World air forces, Russian Federation
Date Posted: 01-Mar-2010
Jane's World Air Forces
Russia - Air Force
Summary
Assessment
Combined Frontal Aviation and Air Defence Force
37th Strategic Air Army
Short-Term Prospects
Adaptability
Sustainment
Readiness
Deployments, tasks and operations
Role and Deployment
Recent and Current Operations
Command and control
Organisation
Order of Battle
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Bases
Personnel
Demographics
Recruitment
Morale
Professionalism
Training
Training Areas
Military Exercises
Air Force procurement
Combat
Transport
Utility
Missiles & Weapons Systems
Trainer
Modernisation
Equipment in service
Fixed Wing
Rotary Wing
Missiles
Russia - Air Force
Summary
STRENGTH
180,000
COMBAT AIRCRAFT
Tu-22M 'Backfire', Tu-95 'Bear', Tu-160 'Blackjack', MiG-29 'Fulcrum', MiG-31 'Foxhound', Su-27 'Flanker', Su-30 'Flanker', Su-35 'Flanker', Su-24 'Fencer', Su-25 'Frogfoot', Su-34 'Fullback'
COMBAT HELICOPTER
Mi-24 'Hind', Mi-28 'Havoc', Ka-50 'Hokum'
TRANSPORT
An-12 'Cub', An-22 '****', An-24 'Coke', An-26 'Curl', An-32 'Cline', An-72 'Coaler', An-124 'Condor', Il-76 'Candid'
TANKER-TRANSPORT
Il-78 'Midas'
Assessment
The levels of efficiency and combat readiness of the Russian Military Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushnyye Sily - VVS) are broadly similar to those of the armed forces as a whole, as are the problems and challenges that it faces. The air force suffers from low esprit de corps among the pilots, conservatism and lack of institutional learning when it comes to assessing combat experience and institutional interest in preserving traditional Cold War strategic posture and operational missions. At the same time, the pilots alone cannot take all responsibility for the degradation of what used to be a world-class air force. Severe budgetary constraints imposed by the treasury and years of funding mismanagement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and General Staff officials have resulted in chronic shortages of fuel and spare parts, decay of air traffic control systems and a lack of Precision-Guided Weapons. In the 1990s, pilot training hours were reduced to a bare minimum, increasing the instances of fatal pilot errors and pushing up accident rates. The situation with regard to flying hours has improved somewhat since 2003, with Frontal Aviation pilots in particular now accumulating over 80 hours per year, up from 35 in 2002. Fighter and bomber pilots, however, are still flying less than 40 hours per year. Despite incremental pay rises, a substantial number of trained pilots leave the force each year.
Former Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov appeared determined to go ahead with radical military reform, but did not seem to have a detailed plan of how to modernise the VVS. Indeed, until recently, strategy was mainly focused on down-sizing the force to satisfy stringent budgetary restrictions. The headquarters of five armies, 12 divisions and 70 regiments disbanded; many airfields have closed and there were also significant reductions in the number of training schools and institutions. Staff levels dropped from 318,000 in 1998 to 180,000 in 2005, including 40,000 redundancies. These cuts have been justified only in so far as they have allowed the military to dispense with assets it neither needed nor could afford to keep. However, the VVS High Command's assertions that down-sizing has increased combat readiness are not to be trusted: large or small, the VVS simply does not possess the combat and reconnaissance assets needed for low-intensity conflict; there is an acute shortage of PGWs, as well as an almost complete lack of modern fire control and damage assessment systems.
After years of neglect driven by economic concerns, renewed investment in the future of the VVS is underway with the planned procurement of more than 200 new combat aircraft, attack helicopters, trainers and transports by 2015. The most potent instance of long-overdue new equipment is the Sukhoi Su-34 'Fullback' strike/attack aircraft, of which some 58 examples are currently expected to enter the inventory, with other new hardware including the Mil Mi-28N 'Havoc' attack helicopter, Yakovlev Yak-130 trainer and Ilyushin Il-112 transport. It remains to be seen whether these plans will fall victim to the 2008-2009 economic crisis.
Combined Frontal Aviation and Air Defence Force
Following the merger of the Russian Air Force and the Air Defence Force, combined VVS/AD armies have been created. These are tasked with combat support of ground troops, aerial reconnaissance (including artillery- and missile-fire target designation) and achievement of air superiority. Low levels of funding and lack of new equipment and munitions have seriously hit tactical aviation units in recent years. Strike capabilities have been in steady decline, as the force relies heavily on the third-generation Su-24M 'Fencer' tactical bomber, a platform that cannot be used to engage point targets and is too old and expensive to upgrade to a multi-purpose striker. The recent delivery of the first Su-34 'Fullback' strike/attack aircraft offers the prospect of improvement, if worthwhile quantities can be acquired. Procurement of almost 60 is planned to occur by 2015, but the current financial climate may well result in curtailment or delay in deployment. Upgrading the fleet of Su-27 'Flanker' and MiG-29 'Fulcrum' fighters could solve this dilemma, but the VVS has so far deployed them solely for air defence purposes, which is extremely inefficient.
The air defence system has changed significantly in the last few years. The lower radar limits were raised in certain areas, thus creating loopholes. The radar ceiling is kept sufficiently low only over key individual facilities and Moscow while blanket air defence missile protection of the Russian frontiers is not provided. There is a Joint Air Defence System (JADS) comprising Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, although it is unclear whether it provides a useful addition to the missile tracking system operated by the Russian Air Force. Indeed, some have argued that the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) JADS only exists on paper and is merely an international agreement allowing Russia to retain some of the former Soviet air defence assets that remain in the CIS area.
37th Strategic Air Army
Strategic capabilities have declined significantly since the mid-1990s, although the 37th Air Army recently tried to prove it can deploy outside Russia by flying strategic bombers - including examples of the Tu-22M 'Backfire', Tu-95 'Bear' and even the Tu-160 'Blackjack' - close to NATO frontiers to test the response time of the alliance's air defence systems. However, it will take more than this fully to restore once-potent strategic capabilities. In fact, the emphasis has recently been shifting towards conventional bombing missions in low-intensity conflicts. In general, therefore, the 37th Air Army seems to be better prepared for combat support of troops engaged in asymmetrical warfare; its fourth-generation bomber, the Tu-22M3 'Backfire', could be used as an attack aircraft with precision-guided weapons and is capable of operating in all-weather/night-time conditions. It was deployed in Chechnya to perform complex missions, augmenting those undertaken by the outdated Su-24 'Fencer'.
Strategic resources comprise one regiment with about 16 Tu-160s, plus about 60 examples of each of the Tu-95 and Tu-22M. The primary strike platform is the propeller-driven Tu-95M, which is armed with the Kh-55/AS-15 'Kent' 200kt Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). While all long-range aircraft operated by the 37th Air Army are nuclear-capable, a new conventional ALCM system - the Kh-101 - is currently being developed.
In 2000, the Long Range Aviation's (LRA's) fleet was reinforced with three Tu-95s, eight Tu-160s and over 1,500 Kh-55/AS-15 'Kent' ALCMs that were transferred from Ukraine. For the future, the Tu-160 fleet is being modernised and, in 2007, 37th Air Army deputy commander Major General Anatoly Zhikharev confirmed that plans were under way for a wholly new bomber to succeed the 'Blackjack', with funds earmarked for the research and development stage within the federal budget and a projected roll-out within a decade. The design is expected to have at least a degree of stealth capability, be able to take off from short or rough runways and carry both conventional and nuclear armament, further underlining Strategic Aviation's new role as either a nuclear or theatre bombing force.
Short-Term Prospects
The Russian Air Force is facing at least four key challenges. First, it has to find ways to compensate for its inability to project air power beyond Russia's frontiers. This could be done by strengthening of the strategic and tactical components, but is not made easy by the continuing decline of its aviation assets.
Second, the VVS will soon have to start replacing its ageing fleet of Su-24s, which cannot be upgraded, as well as the Su-25 'Frogfoot' ground attack aircraft. The first examples of an upgraded version of the Su-25 - the Su-25SM - were delivered at the end of 2006, after combat-testing in Chechnya. This model is compatible with Kh-25 laser-guided air-to-surface missiles and is fitted with a laser rangefinder and night vision equipment. However, only 10 upgraded aircraft can be confirmed in service in mid-2009.
Replacement of the Su-24 is expected to proceed, albeit not at a rapid pace and certainly not on a one-for-one basis. Acquisition of the Su-34 'Fullback' is under way, with current planning anticipating equipment of a single regiment with 24 aircraft by 2010 and at least another 34 examples by 2015. To help bridge the gap, the VVS has to begin the process of converting some fighters into multi-purpose aircraft. The MoD has floated the idea of adapting between 150 and 180 MiG-29s into multi-purpose night-time capable strike aircraft that could perform interceptor and reconnaissance missions as well as deliver guided air-to-surface munitions.
Last, but not least, the VVS must develop and procure a range of modern air-to-surface guided missiles and PGMs. Over 95 per cent of air-delivered ordnance used in Chechnya was unguided - a clear indication that the stock of these weapons is low. Russia is also lagging in the area of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development.
