Air Force of the Russian Federation. How many military aircraft does Russia have

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Aviation

Air Force Aviation (Av VVS) according to its purpose and tasks to be solved, it is divided into long-range, military-transport, operational-tactical and army aviation which include in their composition: bomber, attack, fighter, reconnaissance, transport and special aviation.

Organizationally, the Air Force aviation consists of air bases that are part of the Air Force formations, as well as other units and organizations directly subordinate to the Air Force Commander-in-Chief.

Long Range Aviation (YES) is a means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and is designed to solve strategic (operational-strategic) and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).

The formations and units of the DA are armed with strategic and long-range bombers, tanker aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft. Operating primarily in strategic depth, DA formations and units perform the following main tasks: destroying air bases (airfields), ground-based missile systems, aircraft carriers and other surface ships, objects from enemy reserves, military-industrial facilities, administrative and political centers, energy facilities and hydraulic structures, naval bases and ports, command posts of formations of the armed forces and operational air defense control centers in the theater of operations, land communications facilities, landing units and convoys; mining from the air. Part of the DA forces may be involved in conducting aerial reconnaissance and performing special tasks.

Long-range aviation is a component of strategic nuclear forces.

DA formations and units are based taking into account its operational-strategic purpose and tasks from Novgorod in the west of the country to Anadyr and Ussuriysk in the east, from Tiksi in the north to Blagoveshchensk in the south of the country.

The basis of the aircraft fleet is made up of Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers, Tu-22M3 long-range missile carrier-bombers, Il-78 tanker aircraft and Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft.

The main armament of aircraft: aviation cruise missiles long-range and operational-tactical missiles in nuclear and conventional weapons, as well as aviation bombs various purposes and calibers.

A practical demonstration of the spatial indicators of the combat capabilities of the DA command is air patrol flights of Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft in the area of ​​the island of Iceland and the waters of the Norwegian Sea; on the North Pole and to the area of ​​the Aleutian Islands; along the east coast of South America.

Regardless organizational structure, in which long-range aviation exists and will exist, the combat strength, the characteristics of the aircraft and weapons in service, the main task of long-range aviation on the scale of the Air Force should be considered both nuclear and non-nuclear deterrence of potential adversaries. In the event of a war, the DA will carry out tasks to reduce the military and economic potential of the enemy, destroy important military facilities, and disrupt state and military control.

An analysis of modern views on the purpose of the aircraft, the tasks assigned to it, and the predicted conditions for their fulfillment show that, at present and in the future, long-range aviation continues to be the main strike force of the Air Force.

The main directions of development of long-range aviation:

• maintaining and building up operational capabilities to perform assigned tasks as part of strategic forces deterrence and general-purpose forces through the modernization of Tu-160, Tu-95MS, Tu-22MZ bombers with service life extension;
• creation of a promising long-range aviation complex (PAK DA).

Military transport aviation (VTA) is a means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and is designed to solve strategic (operational-strategic), operational and operational-tactical tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).

Military transport aircraft Il-76MD, An-26, An-22, An-124, An-12PP, transport helicopters Mi-8MTV. The main tasks of the formations and units of the VTA are: landing of units (subdivisions) Airborne Troops from the composition of operational (operational-tactical) airborne assault forces; delivery of weapons, ammunition and material resources troops operating behind enemy lines; ensuring the maneuver of aviation formations and units; transportation of troops, weapons, ammunition and materiel; evacuation of the wounded and sick, participation in peacekeeping operations. Includes air bases, parts and divisions of special troops.

Part of the VTA forces may be involved in the performance of special tasks.

The main directions of development of the military transport aviation: maintaining and building up capabilities to ensure the deployment of the Armed Forces in various theaters of operations, airborne landings, transportation of troops and materiel by air through the purchase of new Il-76MD-90A and An-70, Il-112V aircraft and the modernization of Il-76 aircraft MD and An-124.

Operational-tactical aviation 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).

Army Aviation (AA) designed to solve operational-tactical and tactical tasks in the course of army operations (combat actions).

Bomber Aviation (BA) armed with strategic, long-range and operational-tactical bombers, is the main strike weapon of the Air Force and is designed to destroy enemy groupings of troops, aviation, naval forces, destroy its important military, military-industrial, energy facilities, communication centers, conduct air reconnaissance and mining from the air, mainly in the strategic and operational depths.

