Air Force (Air Force) and airborne troops, their composition and purpose, weapons and military equipment. Passing service in the Air Force on conscription, under the Air Force contract decoding of the troops

The Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in terms of fleet size.

As of 2010, the number of personnel of the Russian Air Force is about 148,000 people. The Air Force operates more than 4,000 pieces of military equipment, as well as 833 in storage.

After the reform, the air regiments were consolidated into air bases, total 60 AB.

Tactical aviation is composed of the following squadrons:

• 38 fighter aircraft)
• 14 bombers,
• 14 assault aircraft,
• 9 reconnaissance aircraft,
• training and testing - 13 ae.

Tactical aviation bases deployment:

• KOR - 2 AB
• GVZ - 1 AB
• ZVO - 6 AB
• Southern Military District - 5 AB
• CVO - 4 AB
• VVO - 7 AB

At the end of 2003, Lieutenant General Viktor Nikolayevich Sokerin, having resigned from the post of Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Baltic Fleet, described the situation in the Air Force at that time as follows: "The Armed Forces are experiencing an uncontrolled decay of their combat aviation." “... Aviation regiments are staffed by officers who, over the course of five years of training, had only a few hours of training flight time, and mainly with an instructor. Only 3 percent of pilots of the 1st and 2nd classes are younger than 36 years old, and only 1 percent of navigators of the 1st class of the Air Force of the Baltic Fleet are younger than 40 years old. 60 percent of crew commanders are over 35 years old, half of them are over 40 years old.”

According to the results of 2006, the average flying time in the Russian Air Force was 40 hours. The flight time depends on the type of aircraft. In military transport aviation, it was 60 hours, while in fighter and front-line aviation it was 20-25 hours. For comparison, for the same year this indicator in the USA was 189, France 180, Romania 120 hours. In 2007, as a result of improving the supply of aviation fuel and intensifying combat training, the average annual flight time increased: in long-range aviation it amounted to 80-100 hours, in air defense aviation - about 55 hours. Young pilots often have over 100 flight hours.

In addition to the Air Force, there is military aviation in other types and branches of the Armed Forces of Russia: the Navy, the Strategic Missile Forces. Air defense aviation and aviation ground forces belong to the Air Force. Aviation of the Missile Forces strategic purpose by April 1, 2011 will be transferred to the Russian Air Force.

The plan to reduce the number of bases provides for a reduction to 33 air bases, and the write-off of about 1000 aircraft, up to 2000 aircraft.

The exact quantitative and qualitative composition of the Russian Air Force is classified information. The data below is collected from open sources and may contain significant inaccuracies.

Sources

MiG-31 - heavy high-speed interceptor

MiG-29 - light multirole fighter

Su-35BM - 4++ generation heavy multirole fighter

Tu-22M3 - medium bomber-missile carrier

Tu-160 - heavy strategic bomber-missile carrier and Su-27 - fighter-interceptor

Il-78 - an air tanker and a pair of Su-24 - front-line bombers

Ka-50 - attack helicopter

Purpose, name	Number in regular air force	Quantity in the Air Force Reserve	Total	Number of delivered machines
Strategic and long-range aviation:	204	90	294
Tu-22M3	124	90	214
Tu-95MS6/Tu-95MS16	32/32		64
Tu-160	16		16
Frontline aviation:	655	301	956	39
Su-25 / Su-25SM	241/40	100	381
Su-24 / Su-24M / Su-24M2	0/335/30	201/0/0	566	0
Su-34	9		9	23
Fighter aircraft:	782	600	1382	66
MiG-29 / MiG-29SMT/UBT	242/34	300	570
MiG-31 / MiG-31BM	178/10	200	388
Su-27 / Su-27SM / Su-27SM2/SM3	252/55/4	100	406	0/0/8
Su-30 / Su-30M2	5/4		9
Su-35S	0		0	48
Combat helicopters:	1328		1328	130
Ka-50	8		8	5
Ka-52	8		8	31
Mi-24P/Mi-24PN/Mi-24VP-M	592/28/0		620	0/0/22
Mi-28N	38		38	59
Mi-8/Mi-8AMTSh/Mi-8MTV-5	600/22/12		610	0/12/18
Mi-26	35		35
Ka-60	7		7
Reconnaissance aviation:	150		150
Su-24MR	100		100
MiG-25RB	30		30
A-50/A-50U	11/1	8	20
Transport aviation and tankers:	284		284	60
IL-76	210		210
An-22	12		12
An-72	20		20
An-70			0	60
An-124	22		22
IL-78	20		20
Anti-aircraft rocket troops:	304		304	19
S-300PS	70		70
S-300PM	30		30
S-300V/S-300V4	200 PU		200 PU	0/?
S-400	4		4	48
Training and combat training aviation:	>980		980	12
MiG-29UB/ MiG-29UBT	?/6
Su-27UB
Su-25UB/ Su-25UBM				0/16
Tu-134UBL
L-39	336		336
Yak-130	8		8	3
Ansat-U	15		15
Ka-226	0			6

Rearmament

In 2010, the Russian aviation industry supplied the Russian Ministry of Defense with 21 aircraft and 57 helicopters.

In 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense will receive at least 28 aircraft and more than 100 helicopters from the industry. Also this year, the modernization of the fleet of Su-25 attack aircraft to the SM standard will continue.

As of May 2011, 8 serial Ka-52 helicopters entered service. The plant can assemble up to 2 Ka-52s per month

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense in 2011, 35 aircraft, 109 helicopters and 21 anti-aircraft missile systems will be purchased.

As of the beginning of 2011, 8 out of 38 fighter aviation squadrons were re-equipped with new and modernized aircraft; attack aviation - 3 out of 14 air units; bomber aviation - 2 out of 14 ae. In the same year, one bomber airbase at the Baltimore air base near Voronezh will be re-equipped with the Su-34.