However, the crash of a MiG-29 in December 2008 led to the entire 'Fulcrum' fleet being grounded for several weeks and raised questions about their long-term viability, with suggestions that up to 70 per cent of Russia's MiG-29s might be close to inoperability. The cause of this and an earlier crash has been identified as corrosion-induced fatigue failure of the vertical tail surfaces, with inspections revealing the presence of similar corrosion in a substantial number of aircraft.
Adaptability
The conflicts in Chechnya and Georgia have provided valuable combat experience, especially against asymmetric enemies. However, this experience has only partially been institutionalised and integrated into wider tactics and training, and as a result most of the air force is still relatively inflexible, trained for conventional, mass conflicts.
Sustainment
Sustainability is a matter of concern, given problems with maintenance and the often-low skill levels of air and ground crews alike. There are also frequently local shortages of more expensive munitions and spare parts. Furthermore, as the air forces have not been called upon to deploy in any recent major conflict, no policies on rotation and deployment times have been developed.
Readiness
The readiness of the Russian air force is adequate, if not quite as high as official pronouncements seem to suggest. A resumption of long-range reconnaissance patrols and air defence exercises has helped improve readiness, as has the conflict in Georgia. However, there is no regular procedure for rapid deployments, which tend to be arranged on an ad hoc basis.
Deployments, tasks and operations
Role and Deployment
The Russian Air Force is tasked with strategic strike missions, combat support and reconnaissance missions at the operational (theatre of military activity) and operational-tactical (frontal) levels, and providing air lift capabilities for all armed services and their branches. Most ground attack and air superiority combat assets are operationally controlled by the six Military District Headquarters. The smaller Kaliningrad enclave enjoys semi-autonomy, with overall command responsibility assigned to the navy's Baltic Fleet. Control of strategic bomber and transport aircraft is exercised from Moscow, via two separate air armies, the 37th and 61st, respectively.
The VVS has positioned formidable combat support and reconnaissance assets in and around Chechnya. Deployment of fighters and long-range interceptors in the Leningrad Military District (MD) reflects the military's continuing preoccupation with what is perceived to be a threat from NATO. In what may represent a shift in operational posture, the VVS has been building up its strength in the Far East. The deployment of a large number of reconnaissance, air superiority and combat support assets in the region can only be explained by the military's growing concern over China and its intentions.
Kaliningrad Group of Forces
One Su-27 fighter regiment subordinated to the Baltic Fleet Command and under operational control of the naval air arm.
Moscow Military District
Moscow Special Designation 16th VVS and AD District, 1st and 32nd Air Defence Corps. Resources include Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft, MiG-29 fighters and Su-27 and MiG-31 interceptors.
St Petersburg (Leningrad) Military District
6th Air Army: resources include Su-24 attack aircraft and Su-27 and MiG-31 interceptors.
Volga-Urals Military District
5th Air Army: possesses few assets, with resources stationed in this military district being primarily concerned with training and including several pilot colleges using L-39 Albatros aircraft as well as some MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-27 aircraft for operational training and conversion.
North Caucasus Military District
4th Air Army: resources include Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft, MiG-29 fighters and Su-27 interceptors.
Siberian Military District
14th Air Army: resources include Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft, MiG-29 fighters and MiG-31 interceptors.
Far East Military District
11th Air Army: resources include Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft, MiG-29 fighters and Su-27 and MiG-31 interceptors.
37th Air Army
Strategic bombing command: resources comprise Tu-22M, Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, Il-78 in-flight refuelling tankers and some transport aircraft (An-12, An-24, An-26 and An-72).
61st Air Army
Strategic airlift command: resources predominantly composed of Il-76 (eight regiments), supported by a small number of An-22 and An-124 aircraft. Some An-12, An-24 and An-26 turboprop transports are also operated.
Recent and Current Operations
The air forces' main recent operations have been in the 2008 Georgian conflict and reconnaissance and bombing missions in support of ground forces in the North Caucasus.
Operational Deployments in Chechnya
Air force assets were widely used during both Chechen campaigns (1994-96 and 1999-2002). In the first conflict, the 4th Air Army deployed Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft, as well as some Tu-22M bombers. During the invasion phase in 1994-1995, the VVS succeeded in achieving air supremacy over Chechen forces by destroying more than 200 enemy aircraft on the ground at their home bases. At a later stage, however, air support of combat troops was sporadic and inconsistent; weapons delivery fire was inaccurate; reconnaissance was poor; and there seemed to be no clear plan of operational deployment. Air strikes did not precede the movement of troops, with air power only brought into play once ground units had become bogged down in close-range combat. Only 2.3 per cent of munitions were guided; the VVS mostly relied on BETAB-500 concrete-piercing 'dumb' bombs and S-24 heavy unguided rockets. The most efficient sorties were those reported to have been undertaken by Tu-22s against concentrations of rebel forces.
Military commanders clearly learned lessons from the 1994-96 fiasco. In 1999, a protracted air campaign preceded the deployment of ground troops. Air force aircraft consistently targeted Chechen command and control centres, lines of communication, stockpiles of weapons, military bases and mountain strongholds. The VVS mounted a large-scale aerial reconnaissance operation using Su-24MR, Su-25 and MiG-25RB aircraft and the Pchela drones. Indeed, the air element of the first phase of the second Chechen campaign was said to have been modelled on the NATO air operation over the former Yugoslavia in 1999. This time, the Russian military clearly saw a direct link between the effective use of air power and the overall success of the campaign.
Operational Deployments in Georgia
Air power was crucial to Russian victory in Georgia. Mi-24 gunships provided close air support, Su-25s bombing support, while MiG-29s maintained air superiority and at least one Tu-22M3 provided aerial reconnaissance, as well as long-range bombing. However, strike accuracy was often poor and co-ordination patchy.
Overseas Forces Supporting EU and UN Elements
Russia is providing some support to EU and UN forces operating in Chad and Sudan. In both cases, this includes four Mi-8MTV 'Hip' helicopters and around 100-120 personnel. The deployment to Sudan in support of the UN has been in place for some time, with the EU mission in Chad commencing in December 2008 at which time it was expected to last about 12 months.
Command and control
Chief of General Staff, Armed Forces: Colonel General Nikolai Egorovich Makarov
Commander, Air Force: Colonel General Alexander Zelin
The Russian Air Force is an armed service subordinated directly to the Minister of Defence. VVS High Command exercises strategic control over all assets. While the strategic and transport aviation resources are directly controlled by the VVS High Command HQ in Moscow, tactical and air defence aviation assets are shared between the VVS HQ and the Army High Command.
The former Long Range Aviation Command has been transformed into the 37th Strategic Air Army with the Transport Aviation Command becoming the 61st Air Army. Both organisations are directly responsible to the Supreme High Command of the Russian Armed Forces (MOD) but remain operationally subordinated to and controlled by the VVS High Command. In contrast, following the merger between the VVS Frontal Aviation and the Russian Air Defence Force, there are six combined VVS and AD armies that are nominally subordinated to the VVS HQ, but which are operationally controlled by Russia's six Military Districts (MDs). A special Moscow VVS and AD District has been created with resources from the former Moscow AD District and the 16th Air Army. The MDs have assumed a status of operational-strategic commands and are subordinated to the Army High Command. This represents a new development in the Russian order of battle with the army exercising a significant degree of control over the VVS fleet of ground attack and fighter aircraft. The current mobile forces development plan envisages creation of several division-level units on permanent alert with a standing force of attack aircraft attached. These aircraft and the accompanying logistics units are to be placed under operational control of the army.
Russia is notionally planning to phase in a joint command structure during the next few years, incorporating elements from all branches of the armed forces and functioning at a level between the General Staff and the MDs. This new organisation will, in theory, permit existing and emerging threats to be countered, despite the ongoing decline in force size. Certain elements of the new structure will be task-orientated, specifically those concerned with managing strategic nuclear forces, air and space defence assets, and air transportation resources. In addition, three further geographically aligned commands will be established, these consisting of West, South and East Commands. As their titles imply, the latter organisations will assume responsibility for military activity in those areas: West command will face Europe and Scandinavia, using assets drawn from the St Petersburg (Leningrad) and Moscow MDs; South Command will be responsible for the Caucasus and Central Asia (North Caucasus and Volga-Urals MDs); and East Command will protect the East (Far East and Siberian MDs). Creation of East Command was under way in March 2006 while West and South Command will follow in due course. However, as previous restructuring plans have not been executed, the fate of this one is unclear.
Organisation
All air force assets are currently controlled by the Air Force High Command which is subordinated directly to the Minister of Defence. The air force consists of four separate elements:
37th Air Army bombers account for just over five per cent of all Russian Air Force assets. This command operates about 60 Tu-95 and 16 Tu-160 nuclear-capable strategic bombers and more than 60 Tu-22Ms. There are also about 20 Il-78 tankers, some transports and a few Tu-134 crew training aircraft.
