Russian Air Force

Russian Air Force
Sarumo74 · CC BY 3.0 · source
Native name	Военно-воздушные силы России
Dates	1992–present
Country	Russia
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Command structure	Russian Aerospace Forces
Garrison	Moscow
Garrison label	Headquarters

Russian Air Force. It is the aerial warfare service branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces, established following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The force has its roots in the Imperial Russian Air Service and the formidable Soviet Air Forces, inheriting a vast arsenal and a complex institutional legacy. Its primary missions include securing Russian airspace, providing Close air support to Russian Ground Forces, and executing Strategic bombing operations as part of Russia's national defense strategy.

History

The modern force was officially formed in 1992 from the remnants of the Soviet Air Forces, which themselves traced a lineage to the Imperial Russian Air Service of World War I. The Soviet era saw massive expansion, with pivotal development during the Great Patriotic War and the technological race of the Cold War, producing iconic aircraft like the Mikoyan MiG-29 and the Sukhoi Su-27. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the newly independent Russian Federation inherited the bulk of this force, though the 1990s were marked by severe funding crises, degradation, and reduced activity. Its combat history includes operations during the First Chechen War, the Second Chechen War, and the Russo-Georgian War, which exposed shortcomings and spurred reforms.

Organization

Since 2015, it has been a component of the unified Russian Aerospace Forces, commanded from the National Defense Management Center in Moscow. The force is divided into several operational commands, including the Western Military District, the Southern Military District, the Central Military District, and the Eastern Military District, each with its own assigned air armies and aviation units. Specialized branches include Long-Range Aviation, responsible for strategic bombers like the Tupolev Tu-160, and Military Transport Aviation, operating aircraft such as the Ilyushin Il-76. Key bases are located from Khmeimim Air Base in Syria to Domna (air base) in the Russian Far East.

Aircraft inventory

The inventory is a mix of modernized Soviet-era designs and newer indigenous models. Key fighter and interceptor aircraft include the Sukhoi Su-35, the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter, and the modernized Mikoyan MiG-31. The bomber fleet is anchored by the Tupolev Tu-95, the Tupolev Tu-22M, and the Tupolev Tu-160. Transport and tanker duties are fulfilled by the Ilyushin Il-76 and the Antonov An-124, while specialized aircraft like the Beriev A-50 provide Airborne early warning and control. Attack helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-52 and the Mil Mi-28 operate under army aviation units integrated within the command structure.

Personnel and training

Pilot and technical training is primarily conducted at specialized academies like the Gagarin Air Force Academy in Monino and the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School. The force has struggled with personnel shortages and the retention of experienced pilots, challenges highlighted during the Russian military reform. Training exercises are regularly held with allies like Belarus and involve complex scenarios simulating conflicts with NATO. The institution of Contract servicemen has been emphasized to build a more professional corps, though conscription under the Conscription in Russia system remains a foundation for manpower.

Modernization and future developments

The State Armament Programme drives modernization efforts, focusing on phasing out older Soviet types in favor of aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-57 and the Sukhoi Su-34. Upgrades to legacy platforms, such as the Tupolev Tu-160M2 bomber and the Mikoyan MiG-31BM interceptor, are ongoing. Development continues on next-generation systems, including the Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik combat drone and the prospective PAK DA stealth bomber. These efforts face significant challenges due to International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War and the strain of ongoing combat operations on procurement and maintenance cycles.

Operations and deployments

Beyond defending Russian airspace, the force has been extensively deployed in expeditionary and combat roles. Its most significant sustained operation has been the Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war, providing crucial support to the Syrian Armed Forces from Khmeimim Air Base. Since 2022, it has played a central role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, conducting strikes against Ukrainian Armed Forces positions and infrastructure, though suffering losses to Ukrainian Air Force defenses and MANPADS. Other operational activities include long-range patrols near Alaska and Japan, participation in exercises like Vostok (exercise), and providing support to allied states such as the Armenian Armed Forces.

Category:Military of Russia Category:Air forces by country