Russian Aerospace Forces (RuAF)

Feature Premium

ANALYSIS: Russia's military escalation at the Ukrainian border

As Russian troops amassed at the Ukrainian border earlier this year, the question of whether an invasion was imminent was left hanging in the air. We explain how the situation unfolded

First Il-76MD-90A rolls off new production line

A new, upgraded and automated final assembly line at the CJSC Aviastar-SP JSC plant in the Russian city of Ulyanovsk has completed its first Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft

Russia deploys Tu-22M3s to Syria for the first time

Three Tupolev Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' long-range strategic bombers from the Russian Aerospace Forces have been deployed to Latakia-Khmeimim Air Base in Syria for the first time

Feature Premium

The evolution of Russia's famous Hip heavy-duty helicopter family

We provide an in-depth look at Russia's Mil Mi-8 'Hip' tactical transport helicopter, which is the flying equivalent of the Kalashnikov assault rifle: affordable, functional, robust, widespread and deadly

Feature Premium

Russia's evolving Halo: Enter the Mi-26T2V

Always a jewel in the Soviet rotary-wing crown, we take a look at the the Mil Mi-26, which looks set to receive new Russian military orders as the latest evolution of the 'Halo' emerges

Russia starts development of PAK DP as MiG-31 successor

The Rostec State Corporation has confirmed that Russia has started to develop the successor to its Mikoyan MiG-31 interceptor fleet under the Prospective Air Complex for Long-Range Interception (PAK DP) programme

Feature Premium

An-124: Russia's Giant Awakens

We explore the colossal Antonov An-124, which is one of the Russian military's highest-value air assets, with life extensions in place that intend to keep it active until the 2040s

Feature Premium

Why Russia's airlift and helicopter fleets are struggling

The severing of co-operation between Russia and Ukraine, following the former’s 2014 annexation of Crimea is having serious repercussions on Russian airlifters and military helicopters

Feature Premium

Su-57 in Focus: 'Felon' on the Loose!

Russia’s next-gen fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57, looks as dangerous as its nickname would suggest. We chart the long gestation period preceding its unveiling in December 2020

Feature Premium

Fear the Bear or Dragon?

As Russia and China prepare to field new fighters, how are the two nations progressing? Royal United Services Institute airpower analyst Justin Bronk speaks to Combat Aircraft Journal