For decades Soviet/Russian weaponry had evolved based upon their tactical and strategic thought, which in itself was a mirror of the Soviet State system... rigid control, top-down decision-making, and lack of initiative on lower levels. Without appropriate rank, junior officers, NCO's, and below were afraid to make any decision, because if it was the wrong one, then some "very bad" things might happen.
This mentality produced the ground-controlled interceptor like the MiG-23 that was incapable of much independent operation... tank brigades and such that would fall into shambles without rigid C & C. Artillery lacking effective independent operation, relying instead on targeting relayed from higher up.
But all of this has changed in the last 15 years. Russian designers have been given more of a free reign to design based upon the presumption that the user would be allowed to show initiative, and act independently. The result has been weaponry that can be employed in a much more flexible manner, and along with that, the tactical mindset to make optimum use of them.
Hardware quality has taken a huge leap in these years. In aviation, it started with the Su-27. SAMs and A2A missiles, likewise have been greatly improved.
looks hot