It became known about the order of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation of 100 Ka-60 helicopters with the start date of deliveries in 2015.

It became known that at the MAKS-2011 air show, it is planned to sign a contract for the supply of an additional batch of Yak-130 in the amount of 60 vehicles. A contract for the modernization of the MiG-31 into the MiG-31BM variant in the amount of 30 vehicles. A contract for the supply of MiG-29K in the amount of 24 aircraft for the Aviation of the Russian Navy.

The number of aircraft received by the Air Force in recent years as part of the rearmament program:

Name	Quantity
Fighter aircraft:	107
MiG-29SMT	28
MiG-29UBT	6
MiG-31BM	10
Su-27SM	55
Su-27SM3	4
Su-30M2	4
Assault/bomber aircraft:	87
Su-25SM	40
Su-25UBM	1
Su-24M2	30
Su-34	13
Educational and training aviation:	6
Yak-130	9
Helicopter aviation:	92
Ka-50	8
Ka-52	11
Mi-28N	38
Mi-8AMTSh	32
Mi-8MTV5	19
Ansat-U	15

Concluded contracts for the supply of aircraft for the Russian Air Force and Navy:

Name	Quantity	Reference
MiG-29K	24	it is planned to sign a contract for MAKS-2011
Su-27SM3	12	completed by a third, the last 8 boards will arrive in 2011
Su-30M2	4	completed
Su-35S	48	the first two boards will arrive in 2011, the deadline for completion is 2015
Su-34	32	4 boards delivered, 6 more will arrive in 2011, then 10-12 aircraft annually
Su-25UBM	16
Ka-52	36	8 serial boards delivered, 10 more will arrive in 2011
Mi-28N	97	38 aircraft delivered, including 15 in 2010, 15 more in 2011
Mi-26T	?	4 until the end of 2011
Yak-130	62	9 serial boards have been delivered, 3 more will arrive in the summer
An-140-100	11	Will be delivered within 3 years
Ka-226	36	6 in 2011
Ka-60	100	deliveries from 2014-2015, part of the ship version is possible

Unmanned aerial vehicles

The Russian Air Force has two UAV regiments, a research squadron and a Center combat use UAV in Yegoryevsk. At the same time, the development of UAVs in Russia lags far behind similar programs of NATO countries. In 2010, the Russian Defense Ministry ordered from Israel 3 types of reconnaissance unmanned aircraft for the needs of its army. The total number of devices is estimated at 63 units. In Russia, it is planned to open a joint venture with Israel for the production of UAVs.

Types of purchased UAVs:

• IAI Bird Eye 400
• IAI I-View
• IAI Searcher 2

Of the domestic UAVs, it is known for certain that the following are in service:

• ZALA 421-08
• Pchela-1T
• tipchak
• Tu-243

Educational establishments

Educational institutions that train specialists for the Russian Air Force:

• Air Force Academy named after prof. N. E. Zhukovsky and Yu. A. Gagarin
• Military Academy of Aerospace Defense named after Marshal Soviet Union G. K. Zhukova
• Krasnodar branch of VUNTS VVS "VVA"

• Military Aviation Engineering University of Voronezh

I was provoked to create this article by regular disputes and measurements of various "bodies" in topics about our aviation. In general, the audience of these discussions can be divided into those who believe that we are hopelessly behind, and those who, on the contrary, are subject to unprecedented enthusiasm and firmly believe that everything is wonderful. The argument basically boils down to the fact that "nothing flies here, but everything is cool with them." And vice versa. I decided to single out a few theses around which frequent disputes flare up and give them my assessment.

For those who value their time, I give conclusions at the very beginning:

1) The US Air Force and the Russian Air Force, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, are approximately equal, with a slight advantage for the United States;

2) The trend for the next 5-7 years is to achieve almost complete parity;

3) PR, advertising and psychological warfare - a favorite and effective method US military operations. An adversary who is psychologically defeated (by disbelief in the power of his weapons, hands, etc.) is already half defeated.

So, let's begin.

Air Force/Navy/Guard USA is the most powerful in the world.

Yes this is true. As of May 2013, the US Air Force had 934 fighters, 96 bombers, 138 strike aircraft, 329 transport aircraft, 216 tankers, 938 trainers and 921 other aircraft.

For comparison, the strength of the Russian Air Force as of May 2013 is 738 fighters, 163 bombers, 153 strike aircraft, 372 transport aircraft, 18 tankers, 200 trainers and 500 other aircraft. As you can see, there is no “monstrous” quantitative superiority.

However, there are nuances, the main of which is that US aviation is aging, but it has no replacement.

Name	In operation (total number)	Percentage of number operated	Average age (as of 2013)
Fighters
F-22A	85 (141)	9,1%	5-6 years
Su-35S	18 (18)	2,4%	0.5 years
F-15C	55 (157)	5.9%	28 years
Su-27SM	307 (406)	41,6%	3-4 years
F-15D	13 (28)	1,4%	28 years
MiG-29SMT	255 (555)	34,6%	12-13 years old
F-16C	318 (619)	34%	21 years old
MiG-31BM	158 (358)	21,4%	13-15 years old
F-16D	6 (117)	0,6%	21 years old
F/A-18 (all mod.)	457 (753)	48,9%	12-14 years old
F-35 (all mod.)	n/a (71)	n/a	0.5-1 year
US total	934 (1886)		~ 17.1 years old
Total RF	738 (1337)		~ 10.2 years
Bombers
B-52H	44 (53)	45,8%	50 years
Tu-95MS	32 (92)	19,6%	50 years
B-2A	16 (16)	16,7%	17 years
Tu-22M3	115 (213)	70,6%	25-26 years old
B-1B	36 (54)	37,5%	25 years old
Tu-160	16 (16)	9,8%	20-21 years old
US total	96 (123)		~ 34.2 years
Total RF	163 (321)		~ 31.9 years
Stormtroopers
A-10A	38 (65)	34,5%	28 years
A-10C	72 (129)	65,5%	6-7 years old
Su-25SM	200 (300)	100%	10-11 years old
US total	110 (194)		~ 13.4 years
Total RF	200 (300)		~ 10-11 years old
attack aircraft
F-15E	138 (223)	100%	20 years
Su-24M	124 (300)	81%	29-30 years old
F-111/FB-111	0 (84)	0%	over 40 years old
Su-34	29 (29)	19%	0.5-1 year
US total	138 (307)		~ 20 years
Total RF	153 (329)		~ 24.4 years
AWACS
E-3	24 (33)	100%	32 years
A-50	27 (27)	100%	27-28 years old