Six combined Air Armies composed of former Frontal Aviation (FA) and Air Defence (AD) resources. These assets include Su-24 tactical bombers and Su-25 ground attack aircraft. Dedicated air defence resources include 255 MiG-29, 392 Su-27 and 256 MiG-31 fighters and interceptor aircraft, accounting for about 80 per cent of all Russian Air Force assets. Specialist MiG-25 reconnaissance aircraft have recently been retired, but a substantial number of Su-24s still perform this mission. Air force deployments are protected by 37 surface-to-air missile regiments equipped with up to 2,000 SA-10/S-300 missiles.
61st Air Army is mainly equipped with Il-76 transport aircraft and continues to operate a number of older turboprop An-12s, as well as limited amounts of An-22 and An-124 heavy transports.
Two Military Aviation Institutes and two Training Groups exist within the Volga-Urals MD, controlling several training schools with L-39s, all of which are located at bases in adjacent Moscow and North Caucasus MDs. This organisation also includes units with front-line combat types (MiG-29, Su-24, Su-25 and Su-27) that are tasked with operational training.
The air force command announced in late 2003 that all army aviation assets, including attack helicopters, had been integrated into the air force structure. There were plans for phased cuts in the Air Defence force in 2005-06 and the air force is hoping to gain control of land-based, missile-equipped, nuclear forces, which are currently under command of the Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN).
Order of Battle
Direct Reporting Units
Unit and Base Base Type Role
1st Instructor Bomber Aviation Regiment Lebyazyhe Su-24 Combat Training
4th Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Lipetsk Yak-130 Training
4th Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Lipetsk An-26 Transport
4th Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Lipetsk Mi-8 Communications
968th Composite Research and Instruction Aviation Regiment Lipetsk MiG-29 Combat Training
968th Composite Research and Instruction Aviation Regiment Lipetsk Su-34 Combat Training
968th Composite Research and Instruction Aviation Regiment Lipetsk Su-24 Combat Training
968th Composite Research and Instruction Aviation Regiment Lipetsk Su-25 Combat Training
968th Composite Research and Instruction Aviation Regiment Lipetsk Su-27 Combat Training
968th Composite Research and Instruction Aviation Regiment Lipetsk Su-30 Combat Training
3958th Air Base Savasleyka MiG-31 Combat Training
4020th Aircraft Reserve Base Lipetsk Various1 Storage
185th Centre for Combat Training and Combat Application Astrakhan
116th Training Centre for Combat Application Astrakhan Mi-8 Communications
116th Training Centre for Combat Application Astrakhan MiG-29 Tactical Combat Training
5th Independent Long-Range Reconnaissance Aviation Detachment Voronezh An-30 Surveillance
8th Special Mission Aviation Division Chkalovskiy
206th Special Mission Aviation Base Malino Mi-8PS VIP Transport
223rd State Airline Flight Detachment Chkalovskiy An-72 Transport
223rd State Airline Flight Detachment Chkalovskiy Il-62 Transport
223rd State Airline Flight Detachment Chkalovskiy Il-76 Transport
223rd State Airline Flight Detachment Chkalovskiy Tu-134 Transport
223rd State Airline Flight Detachment Chkalovskiy Tu-154 Transport
353rd Special Mission Aviation Regiment Chkalovskiy Transports Special Duties
354th Special Mission Aviation Regiment Chkalovskiy Transports Special Duties
2457th Combat Aviation Base Ivanovo A-50 Airborne Early Warning
929th State Flight Test Centre Akhtubinsk Various Operational Assessment
267th Test Pilot Training Centre Akhtubinsk Various Test Pilot Training
1338th Flight Test Centre Chkalovskiy Il-22 Operational Trials
1338th Flight Test Centre Chkalovskiy Il-80 Operational Trials
1338th Flight Test Centre Chkalovskiy Il-82 Operational Trials
13th Aerostatic Scientific-Test Centre Vol'sk Aerostats Operational Trials
368th Independent Mixed Aviation Squadron Nalchik An-12 Transport
4215th Aircraft Reserve Base Cheben'ki Su-242 Storage
344th Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training of Army Aviation Torzhok
696th Research and Instruction Helicopter Regiment Torzhok Ka-50 Operational Trials
696th Research and Instruction Helicopter Regiment Torzhok Mi-8 Operational Trials
696th Research and Instruction Helicopter Regiment Torzhok Mi-24 Operational Trials
696th Research and Instruction Helicopter Regiment Torzhok Mi-26 Operational Trials
696th Research and Instruction Helicopter Regiment Torzhok Mi-28 Operational Trials
92nd Research and Instruction Helicopter Squadron Klin Mi-8 Operational Trials
92nd Research and Instruction Helicopter Squadron Klin Mi-24 Operational Trials
924th Centre for Combat Application and Training of Personnel of Unmanned Aircraft Units Yegor'yeysk
275th Independent Research and Instruction UAV Squadron Yegor'yeysk UAV Operational Trials / Training
118th Independent Helicopter Squadron Cheben'ki Mi-8 Utility
Group of Forces Abroad
3624th Air Base Erebuni (Armenia) MiG-29 Air Defence / Attack
670th Aviation Group Dushanbe (Tajikstan) Su-25 Attack
Helicopter Squadron Gudauta (Georgia) Mi-8 Support
Notes:
Types in storage include MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31.
Plus other types no longer in the active inventory.
37th Air Army of the Supreme High Command, Moscow
Unit Base Type Role
22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division Engels
52nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Shaykovka Tu-22M Strategic Bomber
121st Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Engels Tu-160 Strategic Bomber
184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Engels Tu-95MS Strategic Bomber
840th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Sol'tsy Tu-22M Strategic Bomber
43rd Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Ryazan-Dyagilevo
43rd Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Ryazan-Dyagilevo Tu-22M Operational Training
43rd Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Ryazan-Dyagilevo Tu-95MS Operational Training
43rd Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Ryazan-Dyagilevo An-26 Training
43rd Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Ryazan-Dyagilevo Tu-134UBL Pilot Training
326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division Ukrainka
79th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Ukrainka Tu-95MS Strategic Bomber
182nd Guards - Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Ukrainka Tu-95MS Strategic Bomber
200th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Belaya Tu-22M Strategic Bomber
200th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Belaya Tu-22MR Strategic Reconnaissance
444th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment Vozdvizhenka Tu-22M Strategic Bomber
203rd Independent Air Refuelling Regiment Ryazan-Dyagilevo Il-78 Tanker / Transport
Arctic Operations Group Tiksi
24th Independent Aviation Squadron Tiksi An-12 Transport
181st Independent Aviation Squadron Irkutsk An-12 Transport
181st Independent Aviation Squadron Irkutsk An-30 Surveillance
3119th Aviation Base Tambov Tu-134UBL Pilot Training
3119th Aviation Base Tambov Tu-134Sh Navigator Training
3119th Aviation Base Tambov L-39 Training
3119th Aviation Base Tambov An-26 Transport
61st Air Army of the Supreme High Command, Moscow
Unit and Base Base Type Role
103rd Military Transport Aviation Regiment Smolensk Il-76 Transport
110th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Novgorod-Krechevitsy Il-76 Transport
117th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Orenburg Il-76 Transport
117th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Orenburg An-12 Transport
224th State Airline Flight Detachment Tver-Migalovo An-124 Transport
224th State Airline Flight Detachment Tver-Migalovo Il-76MD Transport
334th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Pskov Il-76 Transport
708th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Taganrog Il-76 Transport
12th Military Transport Aviation Division Tver-Migalovo
76th Independent Military Transport Aviation Squadron Tver-Migalovo An-22 Transport
196th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Tver-Migalovo Il-76 Transport
566th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Seshcha An-124 Transport
566th Military Transport Aviation Regiment Seshcha Il-76 Transport
610th Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training Ivanovo
Military Transport Instruction Aviation Squadron Ivanovo Il-76 Transport Training
78th Independent Military Transport Aviation Squadron Klin Il-76 Transport
78th Independent Military Transport Aviation Squadron Klin An-26 Communications
78th Independent Military Transport Aviation Squadron Klin Tu-134 Communications
4th Air Army Military Air Forces and Air Defence, Rostov-na-Donu (North Caucasus MD)
Unit Base Type Role
1st Composite Aviation Division Krasnodar
368th Attack Aviation Regiment Budyennovsk Su-25 Attack
461st Attack Aviation Regiment Krasnodar Su-25 Attack
559th Bomber Aviation Regiment Morozovsk Su-24 Strike / Attack
959th Bomber Aviation Regiment Yeysk Su-24 Strike / Attack
960th Attack Aviation Regiment Primorsko-Akhtarsk Su-25 Attack
51st Air Defence Corps Rostov-na-Donu
3rd Fighter Aviation Regiment Krymsk Su-27 Air Defence
19th Fighter Aviation Regiment Millerovo MiG-29 Air Defence / Attack
31st Fighter Aviation Regiment Zernograd MiG-29 Air Defence / Attack
11th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Marinovka Su-24MR Reconnaissance
229th Military Airlift Air Base Rostov-na-Donu An-12 Transport
229th Military Airlift Air Base Rostov-na-Donu An-26 Transport
229th Military Airlift Air Base Rostov-na-Donu Mi-8 Utility
6th Air Army Military Air Forces and Air Defence, Sankt Peterburg (St Petersburg MD)
Unit Base Type Role
21st Air Defence Corps Severomorsk
9th Fighter Aviation Regiment Kilp Yavr Su-27 Air Defence
458th Fighter Aviation Regiment Savvatiya MiG-31 Air Defence
54th Air Defence Corps Taytsy
159th Fighter Aviation Regiment Besovets Su-27 Air Defence
177th Fighter Aviation Regiment Lodeynoye Pole Su-27 Air Defence
138th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Levashevo An-12 Transport
138th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Levashevo An-26 Transport
138th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Levashevo Tu-134 Transport
