 2000- fighters and bombers. The rest - 11,000- These are transport vehicles and those used by NATO, the US Navy and the National Guard. Transport aircraft are extremely important to keep air bases operational and provide excellent logistics to America's troops. In this comparison, the US Air Force and the Russian Air Force clearly win the former.
The US Air Force has a large amount of equipment. In terms of the pace of renewal of military air equipment, Russia is taking the lead. By 2020, it is planned to produce another 600 units. The real power gap between the two powers will be 10-15 % . It has already been noted that Russian S-27s are ahead of American F-25s. If we talk about comparing the armed forces of Russia and the United States, the trump card of the former is the presence of particularly powerful air defense systems. They reliably protect Russian air latitudes. Modern Russian S-400 air defense systems have no analogues anywhere in the world. Russian air defense is something like an “umbrella” protecting the skies of our country until 2020. By this milestone, it is planned to completely update almost all military equipment, including air equipment.
All over the world it is well known that the Russian army is one of the most powerful on our planet. And she is considered as such by right. The air force is part of the Russian Armed Forces and is one of the key units of our army. Therefore, it is necessary to talk about the Air Force in more detail. A little historyHistory in the modern sense begins in 1998. It was then that the Air Force we know today was formed. And they were formed as a result of the merger of the so-called troops and the Air Force. True, even now they no longer exist as such. Since last year, 2015, there has been the Aerospace Forces (VKS). By combining space and air forces, it was possible to consolidate potential and resources, as well as concentrate command in one hand - due to which the effectiveness of the forces increased. In any case, this is exactly how the need to form the VKS was justified. These troops perform many tasks. They repel aggression in the air and space spheres, protect the land, people, country and important objects from attacks coming from the same place, and provide air support for the combat operations of other Russian military units.
StructureThe Russian Federation (after all, many people are more accustomed to calling them in the old way than VKS) includes many divisions. This is aviation, as well as radio engineering and anti-aircraft in the first place. These are the branches of the Air Force. The structure also includes special troops. These include intelligence, as well as communications of automated control systems and radio technical support. Without this, the Russian Air Force cannot exist. Special troops also include meteorological, topogeodetic, engineering, NBC protection, aeronautical, and also engineering. But this is not yet full list. It is also complemented by support, search and rescue, and meteorological services. But, in addition to the above, there are units whose main task is to protect military command and control bodies. Other structure featuresIt should be noted that the structure that distinguishes the Air Force of the Russian Federation also has divisions. The first is long-range aviation (YES). The second is military transport (VTA). The third is operational tactical (OTA) and, finally, the fourth is army (AA). But that's not all. Units can include special, transport, reconnaissance, fighter aircraft, as well as attack and bomber aircraft. And each has its own tasks, which the Air Force obliges them to carry out. The composition still has a certain foundation on which the entire structure rests. Naturally, these are air bases and brigades belonging to the Aerospace Defense Forces.
The situation in the 21st centuryEvery person who understands this topic at least a little knows perfectly well that in the 90s the air force of the Russian Federation was actively degrading. And all due to the fact that the number of troops and their level of training was very small. Plus, the technology was not particularly new, and there were not enough airfields. In addition, the structure was not funded, and therefore there were practically no flights. But in the 2000s the situation began to improve. To be more precise, everything began to progress in 2009. It was then that fruitful and capital work began regarding the repair and modernization of the entire fleet of the Russian Air Force. Perhaps the impetus for this was the statement of the commander-in-chief of the troops, A. N. Zelin. In 2008, he said that the aerospace defense of our state was in a catastrophic state. Therefore, the purchase of equipment and improvement of the entire system as a whole began.
SymbolismThe Air Force flag is very bright and noticeable. This is a blue panel, in the center of which there is an image of two silver propellers. They seem to intersect with each other. An anti-aircraft gun is also depicted with them. And the background is made up of silvery wings. In general, it’s quite original and symbolic. Golden rays seem to emanate from the center of the cloth (there are 14 of them). By the way, their location is strictly regulated - this is not a chaotic choice. If you turn on your fantasy and imagination, it begins to seem as if this emblem is in the middle of the sun, blocking it - that’s why the rays. And if you look into history, you can understand that this is so. Because in Soviet time the flag was a blue banner with a golden sun, in the middle of which was a red star with a hammer and sickle in the center. And just below are silver wings that seem to be attached to a black propeller ring.