Assault Aviation (ShA), armed with attack aircraft, is a means of aviation support for troops (forces) and is designed to destroy troops, ground (sea) objects, as well as enemy aircraft (helicopters) at airfields (sites) based, conducting aerial reconnaissance and mining from the air mainly at the forefront, in tactical and operational-tactical depth.

Fighter Aviation (IA), armed with fighter planes, is designed to destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air and ground (sea) targets of the enemy.

Reconnaissance aviation (RzA), armed with reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, is designed to conduct aerial reconnaissance of objects, the enemy, terrain, weather, air and ground radiation and chemical conditions.

Transport aviation (TrA), having transport aircraft in service, is intended for landing airborne assaults, transporting troops, weapons, military and special equipment and other materiel by air, ensuring maneuver and combat operations of troops (forces), performing special tasks.

Formations, units, subunits of bomber, attack, fighter, reconnaissance and transport aviation can also be involved in solving other tasks.

Special Aviation (SpA), armed with aircraft and helicopters, is designed to perform special tasks. Special aviation units and subunits are directly or operationally subordinate to the commander of an Air Force formation and are involved in: conducting radar reconnaissance and directing aviation to air and ground (sea) targets; setting of electronic interference and aerosol curtains; search and rescue of flight crews and passengers; refueling aircraft in the air; evacuation of the wounded and sick; providing management and communications; conducting aerial radiation, chemical, biological, engineering reconnaissance and performing other tasks.

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 total 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 - Aerospace Forces based on the integration of 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. To replace airplanes and helicopters previous generations their new modifications began to arrive, 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.

Modern air fleet The Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in terms of 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 latest aircraft Su-30 SM, Su-30 M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35 S, Yak-130, Il-76 MD-90 A, as well as helicopters Ka-52, Mi-28 N, Mi 8 AMTSh/MTV-5-1, Mi-8 MTPR, Mi-35M, 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 forces, as well as units and institutions of the rear (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 composition of the Military air force Russian Federation, as well as promising machines. 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) of 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.

Main promising areas development of long-range aviation are to maintain and increase the operational capabilities to fulfill the tasks set as part of the strategic deterrence forces and general-purpose forces through the modernization of aircraft with the extension of their service life, the purchase of new aircraft (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising long-range aviation complex aviation PAK-DA.

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

• Kh-55SM 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 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 with variable sweep wing 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 Tu-160 M aircraft will be put into service with the Russian Air Force. The upgraded aircraft will receive a space communications system, improved sighting systems guidance and electronics, will be able to use advanced and modernized (X-55 SM) 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 issue of resuming the 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.

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, the 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-95 MS. 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 Aviation has been formed as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation strategic purpose, 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.

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.

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 Kh-22 cruise missile strikes against naval targets, Kh-15 supersonic aeroballistic missiles against land targets, as well as precision bombing. Named "Backfire" in the west.

Total at the Kazan Aviation production association Until 1993, 268 Tu-22 M3 bombers were built.

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.

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, advanced hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the X-101 type, short-range precision missiles and guided bombs, as well as free-fall bombs, will most likely be used as weapons. It was stated that some of the missiles had already been developed by the Tactical missile armament". 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 aviation support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on the front line, in the tactical and immediate 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 the theater by supplying new ones (Su-34) and upgrading existing ones (Su-25SM ) aircraft.

Bombers and attack aircraft of front-line aviation are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, unguided missiles of various types, aviation bombs, including corrected ones, bomb cassettes, 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 air defense fighter aviation 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 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 of the year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.

The main armament of fighter aircraft is 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 enter 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 (1320 aircraft of all modifications were produced for the entire time, 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.

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 Center combat use. 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.

Su-34

Multifunctional fighter-bomber Su-34 is the latest aircraft this class in Russian Air Force and belongs to the generation of aircraft "4+". At the same time, it is positioned as a front-line bomber, as it should replace obsolete Su-24M aircraft in the troops. It is intended for delivering high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including using nuclear weapons, on ground (surface) targets at any time of the day in any 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 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, the delivery of the second series of Su-30SM is currently underway, until 2016 30 units should be delivered.
• 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

Light frontline fighter fourth generation The 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, factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod had produced about 1,400 vehicles of various options. Now the MiG-29 in different versions is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries of 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 old MiG-29 aircraft are physically obsolete and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase them instead new technology- MiG‑29 SMT (in 2014 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 vehicles) and MiG‑29UBT, as well as promising MiG‑35 fighters.