138th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Levashevo Mi-8 Utility
67th Bomber Aviation Regiment Siverskoye Su-24 Strike / Attack
98th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Monchegorsk Su-24MR Reconnaissance
98th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Monchegorsk MiG-25R Reconnaissance
722nd Bomber Aviation Regiment Gdov-Smurav'yevo Su-24 Strike / Attack
147th Independent Electronic Warfare Helicopter Squadron Pushkin-3 Mi-8PPA Combat Support
147th Independent Electronic Warfare Helicopter Squadron Pushkin-3 Mi-8 Utility
11th Air Army Military Air Forces and Air Defence, Khabarovsk (Far East MD)
Unit Base Type Role
23rd Air Defence Corps Vladivostok
22nd Fighter Aviation Regiment Uglovoye Su-27 Air Defence
530th Fighter Aviation Regiment Sokolovka MiG-31 Air Defence
25th Air Defence Division Komsomolsk
23rd Fighter Aviation Regiment Dzemgi Su-27SM Air Defence
303rd Composite Aviation Division Ussuriysk
18th Attack Aviation Regiment Galenki Su-25 Attack
187th Attack Aviation Regiment Chernigovka Su-25 Attack
83rd Bomber Aviation Division Komsomolsk
277th Bomber Aviation Regiment Khurba Su-24 Strike / Attack
302nd Bomber Aviation Regiment Verino Su-24 Strike / Attack
799th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Varfolomeyevka Su-24MR Reconnaissance
257th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Khabarovsk-Terek An-12 Transport
257 Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Khabarovsk-Terek An-26 Transport
257 Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Khabarovsk-Terek Mi-8 Utility
14th Air Army Military Air Forces and Air Defence, Chita (Siberian MD)
Unit Base Type Role
26th Air Defence Division n/a
120th Fighter Aviation Regiment Domna MiG-29 Air Defence / Attack
41st Air Defence Division Novosibirsk
712th Fighter Aviation Regiment Kansk MiG-31 Air Defence
21st Composite Aviation Division Dzhida
2nd Bomber Aviation Regiment Dzhida Su-24 Strike / Attack
266th Attack Aviation Regiment Olovyannaya Su-25 Attack
313th Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Bada Su-24MR Reconnaissance
137th Independent Mixed Aviation Squadron Tolmachevo An-26 Transport
5th Air Army Military Air Forces and Air Defence, Yekaterinburg (Volga-Ural MD)
Unit Base Type Role
76th Air Defence Division n/a
764th Fighter Aviation Regiment Bolshoye Savino MiG-31 Air Defence
128th Independent Mixed Aviation Squadron Koltsovo An-26 Transport
320th Independent Search-and-Rescue Transport Aviation Squadron Troitsk Mi-8 Communications / SAR
320th Independent Search-and-Rescue Transport Aviation Squadron Troitsk An-12 Transport / SAR
320th Independent Search-and-Rescue Transport Aviation Squadron Troitsk An-24 Transport / SAR
Composite Air Group1 Kant, Kyrgyzstan Su-25 Attack
Composite Air Group1 Kant, Kyrgyzstan L-39 Training Support
Composite Air Group1 Kant, Kyrgyzstan Mi-8 Communications
Note:
The Composite Air Group at Kant may also be operating some examples of the Su-27, An-26 and Il-76.
Special Mission Command, Kubinka (Moscow MD)
Unit Base Type Role
1st Air Defence Corps Balashika SAM Systems Air Defence
16th Air Army Kubinka
105th Composite Aviation Division Voronezh
455th Bomber Aviation Regiment Voronezh Su-24 Strike / Attack
899th Independent Attack Aviation Regiment Buturlinovka Su-25 Attack
1st Air Defence Corps Balashika
9th Air Defence Division Vidnoye SAM / Radar Systems Air Defence / Surveillance
37th Air Defence Division Dolgoproodnyy SAM / Radar Systems Air Defence / Surveillance
32nd Air Defence Corps Rzhev
14th Fighter Aviation Regiment Kursk MiG-29 Air Defence / Attack
611th Fighter Aviation Regiment Dorokhovo Su-27 Air Defence
28th Fighter Aviation Regiment Andreapol MiG-29 Air Defence / Attack
47th Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Shatalovo Su-24MR Reconnaissance
47th Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment Shatalovo MiG-25R Reconnaissance
237th Centre for Demonstration of Air Technology Kubinka MiG-29 n/a
237th Centre for Demonstration of Air Technology Kubinka Su-27 n/a
237th Centre for Demonstration of Air Technology Kubinka Su-25 n/a
237th Centre for Demonstration of Air Technology Kubinka L-39 n/a
790th Fighter Aviation Regiment Khotilovo MiG-31 Air Defence
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka An-12 Communications
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka An-24 Communications
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka An-26 Communications
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka An-30 Communications
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka Tu-134 Communications
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka Il-22 Communications
226th Independent Mixed Aviation Regiment Kubinka Mi-8 Communications
Aircrew Training Schools
Unit Base Type Role
Krasnodar Military Aviation Institute Krasnodar
627th Aviation Training Regiment Tikhoretsk L-39 Training
704th Aviation Training Regiment Kotelnikovo L-39 Training
797th Aviation Training Regiment Kushchevskaya L-39 Training
797th Aviation Training Regiment Kushchevskaya MiG-29 Operational Training
797th Aviation Training Regiment Kushchevskaya Su-25 Operational Training
797th Aviation Training Regiment Kushchevskaya Su-27 Operational Training
Syzran Military Aviation Institute Syzran
109th Helicopter Training Regiment Bezenchuk Mi-2 Rotary-Wing Training
109th Helicopter Training Regiment Bezenchuk Mi-8 Rotary-Wing Training
131st Helicopter Training Regiment Sokol Mi-2 Rotary-Wing Training
131st Helicopter Training Regiment Sokol Mi-8 Rotary-Wing Training
484th Helicopter Training Regiment Syzran Mi-24 Operational Training
626th Helicopter Training Regiment Pugachev Mi-2 Rotary-Wing Training
626th Helicopter Training Regiment Pugachev Mi-8 Rotary-Wing Training
626th Helicopter Training Regiment Pugachev Mi-24 Operational Training
Chelyabinsk Military Navigator College Chelyabinsk
604th Aviation Training Regiment Chelyabinsk-Shagol Tu-134 Navigation Training
Long-Range/Transport Aviation Aircrew Training Centre Balashov
606th Aviation Training Regiment Balashov An-26 Transport Training
666th Aviation Training Regiment Rtishchevo L 410 Transport Training
783rd Training Centre Armavir
713th Aviation Training Regiment Armavir MiG-29 Operational Training
713th Aviation Training Regiment Armavir L-39 Training
761st Aviation Training Regiment Maykop L-39 Training
786th Training Centre Borisoglebsk
160th Aviation Training Regiment Borisoglebsk Su-25 Operational Training
160th Aviation Training Regiment Borisoglebsk L-39 Training
644th Aviation Training Regiment Michurinsk L-39 Training
Army Aviation Elements
Unit Base Type Role
45th Independent Helicopter Regiment Oreshkovo Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
55th Independent Helicopter Regiment Korenovsk Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
55th Independent Helicopter Regiment Korenovsk Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
85th Independent Helicopter Squadron Alakurtti Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
85th Independent Helicopter Squadron Alakurtti Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
112th Independent Helicopter Regiment Chita Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
237th Independent Helicopter Squadron Bobrovka Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
237th Independent Helicopter Squadron Bobrovka Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
319th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Chernigovka Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
319th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Chernigovka Mi-8 Combat Helicopter
325th Independent Combat Transport Helicopter Regiment Yegorlykskaya Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
325th Independent Combat Transport Helicopter Regiment Yegorlykskaya Mi-26 Transport Helicopter
332nd Independent Combat Transport Helicopter Regiment Pribylovo Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
332nd Independent Combat Transport Helicopter Regiment Pribylovo Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
337th Independent Helicopter Regiment Berdsk Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
337th Independent Helicopter Regiment Berdsk Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
364th Independent Helicopter Regiment Srednebeloye Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
364th Independent Helicopter Regiment Srednebeloye Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
440th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Vyaz'ma Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
440th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Vyaz'ma Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
487th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Budyennovsk Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
487th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Budyennovsk Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
487th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Budyennovsk Mi-28 Combat Helicopter
490th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Tula-Klokovo Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
490th Independent Combat Control Helicopter Regiment Tula-Klokovo Mi-24 Combat Helicopter
793rd Independent Helicopter Regiment Kinel-Cherkassy Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
793rd Independent Helicopter Regiment Kinel-Cherkassy Mi-26 Transport Helicopter
825th Independent Transport Helicopter Regiment Garovka-2 Mi-8 Assault Helicopter
825th Independent Transport Helicopter Regiment Garovka-2 Mi-26 Transport Helicopter
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
The Chechen and Georgian experiences have forced the VVS to move away from a traditional combined arms approach to a concept of independent operations. The Russians have realised that air power is more than just a means of fire support for advancing troops; their air analysts have begun to recognise the importance of employing air power to strike deep into the enemy's territory to disrupt its command and control systems and reduce its economic potential. However, the capabilities of Russian air assets, particularly with regard to the lack of all-weather/night-time aircraft and low stock of PGWs, seriously limit the range of operational and tactical missions it is able to effectively perform.
