Air Force are rightfully considered the most mobile and operational branch of our army. The Air Force includes aviation, anti-aircraft missile and radar troops, and special forces.

Tasks of the Russian Air Force

In the complex of tasks of the Military air force includes:

1. Detection of the onset of an attack at distant stages through air patrols and radar reconnaissance.
2. Notification of the start of an attack to all headquarters of the RF Armed Forces, all types and branches of troops in all military districts of Russia, including civil defense headquarters.
3. Repelling an attack in the air, establishing complete control over the airspace.
4. Protection of military and civilian objects from attack from air and space, as well as from aerial reconnaissance.
5. Air support for ground and Navy RF.
6. Defeat military, rear and other enemy targets.
7. Defeat air, land, ground and sea groups and formations of the enemy, his air and sea landings.
8. Transportation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, landing.
9. Conducting all types of aerial reconnaissance, radar reconnaissance, electronic warfare.
10. Control of land, sea and air space in the border zone.

Structure of the Russian Air Force

The structure of the Russian Air Force has a complex multi-level system. By branch and strength of troops, the Air Force is divided into:

• aviation;
• anti-aircraft missile forces;
• radio technical troops;
• special troops.

Aviation, in turn, is divided into:

• long-range and strategic;
• frontline;
• army;
• fighter;
• military transport;
• special

Long-range aviation is designed to launch missile and bomb strikes deep behind enemy lines at a considerable distance from the borders of the Russian Federation. Strategic aviation is also armed with missiles and bombs nuclear action. Its aircraft are capable of covering significant distances at supersonic speeds and at high altitudes, while carrying a significant bomb load.

Fighter aviation has the task of providing cover from air attack to the most important directions and important objects and represents the main maneuver force air defense. The main requirement for fighter aircraft is high maneuverability, speed, and the ability to effectively conduct air battle and intercept various air targets (interceptor fighters).

Front-line aviation includes attack and bomber vehicles. The former are intended to support ground forces and naval groups, to destroy ground targets at the forefront of combat operations, and to combat enemy aircraft. Front-line bombers, in contrast to long-range and strategic bombers, are intended to destroy ground targets and troop groups at close and medium distances from home airfields.

Army aviation in the Russian Air Force is represented by helicopters for various purposes. It, first of all, carries out close interaction with the ground army forces, solving a wide variety of combat and transport tasks.

Special aviation is called upon to solve various highly specialized tasks: conduct aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, detect ground and air targets at long distances, refuel other aircraft in the air, provide command and communications.

Special troops include:

• reconnaissance;
• engineering;
• aeronautics;
• meteorological;
• topogeodetic troops;
• electronic warfare forces;
• RCBZ forces;
• search and rescue forces;
• parts of radio-electronic support and automated control systems;
• parts materially technical support;
• rear units.

In addition, the Russian Air Force associations are divided according to their organizational structure:

• command special purpose;
• special forces air forces;
• air armies of military transport aviation;
• Air Force and Air Defense armies (4th, 6th, 11th, 14th and 45th);
• units of the central subordination of the Air Force;
• foreign air bases.

The current state and composition of the Russian Air Force

The active process of degradation of the Air Force that took place in the 90s led to a critical state of this type of troops. The number of personnel and the level of their training fell sharply.

According to many media reports, at that time Russia could count a little more than a dozen highly trained fighter pilots and attack aircraft who had combat experience. Most of the pilots had almost no experience flying airplanes.

The vast majority of aircraft fleet equipment required overhaul, airfields and ground military installations did not stand up to criticism.

The process of loss of combat capability of the Air Force after 2000 was completely stopped. Since 2009, the process of total modernization and overhaul of equipment began. Thus, plans for the purchase of new military equipment were brought to the level of Soviet times, and the development of promising weapons began again.

As of 2018, many authoritative publications, including foreign ones, in terms of size and level of equipment, place the Air Force of our country in second place after the US Air Force. However, they note that the growth in the number and equipment of the Chinese Air Force is ahead of the Russian Air Force and in the very near future the Chinese Air Force may become equal to ours.

During military operation from Syria, the Air Force was not only able to carry out full-fledged combat tests new weapons and air defense systems, but also, through rotation numerical strength, carry out “firing” in combat conditions for most fighter and attack aircraft pilots. 80-90% of pilots now have combat experience.