I also want to highlight the following point. Our country 20 years ago was part of the “democracy” with the Su-27 and MiG-29, which, thanks to a competent export policy, were able to survive and then increase their potential to the Su-35S and MiG-35. The United States entered the crisis with the F-22 out of production, and with the unfinished F-35, as well as a massive fleet of good, but already outdated F-15/16. I lead my rhetoric to the fact that at the moment the United States does not have a relatively cheap backlog that would allow them to maintain a quantitative (and in some ways qualitative) superiority over the Russian Federation without multibillion-dollar investments in new developments.

At the same time, the aviation fleet of the Russian Federation will be actively modernized over the next 5-7 years. Including due to the creation of completely new aircraft. At the moment, until 2017, contracts have been concluded for the production / modernization of the MiG-31BM - 100 units; Su-27SM - 96 units; Su-27SM3 - 12 units; Su-35S - 95 units; Su-30SM - 60 units; Su-30M2 - 4 units; MiG-29SMT - 34 units; MiG-29K - 24 units; Su-34 - 124 units; MiG-35 - 24 units; PAK FA - 60 units; IL-476 - 100 units; An-124-100M - 42 units; A-50U - 20 units; Tu-95MSM - 20 units; Yak-130 - 65 units. By 2020, more than 750 new machines will be put into operation.

In fairness, I note that in 2001 the United States planned to purchase more than 2,400 F-35s by 2020. However, at the moment, all deadlines have been missed, and the commissioning of the aircraft has been postponed until mid-2015.

We only have a few 4++ aircraft and no 5th generation, while the US already has hundreds of them.

Yes, that's right, the US has 141 F-22A in service. We have 18 Su-35S. PAK FA - undergoing flight tests. But you need to consider:

a) F-22 aircraft have been discontinued due to 1) high cost ($280-300 versus $85-95 for the Su-35); 2) overlooked the issue of the tail unit (it fell apart during overloads); 3) glitches with the FCS (fire control system).

b) F-35, with all its PR, is very far from the 5th generation. Yes, and there are enough shortcomings: either the EDSU will fail, or the airframe will not work as it should, or the FCS will fail.

c) Until 2017, the troops will receive: Su-35S - 95 units, PAK FA - 60 units.

d) Comparison of individual aircraft outside the context of their combat use is not correct. Combat operations are high-intensity and multi-modal mutual destruction, where much depends on the specific topography, weather conditions, luck, training, coherence, morale etc. Separate combat units do not solve anything. On paper, an ordinary ATGM will tear any modern tank, but in combat conditions everything is much more prosaic.

Their 5th generation is many times superior to our PAK FA and Su-35S.

This is a very bold statement.

a) If the F-22 and F-35 are so cool, why are they: 1) So carefully hidden? 2) Why are they not allowed to make EPR measurements? 3) Why are they not satisfied with demonstrative dogfights, or at least simple comparative maneuvering, as at air shows?

b) If we compare the performance characteristics of ours and american cars, then it is possible to detect a lag in our aircraft only in terms of EPR (for the Su-35S) and detection range (20-30 km). 20-30 km in range is garbage in vegetable oil for the simple reason that the missiles that we have surpass the US AIM-54, AIM-152AAAM in range by 80-120 km. I'm talking about RVV BD, KS-172, R-37. So, if the F-35 or F-22 radars have the best range for inconspicuous targets, then how will they shoot down this target? And where is the guarantee that the "contact" will not fly "low"?

c) There is nothing universal in military affairs. An attempt to create a universal aircraft capable of performing the functions of an interceptor, bomber, fighter and attack aircraft leads to the fact that the universal becomes synonymous with the word mediocre. The war recognizes only the best models in their class, sharpened to solve specific problems. Therefore, if an attack aircraft, then - Su-25SM, if a front-line bomber, - Su-34, if an interceptor, - MiG-31BM, if a fighter, - Su-35S.

d) “America spent $400 billion in R&D to create the F-35, and $70 billion for the F-22. Russia spent only $8 billion to create the T-50. Doesn’t anyone realize that if Russia would spend $400 billion on a research project, they would probably produce an aircraft capable to conquer the world in a second ... ”(c) War is not a comparison of who has X longer. More importantly, who will have these X better in terms of price / quality.

The United States has a significant superiority in forces strategic aviation .

This is not true. AT combat strength The US Air Force has 96 strategic bombers: 44 B-52H, 36 B-1B and 16 B-2A. B-2 - exclusively subsonic - from nuclear weapons carries only free-falling bombs. B-52N - subsonic and old, like a mammoth. B-1B - at the moment it is not a carrier of nuclear weapons (START-3). Compared to the B-1, the Tu-160 has 1.5 times the takeoff weight, 1.3 times the combat radius, 1.6 times the speed and heavy load in internal compartments. By 2025, we plan to commission a new strategic bomber (PAK DA), which will replace the Tu-95 and Tu-160. The United States has extended the life of its aircraft until 2035.