Bases
Moscow Military District
Andreapol (56° 39' 02" N; 32° 18' 42" E)
Balashov (51° 31' 51" N; 43° 17' 48" E)
Borisoglebsk (51° 22' 00" N; 42° 10' 50" E)
Buturlinovka (50° 47' 43" N; 40° 36' 23" E)
Chkalovskiy-Scolkovo (55° 52' 56" N; 38° 03' 33" E)
Dorokhovo (57° 43' 40" N; 36° 39' 04" E)
Ivanovo (57° 03' 18" N; 40° 58' 33" E)
Khotilovo (57° 39' 08" N; 34° 05' 27" E)
Klin (56° 21' 59" N; 36° 43' 32" E)
Kubinka (55° 36' 45" N; 36° 38' 50" E)
Kursk (51° 45' 00" N; 36° 17' 31" E)
Lipetsk (52° 38' 10" N; 39° 28' 05" E)
Michurinsk (52° 54' 55" N; 40° 22' 15" E)
Oreshkovo (Army) (54° 28' 10" N; 36° 03' 42" E)
Rtishchevo (52° 17' 41" N; 43° 43' 24" E)
Ryazan-Dyagilevo (54° 38' 56" N; 39° 34' 45" E)
Savasleyka (55° 26' 41" N; 42° 18' 36" E)
Seshcha (53° 42' 55" N; 33° 20' 47" E)
Shatalovo (54° 20' 14" N; 32° 28' 29" E)
Shaykovka (54° 13' 28" N; 34° 22' 28" E)
Smolensk (54° 49' 23" N; 32° 01' 45" E)
Tambov-Donskoye (52° 48' 20" N; 41° 29' 06" E)
Torzhok (Army) (57° 02' 55" N; 34° 59' 51" E)
Tula-Klokovo (Army) (54° 14' 20" N; 37° 36' 02" E)
Tver-Migalovo (56° 49' 29" N; 35° 45' 27" E)
Vladimir (Army) (56° 07' 34" N; 40° 19' 04" E)
Voronezh (51° 37' 13" N; 39° 08' 30" E)
Vyaz'ma (Army) (55° 09' 12" N; 34° 22' 58" E)
North Caucasus Military District
Akhtubinsk (48° 18' 13" N; 46° 12' 09" E)
Armavir (44° 58' 19" N; 41° 06' 35" E)
Astrakhan (46° 23' 36" N; 47° 53' 35" E)
Budyennovsk (44° 50' 10" N; 44° 00' 19" E)
Korenovsk (Army) (45° 26' 51" N; 39° 25' 48" E)
Kotelnikovo (47° 38' 18" N; 43° 05' 49" E)
Krasnodar (45° 04' 46" N; 38° 57' 10" E)
Krymsk (44° 57' 34" N; 38° 00' 00" E)
Kushchevskaya (46° 32' 05" N; 39° 33' 07" E)
Lebyazhye (50° 11' 44" N; 45° 12' 19" E)
Marinovka (48° 38' 29" N; 43° 47' 46" E)
Maykop (44° 40' 52" N; 40° 01' 54" E)
Millerovo (48° 57' 13" N; 40° 17' 48" E)
Morozovsk (48° 18' 52" N; 41° 47' 03" E)
Primorsko-Akhtarsk (46° 03' 30" N; 38° 14' 10" E)
Rostov-na-Donu (47° 16' 24" N; 39° 38' 50" E)
Taganrog (47° 14' 41" N; 38° 50' 58" E)
Tikhoretsk (45° 52' 41" N; 40° 06' 25" E)
Yegorlykskaya (Army) (46° 34' 17" N; 40° 35' 34" E)
Yeysk (46° 40' 52" N; 38° 12' 37" E)
Zernograd (46° 49' 56" N; 40° 22' 57" E)
Saint Petersburg (Leningrad) Military District
Alakurtti (Army) (66° 58' 15" N; 30° 21' 40" E)
Besovets (61° 53' 17" N; 34° 09' 08" E)
Kilp Yavr (69° 05' 58" N; 32° 25' 11" E)
Krechevitsy (58° 37' 21" N; 31° 23' 02" E)
Levashevo (60° 05' 27" N; 30° 11' 55" E)
Lodeynoye Pole (60° 42' 55" N; 33° 34' 35" E)
Monchegorsk (67° 59' 19" N; 33° 00' 25" E)
Pribylovo (Army) (60° 27' 29" N; 28° 44' 48" E)
Pskov (57° 47' 00" N; 28° 23' 00" E)
Pushkin-3 (59° 41' 18" N; 30° 20' 33" E)
Savvatiya (60° 59' 44" N; 46° 51' 35" E)
Siverskoye (59° 21' 33" N; 30° 03' 00" E)
Smurav'yevo (58° 49' 17" N; 28° 00' 21" E)
Soltsy (58° 08' 20" N; 30° 20' 11" E)
Siberia Military District
Bada (51° 24' 16" N; 109° 54' 31" E)
Belaya (52° 55' 36" N; 103° 33' 43" E)
Berdsk (Army) (54° 44' 00" N; 83° 06' 15" E)
Chita (Army) (52° 03' 57" N; 113° 26' 07" E)
Domna (51° 54' 56" N; 113° 07' 23" E)
Dzhida (50° 40' 40" N; 106° 07' 38" E)
Irkutsk (52° 16' 01" N; 104° 23' 41" E)
Kansk (56° 07' 44" N; 95° 40' 07" E)
Olovyannaya (51° 01' 02" N; 115° 25' 35" E)
Tolmachevo (55° 00' 39" N; 82° 39' 58" E)
Volga-Urals Military District
Bezenchuk (Army) (52° 57' 53" N; 49° 22' 53" E)
Bobrovka (Army) (53° 08' 43" N; 50° 42' 31" E)
Bolshoye Savino (57° 54' 54" N; 56° 01' 29" E)
Cheben'ki (51° 58' 37" N; 55° 32' 48" E)
Chelyabinsk-Shagol (55° 15' 12" N; 61° 18' 19" E)
Engels (51° 29' 09" N; 46° 12' 46" E)
Kinel-Cherkassy (Army) (53° 27' 49" N; 51° 33' 38" E)
Koltsovo (56° 44' 36" N; 60° 48' 48" E)
Orenburg (51° 42' 38" N; 55° 01' 15" E)
Pugachev (Army) (52° 02' 00" N; 48° 49' 04" E)
Syzran (Army) (53° 13' 15" N; 48° 32' 26" E)
Troitsk (Army) (54° 06' 35" N; 61° 32' 18" E)
Far East Military District
Chernigovka (44° 19' 30" N; 132° 32' 38" E)
Dzemgi (50° 36' 18" N; 137° 04' 54" E)
Galenki (44° 05' 44" N; 131° 48' 08" E)
Garovka-2 (Army) (48° 24' 14" N; 135° 13' 40" E)
Khabarovsk-Terek (48° 27' 59" N; 135° 09' 13" E)
Khurba (50° 24' 34" N; 136° 56' 00" E)
Sokol/Dolinsk (Army) (47° 15' 40" N; 142° 45' 45" E)
Sokolovka (44° 05' 24" N; 133° 52' 13" E)
Srednebeloye (Army) (50° 41' 29" N; 128° 00' 41" E)
Uglovoye (43° 20' 46" N; 132° 03' 17" E)
Ukrainka (51° 10' 00" N; 128° 27' 00" E)
Varfolomeyevka (44° 15' 32" N; 133° 24' 49" E)
Verino (48° 00' 00" N; 135° 05' 16" E)
Vozdvizhenka (43° 54' 39" N; 131° 55' 12" E)
Arctic Region
Tiksi (71° 41' 51" N; 128° 54' 10" E)
Overseas-Based Forces
Dushanbe, Tajikistan (38° 32' 46" N; 68° 49' 36" E)
Erebuni, Yerevan, Armenia (40° 07' 37" N; 44° 28' 09" E)
Gudauta-Bombora, Georgia - Abkhazia (43° 05' 59" N; 40° 34' 45" E)
Kant, Kyrgyzstan (42° 51' 19" N; 74° 50' 56" E)
Personnel
Demographics
The air force's establishment strength is 150,000, of whom just under 70,000 are conscripts serving a 12-month term.
