The Russian Air Force

The Russian Air Force (VKS – Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Sily) is one of the largest and most formidable aerial military branches in the world. Born from the legacy of the Soviet Air Forces, today's Russian Air Force plays a central role in Russia’s military doctrine, power projection, and national defense strategy. It combines modern aircraft, advanced missile systems, and experienced personnel to form a robust airpower presence both regionally and globally.

History of Russian air Force

The roots of the Russian Air Force date back to 1912 during the Russian Empire and saw massive expansion during the Soviet era, particularly during and after World War II. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Russian Federation inherited the majority of the Soviet Union's air assets. Since then, the air force has undergone waves of modernization, reforms, and restructuring, especially under President Vladimir Putin’s administration.

In 2015, the Russian Air Force was merged with the Aerospace Defence Forces to create the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), which includes,

• The Air Force (VVS

• The Air and Missile Defence Troops

• The Space Forces

Fleet Composition

The Russian Air Force operates a diverse and sizable fleet, combining Soviet-era aircraft with modernized and new-generation platforms.

    Fighter Aircraft

MIG 29

SU-35S

 

    

Bombers & Strategic Aviation

TU-160

    Ground Attack and Close Air Support

SU25

    Transport Fleet

AN-124

    Reconnaissance, AWACS, and Special Mission Aircraft

A-50

    Helicopter Fleet

KA-52

Technological Advancements

Russia has made significant progress in radar, avionics, and missile systems, although it still lags behind Western standards in some areas. Key developments include,

• Su-57 Stealth Fighter: Russia's answer to the F-22 and F-35. Though not yet fully operational in large numbers, it represents a leap in stealth and network-centric warfare.

• Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile: Launched from MiG-31K platforms, the Kinzhal is a hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile capable of evading most air defenses.

• Electronic Warfare (EW): Systems like Khibiny and Krasukha-4 are used to jam radar and GPS, critical in modern warfare.

Krasukha-4

MI-31 with KH missle 

Combat Experience

Since 2015, the Russian Air Force has gained real-world experience in Syria, where it conducted thousands of sorties in support of the Assad regime. The Syrian campaign allowed Russia to test,

• New aircraft like the Su-34, Su-35, and even pre-production Su-57s

• Advanced weapons systems

• Airbase logistics and rapid deployment under combat conditions

It also exposed logistical and coordination weaknesses, which have been addressed over time.

Su-57

The Russian Air Force remains a formidable power and a key pillar of Moscow’s global strategy. While facing modernization and logistical challenges, its combat experience, strategic bomber fleet, and growing hypersonic capabilities ensure it plays a critical role in 21st-century warfare. Continued advancements in stealth, drones, and integrated defense systems will shape its future relevance on the global stage.

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