Russia will receive over 100 aircraft and helicopters next year as part of efforts to modernize the force structures.
Alongside the MAKS 2017 air show, Russian Aerospace Forces commander Colonel General Viktor Bondarev detailed some of the planned aircraft acquisitions for next year.
“We will receive no fewer in 2018 than we got this year. More than a hundred new vehicles plus modernization and overhaul of those that are currently in service. Everyone knows perfectly well that the world today is moving along the path of development of the aerospace component which includes new technologies and developments,” Colonel General Bondarev said, according to Sputnik International.
He stated, “At the end of the day, all this will affect the development of national economy and industry.”
Russia will receive around 30 Su-30SMs, 20 Su-35S jets, and 16 Su-34 fighter-bombers in 2018.
Russian defense firms are in the process of developing these models of jets further. Izvestia revealed earlier in July that an upgraded Su-30SM, called the Su-30SM1, is being worked on. The jet has improved radio electronic equipment and a greater range of precision munitions. Beginning in 2017, the Su-35S will be upgraded as well, “based on all the drawbacks and the Syrian experience,” according to Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov.
The Russian Aerospace Force is currently deployed to Syria, where Russia backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Deputy Defense Minister Borisov noted that some issues had occurred during the deployment, such as small stones from the runway being “inhaled” by the Su-35S.
Next year, Russia will begin working on an upgrade program for the Su-34, which will reportedly include adapting new air-launched weapons onto the aircraft.
An order for 15 Mi-38s is expected to be placed, and the first aircraft could be delivered next year. Moreover, Russia anticipates beginning Mi-28NM serial production in 2018.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