The air forces suffer from the same problems as the other arms of service: a bloated officer corps, a shortage of professional NCOs and technical specialists, low levels of training and education and the relatively short period in which conscripts are effective given the need to train them first. The air force's own estimate is that it takes seven months to train them adequately and the last month of their tour is overshadowed by impending demobilisation, so in effect they only serve four operational months.
The balance of soldiers, NCOs and officers is, however, due to shift by 2012. In September 2008, President Medvedev ordered a reduction in the size of the officer corps. By 2012, the military will have shed 20 per cent of its generals and fully 60 per cent of its colonels with the proportion of officers being halved to 15 per cent. In February 2009, Air Force Commander Colonel General Zelin announced that they would shed 30 per cent of their officer positions and eliminate eight per cent of all units. Meanwhile, the central defence ministry and General Staff apparatus will be cut from 22,000 to 8,500 people.
Recruitment
After the failure of attempts to phase out conscription, it remains the centrepiece of Russian military recruitment. Males between 17 and 27 are subject to conscription, but falling birth rates, higher rates of exemption and deferral and other methods of draft evasion have strained the system. As a result, the military has relaxed the health and education requirements of draftees and is increasingly recruiting convicted criminals, who are given a choice between military service or a prison sentence. Additionally, in 2008, the length of national service was reduced to 12 months.
Many kontraktniki personnel - Russia's volunteer element of its forces - are also in poor physical health or have criminal records, and few re-enlist once their initial contracts have been completed. Their education levels are also typically low, a particular problem for the air force given its need for technical specialists.
Morale
Morale within the air forces is not as low as in many other arms of service and tends to vary depending on location. Smaller, more remote bases still tend both to have more limited facilities and also to be used as dumping grounds for less motivated or more troublesome personnel. In these instances, morale is especially poor, with desertion and criminality commonplace. Generally though, morale among air crews and the staff of larger facilities tend to be adequate.
The air force also faces problems of bullying, crime and decaying barracks, although less so than the army. Salary conditions are to be improved across the forces to make military careers more attractive.
Professionalism
The overall professionalism of the air force is variable but adequate, although the Georgian conflict did expose some serious technical deficiencies. The key problem is simply a lack of adequate training. Chronic shortages of fuel and spare parts in conjunction with budgetary cuts, combined to reduce the number of flying hours and a concomitant decline in overall levels of combat readiness. Until 2007, military pilots flew just 20 hours a year, compared with the global standard of 150 hours. Since then, the average has been increased to a more respectable - but still low - 80 plus hours, but even this is coming under pressure with the economic slowdown. Although simulators are used extensively, they cannot substitute for real time in the air.
Technical skills amongst ground crews are also often poor, especially as conscripts and kontraktniki alike remain under-trained. However, Chief of the General Staff General Nikolai Makarov has a long-standing commitment to improving training standards within the Russian military, which have long been a problem area. Greater effort and resources are likely to be directed to basic training and advanced military education will also be revamped, not least reflecting the shrinkage of the officer corps. However, the new financial stringencies applying from 2009 appear likely to delay and may well prevent these reforms in the immediate future.
Training
The air force operates several staff colleges and a number of pilot training schools, although some of the latter have recently been closed in line with a diminishing need for newly-qualified personnel. A standard VVS commissioned officer's course lasts five years and includes pilot training on L-39 Albatros aircraft, followed by further instruction on combat platforms, such as the Su-25 and MiG-29 before assignment to a combat unit.
Chronic shortages of fuel and spare parts, in conjunction with budgetary cuts, have combined to reduce the number of flying hours. Analysts also point to the reduction in number of combat training exercises as a factor in diminished readiness and operational capability. Indeed, it is estimated that only one-third of pilots who joined the VVS after 1994 are considered combat ready. This is changing, though, with more flying hours for trainees (and qualified pilots) as well as a new round of major exercises. Flying hours are still not at the same level as Western standards and the amount of remedial work that needs to be done even with those officers who are technically qualified is considerable.
Training schools are universally equipped with the L-39s, but this type is now outdated as well as being poorly maintained and in need of replacement. The new Yak-130UBS combat trainer is expected to replace the L-39 in due course, with plans in hand to acquire as many as 200 aircraft of this type. Procurement is reportedly now under way and the first two aircraft were delivered in 2008, with a further 10 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2009. The Yak-130UBS will be a useful addition to the inventory - it is a dual-use aircraft that can be deployed for light attack tasks in low-intensity conflicts.
Training Areas
The senior education and research institute is the Yury Gagarin Air Academy (Moscow). Engineering staff receive instruction at the Zhukovsky Military Air Engineer Academy (Moscow). The senior air defence training institution is the Zhukov Air Defence Military Command Academy (Tver). There are a number of Combat Training and Aircrew Conversion colleges subordinated to the Air Force Headquarters, with the Lipetsk-based Composite Instruction and Research Aviation Regiment being arguably the foremost centre for combat instruction, tactics development and doctrinal study.
Military Exercises
The Russian Air Force participated in 'Zapad-2009' (West 2009), a month-long series of joint exercises with the Belarusian Armed Forces. Some 60 aircraft and 40 helicopters were involved in the exercises, with the air force represented by units from the Air Force Main Command and Military Transport Aviation regiments. Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' bombers and Sukhoi Su-24M2 'Fencer-D' attack aircraft delivering a new generation of precision guided munitions, specifically the SVP-24 targeting system. As part of Zapad-2009, the interoperability of the new Belarusian-Russian integrated air defence system, established in February 2009, was also tested.
In late June and early July 2009, Russia conducted a week-long 'Caucasus-2009' military exercise under the leadership of Army General Nikolai Makarov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Various units from the North-Caucasian Military District (NCMD), the air force, air defence units, the Black Sea Fleet, the Caspian Flotilla along with interior ministry troops were involved in the two-stage drills that stretched across 10 administrative regions in the North Caucasus, in the region of the Black and Caspian Seas.
The resumption in long-range reconnaissance patrols in 2007 is helping bomber pilots develop their skills and military exercises may also become more realistic and thus useful.
The growing defence budget and the desire of former President Putin to demonstrate the renewed strength of the Russian military has led to a renewed commitment to major military exercises, in some cases conducted alongside the forces of other powers. The month-long 'Security-2004' exercises were the largest held by Moscow in 20 years, but perhaps the most politically significant were the 'Peace Mission' exercises of 2005 and 2007, in which Russian and Chinese forces exercised together in a striking gesture of military solidarity. However, many of these exercises were carried out more for show and were carefully choreographed rather than providing truly meaningful training experiences.
Air Force procurement
The air force has been one of the main beneficiaries of the recent boost in procurement spending. Many third generation aircraft are being upgraded or modernised, although it is hoped that combat strength will eventually consist of mainly fourth-generation types. A number of key programmes have shown clear signs of progress during 2007-08 as the air force begins to match resources with aspirations for the first time.
Combat
Su-34 Strike Aircraft
In June 2009, Sukhoi announced a five-year contract with the Russian Air Force for production of the Su-34 strike aircraft. Details of the contract were not made available, but the air force is to replace some of its Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' bombers in service with its 16th Air Army, Moscow Military District, with Sukhoi Su-34 'Fullbacks'. The 'Fullback' features a new multi-purpose radar that is compatible with pre-targeted TV-guided missiles as well as precision-guided bombs.
The first two Su-34s rolled off Sukhoi's Novosibirsk production line in July 2006 and operational deployment with one front-line regiment is expected by 2010. By 2015, the 'Fullback' should be in use with three regiments, assuming that acquisition of 70 examples goes ahead as planned. The first delivery took place in August 2007, to Lipetsk, with Sukhoi subsequently announcing in January 2008 that full-rate production had begun. According to recent statements, the first squadron is expected to achieve an initial operational capability at Voronezh by the end of 2009, with this presumably being part of the 455th Bomber Aviation Regiment.
Fifth-Generation Fighter
The only ongoing research and development project involving a fifth-generation multirole fighter is the Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA (Perspektivinnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks - Frontovoi Aviatsyi - Prospective Aviation Complex for Frontal Aviation). It was announced in June 2007 that Russia planned to fly the T-50 for the first time in 2009 and the prototype was reported to be in the first stages of assembly in January 2009. According to Russian state news services, the aircraft made its maiden flight in late January 2010 when the aircraft flew for 45 minutes from an airbase in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the Far East region of the country. "The plane showed a superb performance. It has met all our expectations for the maiden flight," said a spokesperson for Sukhoi.