If we compare their ALCMs (cruise missiles) with ours, then everything turns out to be quite interesting. AGM-86 ALCM has a range of 1200-1400 km. Our Kh-55s are 3000-3500 km, and Kh-101s are 5000-5500 km. That is, the Tu-160 can shoot at the territory or AUG of the enemy without entering the affected area, and then calmly leave on supersonic sound (for comparison, the maximum operating time at full thrust with afterburner for the F / A-18 is 10 minutes , for the 160th - 45 minutes). It also raises deep doubts about their ability to overcome the normal (not Arab-Yugoslav) air defense system.

Summing up, I want to note once again that modern air warfare is not about individual battles in the air, but about the work of detection, target designation and suppression systems. And consider the plane (whether F-22 or PAK FA ) as a proud lone "wolf" in the sky - no need. There are a lot of nuances around in the face of air defense, electronic warfare, ground-based RTR, weather conditions, flares, LTC and other joys that will not even allow the pilot to reach the target. Therefore, there is no need to add up sagas and sing hymns to single fantastic winged ships that will bring laurels of victories to the feet of those who created them, and destroy everyone who dares to "raise a hand" against their creators.

The two strongest 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 units are issued, 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 can find accurate, statistical data on the number of attack aircraft, fighters, etc. in service somewhere. Such information is classified as top secret. Therefore, the information provided in this article may be subjective.

General overview of the Russian air fleet

It is included in the Aerospace Forces of our country. One of the important components of the WWF is aviation. It is subdivided to long-range, transport, operational-tactical and army. This includes attack aircraft, bombers, fighters, transport aircraft.

How many military aircraft does Russia have? Approximate number - 1614 units of military air equipment. These are 80 strategic bombers, and 150 long-range bombers, 241 attack aircraft, etc.

For comparison, you can give how many passenger aircraft in Russia. Total 753. Of them 547 — trunk and 206 - regional. Since 2014, the demand for passenger flights began to fall, so the number of operated cars has also decreased. 72% of them are foreign models ( and ).

The new aircraft in the Russian Air Force are advanced models of military equipment. Among them are Su-57. This is 5th generation fighter with a wide range of functions. Until August 2017, it was developed under a different name - Tu-50. It began to be created as a replacement for the Su-27.

The first time he soared into the sky yet in 2010. Three years later, it was launched into small-scale production for testing. By 2018 batch deliveries will begin.

Another promising model is MiG-35. This is a light fighter whose characteristics are almost comparable with fifth generation aircraft. It was designed to deliver accurate strikes against targets on land and in water. Winter 2017 year, the first tests began. By 2020 first deliveries are planned.

A-100 Premier- another novelty in the Russian Air Force. Early warning aircraft. It should replace the outdated models - A50 and A50U.

From training machines can be brought 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, which should replace the An-26. The second was developed jointly with, but now they continue to design it, as a replacement for the An-12.

Of the 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 the zones of military conflicts. Mi-38 is a multifunctional helicopter. Its financing is provided directly by the state.

There is also a novelty among passenger models. This is IL-114. Turboprop aircraft with two engines. It accommodates 64 passengers, and flies to a distance - up to 1500 km. It is being developed to replace An-24.

If we talk about small aviation in Russia, then the situation here is extremely deplorable. There are only 2-4 thousand aircraft and helicopters. And the number of amateur pilots is declining every year. This is due to the fact that two taxes must be paid for any aircraft at once - transport and property.

Air fleets of Russia and the USA - a comparative analysis

The total number of aircraft in the United States - this is 13,513 cars. The researchers note that among them - 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 as they keep the air bases on alert and provide excellent logistics to the American forces. In this comparison, the US Air Force and the Russian Air Force clearly win the first.

Military air fleet The US has a lot of technology.

In terms of the pace of renewal of military air technology, Russia is pulling ahead. By 2020, it is planned to release another 600 units. The real power gap between the two powers will be 10-15 % . It is already noted that Russian S-27s are ahead of American F-25s.

Speaking of comparison armed forces Russia and the United States, the trump card of the first is the presence of particularly powerful air defense systems. They reliably protect the air latitudes of Russia. Modern Russian complexes Air defense S-400 have no analogues anywhere in the world.

Russian air defense is something like an “umbrella” that protects the skies of our country until 2020. By this milestone, it is planned to completely update almost all military equipment, including air.

It is well known all over the world that the Russian army is one of the most powerful on our planet. And it is considered as such by right. The Air Force is part of the RF Armed Forces and is one of the key units of our army. Therefore, it is necessary to tell about the Air Force in more detail.

A bit of history

History in the modern sense begins in 1998. It was then that the Air Force, which 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, and now they as such no longer exist. Since the past, 2015, there has been an Aerospace Forces - Aerospace Forces. By connecting the divisions of space and air force, it was possible to rally the potential and resources, as well as to concentrate the command in one hand - due to which the effectiveness of the forces also increased. In any case, this is how the need to form a VKS was justified.

These troops perform many tasks. They repel aggression in the air and space spheres, protect the earth, people, country and important objects from attacks coming from the same place, and provide air support for the combat operations of other military units of Russia.

Structure

Russian Federation(after all, many are more accustomed to calling them in the old way than VKS), include many divisions. This is aviation, as well as radio engineering and anti-aircraft in the first place. These are the arms of the Air Force. The structure also includes special troops. These include intelligence, as well as communications automated systems control and radio engineering support. Without it Air Force Russia cannot exist.