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 assets, strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, as well as conduct aerial reconnaissance using airborne assets.

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

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 types of 4+ generation fighters have been 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 to the upgraded version of the Su-27SM began (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 13,500 kgf), a reinforced airframe structure and additional weapon suspension points.

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 the Su-27UB combat training aircraft through a 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 types 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 effective management fighter group. 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.

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 any weather.

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.

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 (put 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 aerial refueling.
• 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, 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.

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 aircraft of the Russian Air Force front-line fighter aviation.

PAK FA is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons 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).

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, the media reported 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 aircraft interception 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 aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces)
"Pchela-1T"
"Outpost"
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. The US Air Force strength as of May 2013 was 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 multi-billion 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. fighting- this is a high-intensity and multimodal mutual destruction, where a lot depends on the specific topography, weather conditions, luck, training, coherence, morale, etc. Separate combat units do not solve anything. On paper, any conventional ATGM modern tank break, but in the conditions of battle 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 our and American machines, then we can find 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. War only recognizes the best samples in its 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 of conquering the world in a second…” (c) War is not about who has the longest X. More importantly, who will have these X better in terms of price / quality. The United States has a significant superiority in strategic air forces. 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 a 1.5 times greater takeoff weight, 1.3 times greater combat radius, 1.6 times greater speed and a greater load in the 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 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. | Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation | Aerospace Forces (VKS). Air Force Armed forces Russian Federation Aerospace Forces (VKS) Air Force From the history of creation Aviation took its first steps without a sufficient scientific base, only thanks to enthusiasts. However, in late XIX- early XX century. theoretical and experimental researches in this area appeared. 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 an 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, caused the division of aviation into fighter, bomber and reconnaissance. In the belligerent countries during the war years, the fleet of aircraft has expanded, and their characteristics have improved. The speed of the fighters reached 200-220 km / h, and the ceiling increased from 2 to 7 km. Since the mid 20s. 20th 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. A powerful impetus in the development of aviation was the Second World War. After it, jet aviation and helicopter construction began to develop rapidly. The Air Force has supersonic aircraft. In the 80s. much attention was paid to the creation of short takeoff and landing aircraft, large payload, and the improvement of helicopters. Currently, some countries are working on the creation and improvement of orbital and aerospace aircraft. Organizational structure of the Air Force Air Force Command Aviation (types of aviation - bomber, assault, fighter, air defense, reconnaissance, transport and special); Anti-aircraft missile troops Radio engineering troops Special Troops units and institutions of the rear Air Force- the most mobile and maneuverable type of the Armed Forces, designed to protect the bodies of the highest state and military administration, strategic nuclear forces, groupings of troops, important administrative and industrial centers and regions of the country from reconnaissance and air strikes, strikes against aviation, land and sea groups enemy, its administrative, political, industrial and economic centers in order to disrupt state and military administration, disrupt the rear and transport operations, as well as conduct air reconnaissance and air transportation. They can perform these tasks under any weather conditions, at any time of the day and year. The main tasks of the Air Force in modern conditions are: opening the beginning of an attack by an air enemy; notification of the main headquarters of the Armed Forces, headquarters of military districts, fleets, civil defense agencies about the beginning of an enemy air attack; gaining and maintaining air supremacy; covering troops and rear facilities from aerial reconnaissance, air and space strikes; air support for the Ground Forces and the Navy; destruction of objects of the military-economic potential of the enemy; military and government controlled enemy; the destruction of nuclear missile, anti-aircraft and aviation groups of the enemy and his reserves, as well as air and sea landings; defeating enemy ship groupings at sea, in the ocean, at naval bases, in ports and bases; dropping military equipment and landing troops; transportation