However, there remains some doubt as to its suitability and concern that it may fail to match Russian Air Force requirements. In 2009, Russian observers told Jane's that the first aircraft's radar is a variant of the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar and not the full active electronically scanned array (AESA) as specified in the air force's original requirement. The same sources said that the prototype's powerplant consists of two Saturn/Lyulka 117S turbofans, derived from the Sukhoi Su-27 AL-31F engine, rather than the next-generation AL-41F1 engine intended for the production aircraft. The Russian Air Force plans to field the aircraft in 2015.
Earlier in January 2010, it was announced that India would soon formalise its 27-month old agreement with Russia to jointly develop and build the PAK-FA (referred to by India as the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft [FGFA]). The proposed USD8-10 billion development and manufacturing agreement would see both countries, represented by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), take equal responsibility for the programme.
Su-35 Multirole Fighter
The Russian defence industry has ordered 48 Su-35, 12 Su-27SM3 and four Su-30MK2 aircraft.
This new variation on the proven 'Flanker' theme - which has been characterised by the company as a 4++ generation aircraft that employs fifth-generation technologies in its onboard systems - is expected to enter operational service in 2011. The first prototype completed its maiden flight on 18 February 2008, with a second aircraft flying for the first time on 2 October of that year. Between them, these prototypes had successfully completed some 87 sorties by late February 2009, with the 100th flight recorded just over a month later. A third example was then imminently expected to join the test programme, but this machine was destroyed on 26 April 2009 when the pilot lost control during a high-speed taxi run at Novosibirsk; despite this setback, the Su-35 development programme is still expected to proceed on schedule.
Mi-28
Replacement of the massive Mi-24 fleet is underway with as many as 67 Mi-28 'Havoc' attack helicopters expected to be delivered by 2015. It appears that funding has been secured through the cancellation of plans for the upgrade of the 500-strong Mi-24 'Hind' fleet which is reaching retirement age. While the Mi-28 will not be procured in anything like these kind of numbers, the programme is beginning to make progress after years of delay. By April 2009, when six examples joined the first operational unit (understood to be the 487th Regiment at Budyennovsk), a total of 17 Mi-28s were reported to have been delivered, with initial operating capability anticipated in the latter half of 2009.
Transport
Plans to procure the An-70 transport aircraft built in Ukraine were thought to have been abandoned, although it now appears that Russia may well acquire some of these aircraft, with intergovernmental agreement on renewed co-operation being the subject of recent discussions between Russia and Ukraine. According to recent reports, Russia is now likely to receive two An-70s in 2011 when certification is expected to be completed, allowing a start to be made on series production. In addition, the air force is seeking to acquire the indigenous Ilyushin II-112 twin-turboprop to satisfy tactical transport missions, again with India involved. Forward projections allude to procurement of a total of 18 Il-112s by 2015 up to a total of around 100, but additional Il-76MF transports are also likely to be obtained in the interim. The An-22 is close to the end of its life, with only a few examples still sporadically active and there are no plans to attempt refurbishment for further service.
Utility
An-2 Replacement
A tender process was initiated in the first half of 2008 with a view towards obtaining a replacement for the veteran An-2 'Colt' biplane utility transport. In the region of 20-30 aircraft are apparently required in the first instance, with the Smolensk (Technoavia) SM-92T Turbo Finist and An-3 turboprop-powered derivative of the An-2 being under consideration to satisfy this requirement. No details as to when selection will take place have yet emerged.
Missiles & Weapons Systems
Air-to-Air Missiles
The air force has a requirement for air-to-air missile after a fire broke out on 23 May 2008 at the Lodeynoe Pole weapons depot, near St Petersburg, and destroyed all of the 410 air-to-air missiles being stored there. Local press reports estimated the cost of the missiles lost at about USD82 million to USD100 million.
Surface-to-Air Missiles
The air force will receive up to 10 self-propelled KBP Tula 96K6 Pantsir S1 (SA-22 'Greyhound') surface-to-air missile systems in 2010.
Trainer
Yak-130
The Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainer/light-attack aircraft entered service with the Russian Federation Air Force, the company announced in February 2010. At that time, the first aircraft had arrived at the 4th Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training at Lipetsk, in the Central Federal District of Russia, where pilot training on the type was to commence. The first four aircraft for the Russian Air Force have been built and will be delivered shortly, according to Yakovlev, with the first batch of 62 due to be delivered by 2015. The Yak-130 will replace the Aero L-29 and L-39 Albatros jet trainer aircraft.
It is unclear when the contract for 62 aircraft was finalised and no financial details have been released. However, the Yak programme has been in trials since March 2008. The stated requirement is still believed to be around 200 however this seems likely to be a long term goal a with a contract for this number of aircraft unlikely before 2016.
Modernisation
Bomber
The Russian Air Force's first modernised Tupolev Tu-160 'Blackjack' long-range strategic bomber was delivered to Engels Air Base in central Russia in late April 2008. As with previous variants, the improved 1980s-era aircraft can carry nuclear missiles and weapons, but may additionally operate with up to 12 Raduga NPO Kh-555 (AS-15 'Kent') conventionally armed long-range cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs as part of a load of up to 40,000 kg (88,200 lb). With this latest delivery, Russia now has 16 Tu-160s - three of which will be improved and returned to service each year for missions over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. If funding permits, Russia is seeking to expand the Tu-160 force to around 30 aircraft.
The Engels-based 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Division, which deploys Tu-22M 'Backfire', Tu-95MS 'Bear' and Tu-160 'Blackjack' bombers, has had its mission changed from nuclear deterrence to conventional strike against point targets in support of counter-insurgency operations. In 2005, the division took delivery of the first examples of the new Kh-101 conventional stealthy air-launched cruise missile and augmented its fleet with a pair of upgraded Tu-160 bombers able to carry and deliver laser-guided bombs.
Combat
A number of major upgrade programmes are currently under way. Su-25 'Frogfoot' ground attack aircraft are being brought to Su-25SM/UB standard while extra funding has been made available to update the MiG-31 'Foxhound' high-altitude interceptor and equip it with a more modern long-range missile. Initial operational testing of the MiG-31BM upgrade was completed in 2004 and the programme received more funding in 2005. Although around 240 aircraft remain in the fleet, it is unlikely that more than 48 will be upgraded to this standard.
The final batch of upgraded Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' strike aircraft were delivered back to the air force in December 2009. The delivery marked the end of a three-year upgrade contract for Sukhoi and all the aircraft have now been handed over to their assigned units. The company did not say how many aircraft had been upgraded, although Jane's understands that the V-VS has a requirement for 400 Su-24M2s.
The air force is keen to upgrade the MiG-29 'Fulcrum' to MiG-29SMT configuration with a programme to convert the first squadron of aircraft believed to have been launched in early 2004. This project entails converting the basic MiG-29 variant into a multi-purpose aircraft capable of engaging ground targets with precision weaponry. New features for the MiG-29SMT include cathode ray tube displays, a modernised Head-Up Display (HUD), a high-precision weapons system including the X-31 Air-to-Surface Missile (ASM) and an increase in combat load from two to four tonnes. The MiG-29SMT will also include the terrain-mapping N-019MP radar. Range will increase with an additional 2,000 litre (528 US gal; 440 Imp gal) fuel tank situated directly behind the cockpit. However, this programme has been thrown into question by the grounding of the MiG-29 fleet at the end of 2008, following two crashes that the ensuing investigations attributed to corrosion and subsequent failure of the starboard fin. Inspection of the rest of the fleet revealed that the same fault was present on close to 200 other examples of the MiG-29.
Meanwhile, the Su-27SM upgrade appears to be making steady progress with one squadron of 24 aircraft now operational as part of the 23rd Fighter Regiment at Dzemgi and a second squadron active with the 22nd Fighter Regiment at Uglovoye. With the MiG-29SMT making little ground and the PAKFA at least a decade away from entering service, these upgraded Su-27s will represent Russia's most advanced frontline fighter for the immediate future. Up to 200 aircraft may eventually be upgraded.
Transport
In August 2007, reports citing the Head of Motor Sich Joint Stock Company announced that the Russian Air Force had placed an order for ten D-18T engines to be fitted to two of its An-124 heavy transport aircraft. This will bring the massive aircraft up to An-124-100M-150 standard and will improve performance and extend service life.
Missiles & Weapons Systems
In terms of weaponry, several projects are under way. The Russians are developing a 'backwards launching' Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) system. One version of the Vympel R-73/AA-11 'Archer' has apparently already been tested. A ramjet powered version of the same manufacturers R-77/AA-12 'Adder' has also been developed. This system is designed to rival the US Air Force's Future Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (FMRAAM). Yet another project is for an ultra long-range AAM system of undisclosed designation, research and development of which is reported to have begun.