The special troops also include meteorological, topographic and geodetic, engineering, RKhBZ, aeronautical, and also engineering. But this is not yet a complete list. It is also complemented by security, search and rescue, and even meteorological. But, in addition to the above, there are units whose main task is to protect the military command and control.

Other features of the structure

It should be noted that the structure, which distinguishes the air force of the Russian Federation, also has subdivisions. 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. Subunits may include special, transport, reconnaissance, fighter aircraft, as well as ground attack and bomber aircraft. And each has its own tasks, which they are obliged to carry out by the Air Force.

The composition still has a certain basis on which the whole structure rests. Naturally, these are air bases and brigades belonging to the Aerospace Defense Forces.

Situation in the 21st century

Every person who is at least a little versed in this topic knows very well that in the 90s the air force of the Russian Federation was actively degraded. And all due to the fact that the number of personnel of the troops and the level of their training was very small. Plus, the technique 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 on 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 the improvement of the entire system as a whole began.

Symbolism

The flag of the Air Force is very bright and conspicuous. This cloth blue color, in the center of which there is an image of two silvery propellers. They seem to intersect with each other. Together with them is shown anti-aircraft gun. And the background is made up of silver wings. In general, quite original and symbolic. Even from the center of the cloth, golden rays seem to diverge (their number is 14 pieces). By the way, their location is strictly regulated - this is not a chaotic choice. If you turn on fantasy and imagination, then 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 at history, you can understand that it is so. Because in Soviet times, the flag was a blue cloth with a golden sun, in the middle of which was a red star with a hammer and sickle in the center. And a little lower - silver wings, which seem to be mounted on a black propeller ring.

It is worth noting that the Federation, together with the US Air Force, planned to conduct joint anti-terrorist exercises in 2008. It should have happened on Far East. The scenario was planned as follows: terrorists seize a plane at the airport, and the troops prevent the consequences. The Russian side was supposed to bring into action four fighters, search and rescue services and an early warning aircraft. The US Air Force required the participation of a civilian airliner and fighters. Plus the notorious plane. However, shortly before the planned event, literally a week before, it was reported that it was decided to mark the exercises. Many believe that the aggravated relations between NATO and Russia served as the reason.

The modern Air Force of the Russian Federation is 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 and industrial and economic centers of the country, groupings of troops and important objects from enemy attacks; to ensure the actions of the Ground Forces and the Navy; strikes against enemy groupings in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as against its administrative-political and military-economic centers.

The existing Air Forces, in terms of their organizational and staffing structure, date 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 High Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as training the leadership of the control bodies. In 2009-2010, a transition was made to a two-level air force command and control 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 with a total of about 70, including 25 air bases for tactical (front-line) aviation, of which 14 are purely fighter.

In 2014, the reform of the Air Force structure continued: the air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of aviation divisions and regiments began in aviation. An air force and air defense army is being created as part of the joint 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 means 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 aircraft fleet is taking place. The planes and helicopters of previous generations were replaced by their new modifications, as well as promising machines with wider combat capabilities and flight performance. Current development work was continued and new development work was started on advanced aviation systems. Active development of unmanned aircraft began.

The modern air fleet of the Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in its numbers. True, its exact quantitative composition has not been officially published, but on the basis of open sources, quite adequate calculations can be made. As for the renewal of the air fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for VVSI. 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 aircraft Su-30SM, Su-30M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35S, Yak-130, Il-76MD-90A, as well as helicopters Ka-52, Mi -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 service 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 troops, radio engineering troops, special troops, as well as rear units and institutions (all of them will not be considered in this material).

In turn, aviation by birth is divided into:

• bomber aircraft,
• assault aircraft,
• fighter aircraft,
• reconnaissance aircraft,
• transport aviation,
• special aviation.

Further, all types of aircraft in the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising machines, are considered. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part - military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.

Long-range (strategic) aviation

Long-range aviation is the means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia and is designed 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 Peaceful time- deterrence (including nuclear) potential adversaries; in the event of a war - the maximum reduction in the military-economic potential of the enemy by destroying his important military facilities and violating state and military control.

The main promising areas for the development of long-range aviation are maintaining and building up operational capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrence forces and forces general purpose through the modernization of aircraft with the extension of their service life, the purchase of new machines (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising long-range aviation complex PAK-DA.

The main weapons of long-range aircraft are guided missiles, both in nuclear and conventional equipment:

• strategic cruise missiles long range X‑55 SM;
• aeroballistic hypersonic missiles X-15 C;
• operational-tactical cruise missiles X-22.

As well as free-falling bombs of various calibers, including those in nuclear weapons, one-time bomb clusters, 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 a significantly increased range and accuracy into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft.

The basis of the modern fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force is bombers-missile carriers:

• strategic missile carriers Tu-160-16 units. Until 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 machines.
• Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers - 38 units, and about 60 more are in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
• Tu-22M3 long-range missile bombers - about 40 units, and another 109 in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-22 M3 M.

The long-range aviation also includes Il-78 tanker 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 up with the design of an integral low-wing wing with variable sweep with four engines installed in pairs in engine nacelles under the fuselage.

In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into mass 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 the 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 in order to gradually repair and modernize all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, 10 aircraft of the Tu-160 M modification will be put into service with the Russian Air Force. space communications, advanced aiming guidance systems and electronics, will be able to use advanced and modernized (Kh-55SM) cruise missiles and conventional bomb weapons. In view of the need to replenish the fleet of long-range aviation in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the resumption of production of the Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander V. V. Putin officially instructed to resume the production of improved Tu-160 M2.