by air of troops and military equipment; conducting strategic, operational and tactical air reconnaissance; control over the use of airspace in the border zone. The Air Force includes the following types of troops (Fig. 1): aviation (types of aviation - bomber, assault, fighter, air defense, reconnaissance, transport and special); anti-aircraft missile troops; radio engineering troops; special troops; units and institutions of the rear. Aircraft units are armed with aircraft, seaplanes and helicopters. The basis of the combat power of the Air Force is supersonic all-weather aircraft equipped with a variety of bomber, missile and small arms and cannon weapons. The anti-aircraft missile and radio engineering troops are armed with various anti-aircraft missile systems, short-range air defense systems, radar stations and other means of armed struggle. In peacetime, the Air Force performs the tasks of protecting the state border of Russia in the airspace, notifying about the flights of foreign reconnaissance vehicles in the border zone. bomber aviation is armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers various types. It is designed to defeat groupings of troops, destroy important military, energy facilities and communication centers mainly in the strategic and operational depth of the enemy’s defense. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as air-to-surface guided missiles. Attack aircraft designed for aviation support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly at the forefront, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as orders to combat enemy aircraft in the air. One of the main requirements for an attack aircraft is the high accuracy of hitting ground targets. Armament: large-caliber guns, bombs, rockets. Fighter aviation air defense is the main maneuvering force of the air defense system and is designed to cover the most important directions and objects from enemy air attacks. It is capable of destroying the enemy at maximum ranges from the defended objects. Air defense aviation is armed with air defense fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters. reconnaissance aviation Designed to conduct aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather, can destroy enemy hidden objects. Reconnaissance flights can also be carried out by bomber, fighter-bomber, attack and fighter aircraft. To do this, they are specially equipped with photographic equipment for day and night shooting at various scales, radio and radar stations with high resolution, heat direction finders, sound recording and television equipment swarm, magnetometers. Reconnaissance aviation is subdivided into tactical, operational and strategic reconnaissance aviation. Transport aviation designed to transport 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 of aircraft in the air, 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 troops and are designed to protect the country's most important facilities and groupings of troops from enemy air strikes. They form the main firepower air defense systems (air defense) and are armed with anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems for various purposes, with great firepower and high accuracy of defeating enemy air attack weapons. Radio engineering troops- the main source of information about an air enemy and are designed to conduct its radar reconnaissance, control over the flights of its aviation and compliance with the rules for the use of airspace by aircraft of all departments. They issue information about the beginning of an air attack, combat information for anti-aircraft missile forces and air defense aviation, as well as information for controlling air defense formations, units and subunits. Radio-technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar complexes capable of detecting not only air but also surface targets at any time of the year and day, regardless of meteorological conditions and interference. Units and divisions of communications are intended for the deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities. Units and subdivisions of electronic warfare designed to interfere with airborne radars, bomb sights, communications and radio navigation means of enemy air attack. Units and divisions of communications and radio engineering support designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, aircraft navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters. Units and subunits of the engineering troops, as well as units and subunits of radiation, chemical and biological protection are designed to perform the most complex tasks of engineering and chemical support, respectively. The Air Force is rightfully considered the most mobile and operational branch of the forces of our army. The Air Force includes aviation, anti-aircraft missile and radar troops, and special troops. Tasks of the Russian Air Force The tasks of the Air Force include: Detection of the beginning of an attack at a distant stage by air patrols and radar reconnaissance. Notification of the beginning of the attack of all headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, all types and types of troops in all military districts of Russia, including civil defense headquarters. Repulse an attack in the air, establishing full control over the airspace. Protection of military and civilian installations from attack from the air and from space, as well as from aerial reconnaissance. Air support for land and Naval Forces RF. The defeat of military, rear and other objects of the enemy. The defeat of air, land, land and sea groups and formations of the enemy, his air and sea landings. Transportation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, landing. Conducting all types of aerial reconnaissance, radar reconnaissance, electronic warfare. Control of land, sea and air space in the border zone. Structure of the Air Force of the Russian Federation The structure of the Russian Air Force has a complex multi-level system. According to the branches and forces of the Air Force troops are divided into: aviation; anti-aircraft missile troops; radio engineering