Russian Air Force

The Russian Air Force is a key component of the Russian Armed Forces and is one of the most formidable air forces in the world. In terms of hardware, it possesses a mix of legacy Soviet-era aircraft and modern multirole fighters such as the Su-35 and Su-57, as well as advanced air defense systems like the S-400. This allows for considerable operational flexibility, with capabilities ranging from air superiority and interdiction to close air support and strategic bombing.

Technologically, Russia has made strides in areas like electronic warfare and missile technology. Their air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles are increasingly advanced, reducing the technological gap with Western counterparts. However, the Russian Air Force does face challenges in terms of logistical support and maintenance, partly due to economic constraints.

Training and combat experience have also evolved, especially with involvement in conflicts like Syria, which served as a live testing ground for equipment and tactics. The Russian Air Force has demonstrated an increasing ability to conduct complex operations, including those that require coordination with ground and naval forces, though it has been criticized for less stringent rules of engagement that have led to civilian casualties.

Strategically, the Russian Air Force acts as a force multiplier for Russia's regional ambitions, providing a credible threat that extends beyond its borders. Its capabilities are essential to Russia’s strategy of projecting power within its immediate sphere of influence, as well as challenging NATO and other Western alliances. However, its ability to sustain long-range or prolonged air operations remains questionable due to logistical and financial constraints.

Key facts

Official Name	Russian Air Force
Local Name	Военно-воздушные cилы (Voenno-vozdushnye sily)
Country	🇷🇺 Russia
World rank	#2
Active aircrafts	4182 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	787
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	1531
Combat aircrafts	1517
Training	524
Transport	444
Special missions	147
Tankers	19

Aircrafts most used by Russian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Mi-8 Hip	795	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Mi-24 Hind	326	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
Su-27 Flanker	316	Soviet-originated multirole fighter, distinguished for deployments during the Cold War, globally utilized in air superiority missions.
Su-24 Fencer	295	Soviet strike/bomber, distinctively recognized in Afghanistan conflicts during the Cold War, extensively served in post-Soviet states and naval aviation.
MiG-29 Fulcrum	275	Soviet twin-engine fighter jet, notable in late Cold War clashes, widely exported and integral to various aerial engagements globally.
Su-25 Frogfoot	201	Soviet close air support aircraft, prominent during Afghan War, designed for ground targets engagement under heavy fire conditions.
L-39 Albatros	184	Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
Il-76 Candid	135	Soviet strategic airlifter, prominently deployed for both military transport and humanitarian aid operations since the Cold War era.
MiG-31 Foxhound	129	Soviet interceptor jet, famed for its Cold War period deployment, primarily used for high-speed, high-altitude defensive missions.
Su-34 Fullback	127	Russian strike fighter, known for action in Syrian Civil War, optimized for all-weather, precision ground-attack and aerial combat roles.

Full inventory in 2024