Main characteristics of Tu-160
	4 people
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	4 × turbofan NK-32
Thrust maximum	4 × 18,000 kgf
Afterburner thrust	4 × 25,000 kgf
	2230 km/h (M=1.87)
Cruising speed	917 km/h (M=0.77)
Maximum range without refueling
Range with combat load
Combat radius
Flight duration
practical ceiling	about 22000 m
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101
Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S
free falling aviation bombs caliber up to 4000 kg, bomb clusters, mines.

Tu‑95MS

The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrey Tupolev in the distant 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the layout built by that time was approved and approved. The construction of the first two aircraft began at the Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and already in the fall of 1952 prototype made its first flight.

In 1956, the aircraft, which received the official designation Tu-95, began to arrive in the long-range aviation unit. Subsequently, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.

In the late 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, which received the designation Tu-95MS. The new aircraft in 1981 was put into serial production at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant, which continued until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced).

Now, the 37th Air Army of Strategic Aviation has been formed as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu-95 MS-16 (Amur and Saratov regions) - a total of 38 aircraft. About 60 more units are in storage.

Due to the obsolescence of equipment, since 2013, the modernization of aircraft in service to the level of 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 it will be possible to carry new Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles.

Main characteristics of Tu-95MS
	7 people
Wingspan:
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	4 × TVD NK-12 MP
Power	4 × 15,000 l. with.
Maximum speed at altitude
Cruising speed	about 700 km/h
Maximum range
Practical range
Combat radius
practical ceiling	about 11000 m
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101–6 or 16 Free-falling bombs of caliber up to 9000 kg, bomb clusters, mines.

Tu‑22M3

The Tu-22 M3 long-range supersonic bomber with variable wing geometry is designed to conduct combat operations in the operational zones of land and sea theaters of war day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions. It is capable of delivering strikes with Kh-22 cruise missiles against sea targets, Kh-15 supersonic aeroballistic missiles against ground targets, as well as carry out targeted bombing. Named "Backfire" in the west.

In total, 268 Tu-22 M3 bombers were built at the Kazan Aviation Production Association until 1993.

Currently, about 40 Tu-22M3 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 Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will install new electronics, expand the range of weapons through the introduction of the latest precision-guided munitions, and extend their service life to 40 years.

Main characteristics of Tu‑22M3
	4 people
Wingspan: At the minimum sweep angle At maximum sweep angle
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF NK-25
Thrust maximum	2 × 14 500 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 25,000 kgf
Maximum speed at altitude
Cruising speed
Range of flight
Combat radius with a load of 12 t	1500…2400 km
practical ceiling
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in 23 mm defensive installation with guns GSh-23
X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles
Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S.

Promising developments

PAK YES

In 2008, R&D funding was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex PAK DA. The program provides for the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated the tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to I. Shevchuk, Director General of JSC Tupolev, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design of the avionics integration complex of a promising complex had been developed, and the long-range aviation command of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical assignment for the creation of a promising bomber. It was announced plans to build 100 vehicles, which they expect to be put into service before 2027.

Most likely, promising hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the X-101 type, high-precision missiles will be used as weapons. short range and adjustable aerial bombs, as well as free-fall bombs. It was stated that some of the missiles had already been developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation. It is possible that the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier for an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare complex, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.

Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation

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, mainly in operational and operational-tactical depths.

Assault aviation is intended primarily for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects, mainly on cutting edge, in the tactical and nearest operational depth of the enemy. In addition, it can also fight enemy aircraft in the air.

The main promising areas for the development of bombers and attack aircraft of tactical aviation are maintaining and building up capabilities in the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during combat operations in theaters by supplying new ones (Su-34) and upgrading existing ones (Su-25SM ) aircraft.

Bombers and ground attack aircraft are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, unguided missiles different types, aviation bombs, including corrected 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 aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles of the enemy in the air, as well as ground and sea targets.

The task of air defense fighter aircraft is to cover the most important directions and individual objects from an enemy air attack by destroying his aircraft at maximum ranges with the help of interceptors. Air defense aviation is also armed with 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 fulfill the tasks set by modernizing existing aircraft, purchasing new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as creating a promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010 of the year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.

The main weapons of fighter aviation are air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-fall and corrected bombs, unguided rockets, cluster bombs, and aircraft guns. Advanced missile weapons are being developed.

The modern aircraft fleet of attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:

• attack aircraft Su-25-200 units, 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 level of the Su-25SM.
• front-line bombers Su-24M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are being actively put out of action. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all the Su-24M in service.
• fighter-bombers Su-34-69 units. The latest multi-purpose aircraft that replace obsolete Su-24M bombers in the units. The total number of ordered Su-34s is 124 units, which will go into service in the near future.

Su-25

Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed for close support of 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. In the army, 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 (for the entire time 1320 aircraft of all modifications were produced, including for export).

The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat training Su-25UB and the carrier-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 aviation 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. At the same time, a program was adopted to upgrade 80 vehicles to the level of the Su-25SM. The latest electronics are installed on them, including the sighting system, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, and the Spear outboard radar. The new Su-25UBM aircraft, which will have equipment similar to the Su-25 SM, has been adopted as a combat training aircraft.

The main characteristics of the Su-25
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRD R-95Sh
Thrust maximum	2 × 4100 kgf
Max Speed
Cruising speed
Practical range with combat load
ferry range
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in 30 mm double-barreled gun GSh‑30–2 (250 rounds) On external suspension Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML, Kh‑25 MLP, S‑25 L, Kh‑29 L Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, FAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-22-1 (23-mm cannon GSh-23)

Su-24M

The Su-24M variable-sweep wing front-line bomber is designed to deliver 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 guided and unguided munitions. In the west received the designation "Fencer"

Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993, about 1200 machines of various modifications were built, including for export.

At the turn of the century due to obsolescence aviation technology in Russia, a program was launched to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2s were transferred to the Lipetsk Combat Operations Center. The delivery of other vehicles to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.