It is worth noting that the Federation, together with the US Air Force, planned to conduct joint anti-terrorism exercises in 2008. This should have happened on Far East. The scenario was planned as follows: terrorists hijack a plane at the airport, and troops prevent the consequences. The Russian side had to bring into action four fighters, search rescue services and an early warning aircraft. The US Air Force required the participation of a civilian airliner and fighter aircraft. Plus the notorious plane. However, shortly before the planned event, literally a week, it was announced that it had been decided to celebrate the exercise. Many believe that the reason was the strained relations between NATO and Russia. | Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation | Aerospace Forces (VKS). Air Force Armed Forces of the Russian FederationAerospace Forces (VKS)Air ForceFrom the history of creation Aviation took its first steps without a sufficient scientific base, only thanks to enthusiasts. However, at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. Theoretical and experimental research appeared in this area. The leading role in the development of aviation belongs to the Russian scientists N. E. Zhukovsky and S. A. Chaplygin. The first successful flight of the aircraft was carried out on December 17, 1903 by American mechanics brothers W. and O. Wright. Subsequently, various types of aircraft were created in Russia and some other countries. Their speed then reached 90-120 km/h. The use of aviation during the First World War determined the importance of the aircraft as a new combat weapon and caused the division of aviation into fighter, bomber and reconnaissance. In the warring countries, during the war years, the fleet of aircraft expanded and their characteristics improved. The speed of the fighters reached 200-220 km/h, and the ceiling increased from 2 to 7 km. From the mid-20s. XX century Duralumin began to be widely used in aircraft construction. In the 30s. in the design of aircraft they switched from a biplane to a monoplane, which made it possible to increase the speed of fighters to 560-580 km/h. The Second World War became a powerful impetus for the development of aviation. World War. After it, jet aviation and helicopter manufacturing began to develop rapidly. Supersonic aircraft appeared in the Air Force. In the 80s Much attention was paid to the creation of short takeoff and landing aircraft, high payload capacity, and improvement of helicopters. Currently, some countries are working to create and improve orbital and aerospace aircraft. Organizational structure of the Air Force
Air Force- the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces, designed to protect the bodies of higher state and military command, strategic nuclear forces, troop groups, important administrative and industrial centers and regions of the country from reconnaissance and air strikes, attacks on aviation, land and naval groups the enemy, its administrative-political, industrial-economic centers in order to disorganize state and military administration, disrupt the work of the rear and transport, as well as conduct aerial reconnaissance and air transportation. They can perform these tasks under any weather conditions, at any time of day or year.
The aviation units are armed with airplanes, seaplanes and helicopters. The basis of the Air Force's combat power is supersonic all-weather aircraft equipped with a variety of bomber, missile and small arms weapons. The anti-aircraft missile and radio technical troops are armed with various anti-aircraft missile systems, short-range air defense systems, radar stations and other means of armed warfare. In peacetime, the Air Force performs tasks to protect the state border of Russia in the airspace and alerts about flights of foreign reconnaissance vehicles in the border zone. Bomber aircraft It is armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers of various types. It is designed to defeat troop groups, destroy important military, energy facilities and communications centers primarily in the strategic and operational depth of enemy defenses. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as air-to-surface guided missiles. Attack aircraft designed for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects primarily at the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as command of the fight against enemy aircraft in the air. Fighter aircraft air defense is the main maneuverable force of the air defense system and is designed to cover the most important directions and objects from enemy air attack. It is capable of destroying the enemy at maximum ranges from defended objects. Reconnaissance aircraft designed for conducting aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather, and can destroy hidden enemy objects. Transport aviation designed for the transportation of troops, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel, food, airborne landings, evacuation of the wounded, sick, etc. Special aviation designed for long-range radar detection and guidance, refueling aircraft in the air, conducting electronic warfare, radiation, chemical and biological protection, control and communications, meteorological and technical support, rescue of crews in distress, evacuation of the wounded and sick. Anti-aircraft missile forces but are intended to protect the country’s most important facilities and troop groups from enemy air strikes. Radio technical troops- the main source of information about the air enemy and are intended for conducting radar reconnaissance, monitoring the flights of their aircraft and compliance by aircraft of all departments with the rules for the use of airspace. Communication units and subdivisions designed for deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities. Electronic warfare units and units designed to interfere with airborne radars, bomb sights, communications and radio navigation of enemy air attack systems. Units and subdivisions of communications and radio engineering support designed to provide control aviation units and units, aircraft navigation, takeoff and landing of airplanes and helicopters. Units and subdivisions engineering troops, as well as parts and units of radiation, chemical and biological protection are designed to perform the most complex tasks of engineering and chemical support, respectively.
