Russian Air Force
Russian Air force started very early and by 1910 had successful pilot training program in place. World War I was first real test of newly created Russian Air force. Even though it was not as good as German it was comparable to French or even English at a time. Industrial production of aircraft at a time produced around 5,000 planes, including innovative and largest bomber planes.

World War II saw another expansion of Russian Air force. The beginning of the war saw almost entire destruction of planes by German bombings and Russia had to scramble to produce planes to fight Luftwaffe. As a result early models such as I-15, I-16 fighters and SB-2, SB-2 BIS and DB-3 bombers which were less superior to German planes were replaced by technologically advanced aircraft the La-5, Yak-9, Pe-2 and Il-2.

Cold War era saw even more intense development and design of jet-age aircrafts. Basic principle was to produce sturdy and reliable planes that could be produced in mass quantities. As a result Soviet Union had about 10,000 aircraft MiGs and SUs patrolling skies of motherland by the beginning of the 90s.

After Cold War was over Russian Air Force saw a steep decline in numbers of operational jets as well as flight hours by pilots. No new models were introduced or produced since Cold War and only derivatives of famous MiG-29 and Su-27 saw operational deployments and production.

Russian Air Force is divided along three lines

* Long Range Aviation
* Military Transport Aviation
* Tactical/Air Defence Armies



Current state of Air Force is in much better shape thanks to economical revival of Russia. Air Force modernization spending are up, pilots are getting paid and fly planes more often. New models of aircraft are being developed and incorporated into army. One of the latest developments is fifth generation aircraft being engineered by Sukhoi Aircraft Design Company.