Currently, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su-24M aircraft of several modifications, but as the newest Su-34s and Su-24s enter service, they are removed from service and disposed of (by 2015, 103 aircraft were disposed of). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force.

The main characteristics of the Su-24M
	2 persons
Wingspan At maximum sweep angle At the minimum sweep angle
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan AL-21 F-3
Thrust maximum	2 × 7800 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 11200 kgf
Maximum speed at altitude	1700 km/h (M=1.35)
Maximum speed at 200 m
ferry range
Combat radius
practical ceiling	about 11500 m
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) On external suspension: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑23, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑59, S‑25 L, Kh‑58 Unguided rockets - 57 mm S-5, 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24, 266 mm S-25 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-cannon containers - SPPU-6 (23-mm cannon GSh-6-23)

Su-34

The Su-34 multifunctional 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, as it should replace obsolete Su-24 M aircraft in the troops. weather conditions. In the west it has the designation "Fullback".

By the middle of 2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.

In the future, the Russian Air Force plans to supply approximately 150-200 new aircraft and by 2020 completely replace the obsolete Su-24s with them. 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.

The main characteristics of the Su-34
	2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF AL-31 F-M1
Thrust maximum	2 × 8250 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 13500 kgf
Maximum speed at altitude	1900 km/h (M=1.8)
Maximum ground speed
ferry range
Combat radius
practical ceiling
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 On an external sling - all types of modern guided missiles air-to-air and air-to-surface, unguided rockets, aerial bombs, cluster bombs

The modern aircraft fleet of fighter aviation consists of the following types of aircraft:

• MiG-29 front-line fighters of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to modifications of the MiG-29 S, MiG-29 M and MiG-29UB, the latest versions of the MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29UBT were put into service (28 and 6 units as of 2013). At the same time, there are no plans to upgrade old-built aircraft. On the basis of the MiG-29, a 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.
• Su-27 front-line fighters of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, there has been a re-equipment with new modifications of the Su-27SM and Su-27SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
• Su-35 S front-line fighters - 34 units. According to the contract, by 2015 it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type.
• Su-30 multirole fighters of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM. At the same time, at present time runs delivery of the second series of Su-30SM, 30 units are to be delivered by 2016.
• fighter-interceptors MiG-31 of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014 the MiG-31BS aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31 BSM level, another 60 MiG-31 B aircraft are planned to be upgraded to the MiG-31 BM level by 2020.

MiG‑29

The fourth-generation light front-line fighter MiG-29 was developed back in the USSR and has been mass-produced since 1983. In fact, he was one of 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 as part of the Russian Air Force, entered the 21st century as a multi-purpose aircraft. It was originally intended to gain air superiority at tactical depth. Known in the west as "Fulcrum".

By the time of the collapse of the USSR, about 1400 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 of the near and far abroad, where he managed to take part in local wars and armed conflicts.

Now the Russian Air Force is armed with 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:

• MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load compared to the MiG-29, was equipped with new weapons;
• MiG-29M - a multi-role fighter of the "4+" generation, had an increased range and combat load, was equipped with new weapons;
• MiG-29UB - two-seat combat training version without radar;
• MiG-29 SMT is the latest upgraded version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, put into service in 2004, 28 units were delivered by 2013), weapons are placed on six underwing and one ventral external suspension units, there is a built-in 30 mm gun;
• MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (supplied 6 units).

For the most part, all MiG-29 aircraft of the old production were physically obsolete and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase new equipment instead - MiG-29 SMT (in 2014 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 aircraft) and MiG-29UBT, and also promising MiG-35 fighters.

The main characteristics of the MiG‑29 SMT
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan RD‑33
Thrust maximum	2 × 5040 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 8300 kgf
Maximum ground speed
Cruising speed
Practical range
Practical range with PTB	2800…3500 km
practical ceiling
Armament:
On external suspension: Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Containers KMGU‑2

MiG‑35

The new Russian multirole fighter of the 4++ generation MiG-35 is a deep modernization of the MiG-29M series aircraft developed by the MiG Design Bureau. By 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 visibility, 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 supremacy and intercept enemy air attack means, strike precision weapons on ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using onboard equipment.

The issue of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until the contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.

The main characteristics of the MiG‑35
	1 - 2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF RD‑33 MK/MKV
Thrust maximum	2 × 5400 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 9000 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2400 km/h (M=2.25)
Maximum ground speed
Cruising speed
Practical range
Practical range with PTB
Combat radius
Flight duration
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Unguided rockets - 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, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100

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 the 4+ generation fighters were developed. Along with the light front-line fighter of the fourth generation, the MiG-29 was one of the best aircraft in its class in the world. According to Western classification, it has the name "Flanker".

At present, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su-27 and 52 Su-27UB fighters of the old production. Since 2010, the rearmament began on upgraded version Su-27SM (first flight in 2002). Now 70 such machines have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su-27SM3 modification (12 units were produced) are supplied, which differ from the previous version in the AL-31 F-M1 engines (afterburner thrust 13500 kgf), reinforced airframe design and additional weapon suspension points.

The main characteristics of the Su-27 SM
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan AL‑31F
Thrust maximum	2 × 7600 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 12500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2500 km/h (M=2.35)
Maximum ground speed
Practical range
practical ceiling
rate of climb	over 330 m/s
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100

Su-30

The heavy two-seat multi-role fighter Su-30 of the 4+ generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of combat training aircraft Su-27UB through deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat operations of fighters in solving the tasks of gaining air supremacy, to ensure the combat operations of other branches of aviation, to cover ground troops and objects, to destroy airborne assault forces, as well as to conduct aerial reconnaissance and destroy ground (surface) targets. The features of the Su-30 were the long range and duration of flights and the effective control of a group of fighters. The aircraft's western designation is "Flanker-C".