troops; special troops. Aviation, in turn, is divided into: long-range and strategic; frontline; army; fighter; military transport; special. Long-range aviation is designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes deep behind enemy lines at a considerable distance from the borders of the Russian Federation. Strategic aviation, in addition, is armed missile and bomb weapons nuclear action. Its aircraft are capable of covering significant distances at supersonic speeds and at high altitudes, while carrying a significant bomb load. Fighter aviation has the task of covering the most important directions and important objects from air attack and represents the main maneuvering force of air defense. The main requirement for fighters is high maneuverability, speed, the ability to effectively conduct air combat and intercept various air targets (interceptor fighters). Front-line aviation includes assault and bomber vehicles. The former are designed to support ground forces and naval groupings, to engage ground targets at the forefront of hostilities, and to combat enemy aircraft. Front-line bombers, unlike long-range and strategic bombers, are designed to destroy ground targets and groupings of troops at close and medium distances from home airfields. Army aviation in the Russian Air Force is represented by helicopters for various purposes. It, first of all, carries out close interaction with land army troops, solving a wide variety of combat and transport tasks. Special aviation is designed to solve various highly specialized tasks: to conduct aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, detect ground and air targets at long distances, refuel other aircraft in the air, provide command and communications. Special troops include: reconnaissance; engineering; aeronautic; meteorological; topographical troops; electronic warfare forces; RKhBZ forces; search and rescue forces; parts of electronic support and automated control systems; parts of logistics; rear parts. In addition, associations of the Russian Air Force are divided according to the organizational structure: special forces command; air armies of special purpose; air armies of military transport aviation; Air Force and Air Defense armies (4th, 6th, 11th, 14th and 45th); parts of the central subordination of the Air Force; foreign airbases. The current state and composition of the Air Force of the Russian Federation The active process of degradation of the Air Force, which took place in the 90s, led to a critical state of this kind of troops. The number of personnel and the level of their training fell sharply. According to many media reports, at that time Russia could count a little more than a dozen highly trained fighter and ground attack pilots with combat experience. Most of the pilots had almost no experience in flying aircraft. The vast majority of the fleet's equipment required major repairs, airfields and ground military facilities did not stand up to scrutiny. The process of losing the combat effectiveness of the Air Force after 2000 was completely stopped. Since 2009, the process of total modernization and overhaul of equipment has begun. Thus, plans for the purchase of new military equipment were brought to the level of Soviet times, and the development of advanced weapons models began again. As of 2018, many authoritative publications, including foreign ones, put the Air Force of our country in second place after the US Air Force in terms of size and level of equipment. However, they note at the same time that the growth in the number and equipment of the Chinese Air Force is ahead of the Russian air force and in the very near future the Chinese Air Force may be equal to ours. During the military operation from Syria, the Air Force was not only able to conduct full-fledged combat tests of new weapons and air defense systems, but also, through the rotation of the strength, to carry out "shelling" in combat conditions for the majority of fighter and attack aircraft pilots. 80-90% of pilots now have combat experience. Military equipment Fighter aviation in the troops is represented by SU-30 and SU-35 multipurpose fighters of various modifications, MIG-29 and SU-27 front-line fighters, and the MIG-31 interceptor fighter. The front-line aviation is dominated by the SU-24 bomber, the SU-25 attack aircraft and the SU-34 fighter-bomber. Long-range and strategic aviation is armed with TU-22M and TU-160 supersonic strategic bombers. There is also a number of obsolete TU-95 turboprops being upgraded to the modern level. Transport aviation includes transport aircraft AN-12, AN-22, AN-26, AN-72, AN-124, IL-76 and passenger AN-140, AN-148, IL-18, IL-62, TU -134, TU-154 and the joint Czechoslovak-Russian development of the Let L-410 Turbolet. AWACS aircraft (AVAKS), air command posts, reconnaissance aircraft, tanker aircraft, electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft and repeater aircraft are brought into the special aviation. Helicopter fleet presented attack helicopters KA-50, KA-52 and MI-28, transport and combat MI-24 and MI-25, multi-purpose Ansat-U, KA-226 and MI-8, as well as a heavy transport helicopter MI-26. In the future, the Air Force will be armed with: the MIG-35 front-line fighter, the fifth-generation fighter PAK-FA, the SU-57 multi-purpose fighter, the new AWACS aircraft of the A-100 type, the PAK-DA multi-purpose strategic bomber-missile carrier, the MI-38 multi-purpose helicopters and PLV, attack helicopter SBV. Among the air defense systems in service with the Air Force are the world-famous long-range anti-aircraft missile systems S-300 and S-400, short-range missile and gun systems Pantsir S-1 and Pantsir S-2. In the future, the appearance of a complex of the S-500 type is expected. Article rating: (No ratings yet) Loading... To share with friends: Similar posts Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (novel) Roald dahl Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Idioms in English with translation and examples Burn midnight oil Read online Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Rastess - the missing village in the Sverdlovsk region