The military-industrial complex of Russia is one of the most modern in the world, therefore Russian military aviation is also one of the most modern on the planet. The Russian military-industrial complex is capable of producing almost any type of modern military aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters. Russian military aviation consists of:
The main manufacturers of military aircraft in Russia are PJSC Sukhoi Company, JSC RSK MiG, Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M. L. Mil, JSC Kamov and others. You can see photos and descriptions of some companies' products using the links: Let's look at each class of military aircraft with descriptions and photographs. Russian bombersWikipedia will very accurately explain to us what a bomber is: A bomber is a military aircraft designed to destroy ground, underground, surface, and underwater targets using bombs and/or missiles. . Long-range bombers of RussiaLong-range bombers in Russia are developed and produced by the Tupolev Design Bureau. Long-range bomber Tu-160The Tu-160, which received the unofficial name “White Swan”, is the fastest and heaviest long-range bomber in the world. The Tu-160 “White Swan” is capable of reaching supersonic speed, and not every fighter is able to keep up with it. Long-range bomber Tu-95Tu-95 is a veteran of Russian long-range aviation. Developed back in 1955 and having undergone many upgrades, the Tu-95 is still Russia's main long-range bomber.  Long-range bomber Tu-22MTu-22M is another long-range bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It has variable sweep wings, like the Tu-160, but its dimensions are smaller. Frontline bombers of RussiaFrontline bombers in Russia are developed and produced by PJSC Sukhoi Company. Su-34 front-line bomberThe Su-34 is a 4++ generation combat aircraft, a fighter-bomber, although it would be more accurate to call it a front-line bomber.  Su-24 front-line bomberSu-24 is a front-line bomber, the development of which began in the USSR in the early 60s of the last century. Currently, it is being replaced by the Su-34.  Russian fightersFighter aircraft in Russia are developed and produced by two companies: PJSC Sukhoi Company and JSC RSK MiG. Su fightersPJSC Sukhoi Company supplies the troops with such modern combat vehicles, such as the fifth generation fighter Su-50 (PAK FA), Su-35, front-line bomber Su-34, carrier-based fighter Su-33, Su-30, heavy fighter Su-27, attack aircraft Su-25, front-line bomber Su-24M3. Fifth generation fighter PAK FA (T-50)PAK FA (T-50 or Su-50) is a fifth-generation fighter developed by PJSC Sukhoi Company for the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2002. As of the end of 2016, tests are being completed and the aircraft is being prepared for transfer to regular units. Photo PAK FA (T-50). Su-35 is a 4++ generation fighter aircraft. Photo of Su-35. Carrier-based fighter Su-33Su-33 is a 4++ generation carrier-based fighter. Several such aircraft are in service with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. .jpg) Su-27 fighterThe Su-27 is the main combat fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces. On its basis, the Su-34, Su-35, Su-33 and several other fighters were developed. Su-27 in flight MiG fightersJSC RSK MiG currently supplies the troops with the MiG-31 interceptor fighter and the MiG-29 fighter. MiG-31 interceptor fighterThe MiG-31 is an interceptor fighter designed to perform missions at any time of the day and in any weather. The MiG-31 is a very fast aircraft.  MiG-29 fighterThe MiG-29 is one of the main combat fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces. There is a deck version - MiG-29K.  StormtroopersThe only attack aircraft in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces is the Su-25 attack aircraft. Su-25 attack aircraftSu-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft. The aircraft made its first flight in 1975. Since then, having undergone many upgrades, it has reliably performed its tasks.  Russian military helicoptersHelicopters for the army are produced by the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M.L. Mil and JSC Kamov. Kamov helicoptersOJSC Kamov specializes in the production of coaxial helicopters. Ka-52 helicopterThe Ka-52 Alligator is a two-seat helicopter capable of performing both attack and reconnaissance functions. .jpg) Deck helicopter Ka-31The Ka-31 is a deck-based helicopter equipped with a long-range radio detection and guidance system and is in service with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. .jpg) Deck helicopter Ka-27The Ka-27 is a multi-purpose carrier-based helicopter. The main modifications are anti-submarine and rescue. Photo of Ka-27PL Russian Navy Helicopters MileMi helicopters are developed by the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M.L. Mil. Mi-28 helicopterThe Mi-28 is a Soviet-designed attack helicopter used by the Russian Army. .jpg) Mi-24 helicopterThe Mi-24 is a world-famous attack helicopter created in the 1970s in the USSR. .jpg) Mi-26 helicopterMi-24 is a heavy transport helicopter, also developed during the Soviet era. On this moment is the largest helicopter in the world. .jpg)
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