The Russian Air Force currently has 3 Su-30s, 16 Su-30 M2s (all manufactured by KNAAPO) and 32 Su-30 SMs (manufactured by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are supplied in accordance with contracts dated 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30M2 units were ordered.

The main characteristics of the Su-30 SM
	2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan AL‑31FP
Thrust maximum	2 × 7700 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 12500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2125 km/h (M=2)
Maximum ground speed
Flight range without refueling near the ground
Flight range without refueling at altitude
Combat radius
Flight duration without refueling
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On an external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU

Su-35

The Su-35 multipurpose super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the 4++ generation and is equipped with thrust vector control engines. Developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is close in its characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons, strike ground (surface) targets with precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in all weather conditions.

conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west, it has the designation "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 planned to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015-2020.

The main characteristics of the Su-35
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF with OVT AL‑41F1S
Thrust maximum	2 × 8800 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 14500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2500 km/h (M=2.25)
Maximum ground speed
ground flight range
Flight range at altitude	3600…4500 km
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M, advanced long-range missiles Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU

MiG‑31

The MiG-31 long-range supersonic all-weather fighter-interceptor was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At that time it was the first aircraft of the fourth generation. It was designed to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from the lowest to the highest, day and night, in any weather conditions, in a difficult jamming environment. Actually main task MiG-31 was the interception of cruise missiles in the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an airborne radar with unique characteristics not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it has the designation "Foxhound".

The MiG-31 fighter-interceptors (252 units) now in service with the Russian Air Force have several modifications:

• MiG‑31 B - serial modification with aerial refueling system (adopted in 1990)
• MiG-31 BS is a variant of the basic MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 B, but without aerial refueling.
• 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, capable of using air-to-surface guided missiles. Until 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31Bs to the level of the MiG-31BM. The second stage of state testing of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
• MiG-31 BSM - an upgraded version of the MiG-31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and related electronics. Modernization of combat aircraft has been underway since 2014.

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 in the future there will be a new interceptor, known under the code name MiG-41.

The main characteristics of the MiG‑31 BM
	2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan D-30 F6
Thrust maximum	2 × 9500 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 15500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	3000 km/h (M=2.82)
Maximum ground speed
Cruise speed subsonic
Cruise speed supersonic
Practical range	1450…3000 km
Range at high altitude with one refueling
Combat radius
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in: 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑23–6 (260 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-60 M, R-73, R-77, R-40, R-33 C, R-37 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 MPU, Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250

Promising developments

PAK-FA

Perspective aviation complex front-line aviation - 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 characteristics, it will have to surpass all foreign analogues and in the near future, after being put into service, it will become the main front-line fighter aircraft of the Russian Air Force.

PAK FA is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack assets in all altitude ranges, as well as strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, can be used for air reconnaissance using onboard equipment. The aircraft fully meets all the requirements for fifth-generation fighters: stealth, supersonic cruising speed, high maneuverability with high g-forces, advanced electronics, multifunctionality.

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 also possible. In particular, an export modification is being created jointly with India, which received the designation FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).

Main characteristics (estimated) PAK-FA
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF with UVT AL‑41F1
Thrust maximum	2 × 8800 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 15000 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude
Cruising speed
Practical range at subsonic speed	2700…4300 km
Practical range with PTB
Practical range at supersonic speed	1200…2000 km
Flight duration
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun 9 A1-4071 K (260 cartridges) On the internal suspension - all types of modern and promising air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, aerial bombs, bomb clusters

PAK-DP (MiG‑41)

Some sources report that at present the MiG Design Bureau, together with the design bureau of the Sokol aircraft plant ( Nizhny Novgorod) are developing a long-range high-speed interceptor fighter with the code name "promising long-range interception aviation complex" - PAK DP, also known as the MiG-41. It was stated that the development was started 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 the deep modernization of the MiG-31, the study of which was carried out earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that a promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the arms 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 to create a promising long-range interception aviation complex.

(continued in the next issue)

Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015)*

aircraft type	Quantity in service	Scheduled build	Scheduled modernize
Bomber aviation as part of long-range aviation
Strategic missile carriers Tu-160
Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS
Long Tu-22M3 bomber bombers
Bomber and assault aviation as part of front-line aviation
Attack aircraft Su-25
Su-24M front-line bombers
Su-34 fighter-bombers		124 (total)
Fighter aviation as part of front-line aviation
Front-line fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT
Front-line fighters Su-27, Su-27SM
Front-line fighters Su-35S
Multipurpose fighters Su-30, Su-30SM
Fighter-interceptors MiG-31, MiG-31BSM
Prospective aviation complex of front-line aviation - PAK FA
Military transport aviation
An-22 transport aircraft
An-124 and An-124-100 transport aircraft
Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A
An-12 transport aircraft
An-72 transport aircraft
Transport aircraft An-26, An-24
Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140
Promising military transport aircraft Il-112V
Promising military transport aircraft Il-214
Army aviation helicopters
Multipurpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV
Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35
Mi-28N attack helicopters
Attack helicopters Ka-50
Attack helicopters Ka-52		146 (total)
Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M
Promising multi-purpose helicopter Mi-38
Reconnaissance and special aviation
Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U
RER and EW aircraft Il-20M
An-30 reconnaissance aircraft
Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft
Tu-214ON reconnaissance aircraft
Il-80 air command posts
Tanker aircraft Il-78, Il-78M
Promising aircraft AWACS A-100
Prospective aircraft RER and EW A-90
Tanker aircraft Il-96-400TZ
Unmanned aircrafts(transferred to the Ground Forces)
"Pchela-1T"
"Outpost"