Russian Federation Air Force

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Russian Military
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Components
Image:Vvs-1-.gif Russian Air Force
Image:Mo-rf-1-.gif Russian Army
Image:Vmf-1-.gif Russian Navy
Ranks of the Russian Military
Air Force ranks and insignia
Army ranks and insignia
Navy ranks and insignia
History of the Russian Military
Military History of Russia

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Air Forces of Russia

Image:Russia flag large.png Imperial Russia

Air Force (1909 to 1917)

Image:Flag of the Soviet Union.png Soviet Union

Red Air Force (1918 to 1991)

Naval Aviation (1918 to 1991)

Air Defense (1948 to 1991)

Strategic Rocket Forces (1959 to 1991)

Image:Russia flag large.png Russian Federation

Air Force (1991 to present)

Naval Aviation (1991 to present)

Strategic Rocket Forces (1991 to present)

The Russian Federation Air Force is the air force of the Russian Federation and is also known under the abbreviation VVS, transliterated from Russian: ВВС, Военно-воздушные силы (Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily), the official designation of the former Soviet Air Force. The Russian Navy has its own airforce, the Aviatsiya Voenno Morskogo Flota (Naval Aviation), or AV-MF.

Contents

History

Aviation in Russia has a long history seeing as military pilot training was started as early as 1910. Although when World War I broke out the military was not yet at a level of readiness that a major war demands, Russian aircraft production is estimated to have risen to an impressive 4,700 aicraft.

After the creation of the Soviet state many efforts were made in order to modernize and expand aircraft production. Domestic aircraft production increased significantly in the early years of the 1930's and towards the end of the decade the Soviet Air Force was able to introduce I-15 and I-16 fighters and SB-2, SB-2 BIS and DB-3 bombers.

At the start of WW II the Soviet Air Force had to overcome severe losses, but towards the end of the war it not only managed to confront the Luftwaffe, but also was able to produce some unique and technologically advanced aircraft such as the La-5, Yak-9, Pe-2 and Il-2.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Air Force was rearmed, strengthened and modern air doctrines were introduced. At its peak in the 80's it could deploy, in different operation areas, approximately 10,000 aicraft. By the beginning of the 1990's the Soviet Union had an air force that in terms of quantity fulfilled superpower standards. However, the doctrinal status under the command of the ground forces had gnawed at air force's command system and qualitative foundations in a manner that it had trouble maintaining its credibility in the international forum. Additionally, air forces trained and equipped by the Soviet Union suffered repeated losses in local wars and conflicts.


Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991 the aircraft and personnel of the Soviet VVS were divided among the newly independent states. Russia received the majority of these forces, approximately 40% of the aircraft and 65% of the manpower. The VVS was reorganised:

  • Long Range Aviation
  • Military Transport Aviation
  • Tactical/Air Defence Armies

The VVS participated in the First Chechen War (1994-1996) and the Second Chechen War (1999-2002). Both air campaigns highlighted shortcomings of the force, particularly lack of training and appropriate weapons. They also presented significant difficulties for the VVS including; the type of terrain, lack of significant fixed targets and insurgents armed with SAMs.

In 1998 the RFAF was merged with the Voyska PVO (Air Defence Force), which is a more common arrangement than operating two independent forces.

The RFAF continues to suffer from a lack of resources both for procurement and modernisation and pilot training, Russian pilots achieve approximately 10% of the flight hours of US Air Force pilots. The RFAF has been forced to abandon ambitious plans of advanced tactical fighter in favour of upgrades to current aircraft. While suggestions that the only way forward for the RFAF is to cut aircraft numbers to around 300 (a similar size as the Royal Air Force) are extreme, it is likely that modernisation of the force will involve at least some dramatic cuts in aircraft and bases.

Current Inventory

Operational Fighters

  • Su-33 Flanker (Su-27K) 52
  • Su-27 Flanker air superiority fighter 452 Are being modernized (150 Frontal Air Force; 200 Air Defence; 50 Navy)
  • MiG-29 Fulcrum 455 Are being modernized to reach the MiG-29SMT level. (345 Frontal Air Force; 110 Navy)
  • MiG-31 Foxhound 325 (25 Frontal Air Force; 300 Air Defence)
  • MiG-23 Flogger air combat fighter 635 (400 Frontal Air Force; 235 Air Defence)
  • MiG-25 Foxbat Interceptor 131 (131 Air Defence)
  • Su-17 Fitter 355 (320 Frontal Air Force; 35 Navy)

Operational Attack Aircraft

Long Range Bombers

Strategic Bombers

Reconnaissance/ECM

AWACS

Transport

Refueling Tankers

Prototypes/Experimental


Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers

Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation

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