Major advances have also been proposed for Air Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs). The fledgling Kh-101 system is a conventional ALCM and is equipping the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bomber fleets, with the first missiles reported to have been delivered in early 2005. The weapon is said to weigh between 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) and 2,400 kg (5,290 lbs) and contains a conventional warhead of approximately 600 kg (1,323 lbs). Missile guidance incorporates a televisual system for the terminal phase of flight. However, it can also use a terrain reference navigation system. Its target-hitting Circular Error of Probability (CEP) is stated as between 6 m (20 ft) and 20 m (65 ft), depending on the source. Russia also claims that its radar signature is 0.01 m2. Its cruise altitude ranges from 70 m (230 ft) to 6,000 m (19,685 ft), at a speed of between Mach 0.37 to Mach 0.60, with a maximum speed of around Mach 0.75. Maximum range is estimated to be approximately 2,700 n miles (5,000 km; 3,100 miles) to 2,970 n miles (5,500 km; 3,420 miles). A modernised Tu-95 will carry eight Kh-101s while a similarly configured Tu-160 is expected to accommodate as many as 12.
Equipment in service
Fixed Wing
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
Tu-22M-3 'Backfire' Tupolev Bomber n/a 65 n/a
Tu-95MS6 'Bear-H6' Tupolev Bomber n/a 391 n/a
Tu-95MS16 'Bear-H16' Tupolev Bomber n/a 32 n/a
Tu-160 'Blackjack' Tupolev Bomber 16 16 n/a
MiG-29 'Fulcrum-A/C' MiG Fighter - Multirole n/a 2152 3 n/a
Su-30 Sukhoi Fighter - Multirole n/a 2 n/a
Su-30M Sukhoi Fighter - Multirole n/a 5 n/a
Su-35 'Flanker' Sukhoi Fighter - Multirole n/a 2 n/a
MiG-31 'Foxhound-A' MiG Fighter - Interceptor / Air Defence n/a 240 n/a
MiG-31M 'Foxhound-B' MiG Fighter - Interceptor / Air Defence n/a n/a4 n/a
Su-27 'Flanker-B' Sukhoi Fighter - Interceptor / Air Defence n/a 130 n/a
Su-27SM 'Flanker-B' Sukhoi Fighter - Interceptor / Air Defence n/a 60 n/a
Su-24 'Fencer' Sukhoi Fighter - Ground Attack / Strike n/a 210 n/a
Su-25 'Frogfoot-A' Sukhoi Fighter - Ground Attack / Strike n/a 190 n/a
Su-25SM 'Frogfoot-A' Sukhoi Fighter - Ground Attack / Strike n/a 10 n/a
Su-25T Sukhoi Fighter - Ground Attack / Strike n/a 2 n/a
Su-39 Sukhoi Fighter - Ground Attack / Strike n/a 4 n/a
Su-34 'Fullback' Sukhoi Fighter - Ground Attack / Strike n/a 10 n/a
A-50 'Mainstay' Beriev Airborne Early Warning and Control n/a 16 n/a
Su-24MR 'Fencer-E' Sukhoi Reconnaissance / Surveillance n/a 75 n/a
Tu-22MR 'Backfire' Tupolev Reconnaissance / Surveillance n/a 10 n/a
An-26RTR 'Curl-B' Antonov Electronic Intelligence n/a 20 n/a
Su-24MP 'Fencer-F' Sukhoi Electronic Intelligence n/a 6 n/a
Il-22 'Coot-B' Ilyushin Command and Control n/a 15 n/a
Il-76VPK (Il-82) Ilyushin Command and Control n/a 2 n/a
Il-87 'Maxdome' Ilyushin Command and Control n/a 4 n/a
An-12BP 'Cub' Antonov Transport n/a 60 n/a
An-24 'Coke' Antonov Transport n/a 25 n/a
An-26 'Curl' Antonov Transport n/a 80 n/a
An-32 'Cline' Antonov Transport n/a 50 n/a
An-72 'Coaler' Antonov Transport n/a 20 n/a
An-74 'Coaler-B' Antonov Transport n/a n/a4 n/a
An-22 '****' Antonov Transport n/a 2 n/a
An-124 'Condor' Antonov Transport n/a 11 n/a
Il-76 'Candid-B' Ilyushin Transport n/a 2195 n/a
Il-76MF Ilyushin Transport n/a 2 n/a
Il-78 'Midas' Ilyushin Tanker / Transport n/a 7 n/a
Il-78M 'Midas' Ilyushin Tanker / Transport n/a 13 n/a
Il-18D 'Coot' Ilyushin VIP Transport / Liaison n/a 35 n/a
Il-62M 'Classic' Ilyushin VIP Transport / Liaison n/a 135 n/a
Il-96-300 Ilyushin VIP Transport / Liaison n/a 45 n/a
Yak-40 'Codling' Yakovlev VIP Transport / Liaison n/a 25 n/a
An-2 'Colt' Antonov Utility n/a 2006 n/a
L 410UVP Turbolet LET Utility n/a 50 n/a
Yak-130 Yakovlev Trainer 62 1 2010
L-39C Albatros Aero Trainer n/a 300 n/a
MiG-29UB 'Fulcrum-B' MiG Trainer n/a 1007 n/a
MiG-29UBT 'Fulcrum-B' MiG Trainer n/a n/a4 n/a
Su-25UB 'Frogfoot-B' Sukhoi Trainer n/a n/a4 n/a
Su-25UBM 'Frogfoot-B' Sukhoi Trainer n/a n/a4 n/a
Su-27UB 'Flanker-C' Sukhoi Trainer n/a 48 n/a
Tu-95 'Bear-G' Tupolev Trainer n/a 5 n/a
Tu-134UBL 'Crusty' Tupolev Aircrew Trainer n/a 25 n/a
Tu-134Sh 'Crusty' Tupolev Navigation Trainer n/a n/a4 n/a
An-30 'Clank' Antonov Survey / Mapping n/a 30 n/a
Notes:
Including eight assigned to trials.
Up to 200 more in storage.
Approximately 90 MiG-29s were grounded in early 2009 by military inspectors following crashes in October and December 2008. It is not known when the aircraft will be returned to service.
Quantity included in figure given elsewhere for different version.
Most operate with civilian identities, including Gosudarstvennaya Transportnaya Kompania Rossiya (Russian State Transport Company division of Aeroflot) with three Il-18s, 10 Il-62s, four Il-96s, eight Mi-8/17s, 10 Tu-134s, nine Tu-154s and nine Yak-40s.
Includes a substantial number in storage.
Plus some 50 more in storage.
Rotary Wing
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
Ka-50 'Hokum-A' Kamov Attack n/a 8 n/a
Mi-28N 'Havoc' Mil Attack n/a 17 n/a
Mi-24D 'Hind-D' Mil Attack n/a 500 n/a
Mi-24V 'Hind-E' Mil Attack n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-24P 'Hind-F' Mil Attack n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-24PN 'Hind-F' Mil Attack n/a 5 n/a
Mi-8 'Hip' Mil Assault / Utility n/a 500 n/a
Mi-8M (Mi-17) 'Hip' Mil Assault n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-26 'Halo' Mil Transport n/a 35 n/a
Mi-8M (Mi-17) 'Hip' Mil VIP / Transport n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-8K 'Hip' Mil Reconnaissance / Surveillance n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-24RKR 'Hind-G1' Mil Reconnaissance / Surveillance n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-8SMV 'Hip-J' Mil Electronic Warfare n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-8PPA 'Hip-K' Mil Electronic Warfare n/a n/a1 n/a
'Mi-8VZPU 'Hip-D' Mil Electronic Warfare n/a n/a1 n/a
Mi-9 'Hip-G' Mil Command and Control n/a 30 n/a
Mi-2 'Hoplite' PZL (Mil) Trainer n/a 80 n/a
Mi-2A 'Hoplite' PZL (Mil) Trainer n/a 24 n/a
Note:
Quantity included in figure given elsewhere for different version.
Missiles
Type Manufacturer Role
AS-4 (Kh-22 Burya) 'Kitchen' Raduga Strategic
AS-16 (Kh-15) 'Kickback' Raduga Strategic
AS-7 (Kh-23M Grom) 'Kerry' Zvezda Air-to-Surface
AS-10 (Kh-25) 'Karen' Zvezda Air-to-Surface
AS-11 (Kh-58) 'Kilter' Raduga Air-to-Surface
AS-12 (Kh-25MP) 'Kegler' Zvezda Air-to-Surface
AS-13 (Kh-59 Ovod) 'Kingbolt' Raduga Air-to-Surface
AS-14 (Kh-29) 'Kedge' Vympel Air-to-Surface
AS-15 (Kh-555) 'Kent' Raduga Air-to-Surface
AS-17 (Kh-31) 'Krypton' Zvezda Air-to-Surface
AS-18 (Kh-59M Ovod M) 'Kazoo' Raduga Air-to-Surface
AS-20 (Kh-35) 'Kayak' Zvezda Air-to-Surface
Kh-101 Raduga Air-to-Surface
AT-12 (9M120 Vikhr) 'Swinger' Shipunov Anti-Armour
AT-3 (9M14) 'Sagger' Kolomna Anti-Armour
AT-6 (9M114) 'Spiral' Kolomna Anti-Armour
AT-9 (9M114) 'Spiral 2' Kolomna Anti-Armour
UPDATED March-2010
