Russia to focus on modernising existing aircraft until 2022
Russia plans to modernise its military aviation fleet at a slower rate in 2020-2022 than in previous years, following the conclusion of a major multi-year expansion programme.
Senior officers in the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), speaking on condition of anonymity, told Shephard that 2019 was the final year for execution of majority supply contracts under the state armament programme 2011-2020.
In 2017 and 2018, the VKS received 49 and 50 combat aircraft respectively, but this total fell to 23 in 2019.
Over the past ten years, more than 250 new fighters, more than 120 frontline bombers and about 100 combat
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
StormShroud enters service with UK RAF to suppress enemy air defences
StormShroud is designed to support UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Lockheed Martin F-35B and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft by providing suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD). It is built around the Tekever AR3 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Leonardo BriteStorm electronic warfare (EW) jammer payload.
-
Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF
The ground test phase for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme will bridge the gap between prototype design and flight, laying essential groundwork ahead of fielding the uncrewed aircraft.
-
Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s
The two aircraft flew more than 70 sorties in seven months and tested the system in various conditions and mission scenarios.
-
F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost
The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.
-
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.