Military equipment

Fighter aviation in the troops is represented by multi-role fighters SU-30 and SU-35 of various modifications, front-line fighters MIG-29 and SU-27, and fighter-interceptor MIG-31.

In front-line aviation dominated by the SU-24 bomber, SU-25 attack aircraft and SU-34 fighter-bomber.

Far and strategic aviation armed with supersonic strategic missile-carrying bombers TU-22M and TU-160. There are also a number of outdated TU-95 turboprops that are being modernized to the modern level.

Transport aviation includes transport aircraft AN-12, AN-22, AN-26, AN-72, AN-124, IL-76 and passenger AN-140, AN-148, IL-18, IL-62, TU -134, TU-154 and the joint Czechoslovak-Russian development of Let L-410 Turbolet.

Part special aviation brings together AWACS aircraft, air command posts, reconnaissance aircraft, tanker aircraft, electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft, and relay aircraft.

Helicopter fleet presented attack helicopters KA-50, KA-52 and MI-28, transport and combat MI-24 and MI-25, multi-purpose Ansat-U, KA-226 and MI-8, as well as a heavy transport helicopter MI-26.

In the future, the air force will have: the MIG-35 front-line fighter, the PAK-FA fifth-generation fighter, the SU-57 multi-role fighter, the new A-100 type AWACS aircraft, the PAK-DA multi-role strategic missile-carrying bomber, the MI-38 and multi-role helicopters. PLV, attack helicopter SBV.

Among the air defense systems in service with the Air Force are the world famous anti-aircraft missile systems long-range S-300 and S-400, missile and gun systems short-range "Pantsir S-1" and "Pantsir S-2". In the future, the appearance of a complex like the S-500 is expected.

Decay process Soviet Union and the events that followed noticeably weakened the Air Force and Air Defense Forces (ADF). A significant part of the aviation group (about 35%) remained on the territory of the former Soviet republics (more than 3,400 aircraft, including 2,500 combat aircraft).

Also on their territories remained the most prepared for deployment military aviation airfield network, which in comparison with the USSR was reduced by almost half in the Russian Federation (primarily in the Western strategic direction). The level of flight and combat training of Air Force pilots has sharply decreased.

Due to the disbandment of a large number of radio engineering units, a continuous radar field over the territory of the state disappeared. Was significantly weakened and general system air defense of the country.

Russia, the last of former republics The USSR began building the Air Force and Air Defense Forces as an integral part of its own Armed Forces (decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 7, 1992). The priorities of this construction were to prevent a significant decrease in the level of combat effectiveness of formations and units of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces, to reduce personnel through the revision and optimization of their organizational structure, to remove obsolete weapons and military equipment from service, etc.

During this period, the combat strength of the Air Force and Air Defense Aviation was represented almost exclusively by fourth-generation aircraft (Tu-22M3, Su-24M/MR, Su-25, Su-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31). The total strength of the Air Force and Air Defense Aviation was reduced almost threefold - from 281 to 102 air regiments.

As of January 1, 1993, the Russian Air Force had in combat composition: two commands (long-range and military transport aviation (MTA)), 11 aviation associations, 25 air divisions, 129 air regiments (including 66 combat and 13 military transport ). The aircraft fleet amounted to 6,561 aircraft, excluding aircraft stored at reserve bases (including 2,957 combat aircraft).

At the same time, measures were taken to withdraw formations, formations and air force units from the territories of countries far and near abroad, including the 16th Air Army (AA) from the territory of Germany, 15 AA from the Baltic countries.

Period 1992 – early 1998 became a time of great painstaking work governing bodies Air Force and Air Defense Forces to develop a new concept of military development of the Russian Armed Forces, its aerospace defense with the implementation of the principle of defense sufficiency in the development of the Air Defense Forces and offensive character in the use of the Air Force.

During these years, the Air Force had to take a direct part in the armed conflict in the territory Chechen Republic(1994–1996). Subsequently, the experience gained allowed us to more thoughtfully and with high efficiency carry out the active phase of the counter-terrorism operation in the North Caucasus in 1999–2003.

In the 1990s, due to the beginning of the collapse of the unified anti-aircraft field of the Soviet Union and former countries- members of the Warsaw Treaty Organization, there was an urgent need to recreate its analogue within the borders of the former Soviet republics. In February 1995, the Commonwealth countries Independent States(CIS) an Agreement was signed on the creation of a Joint Air Defense System of the CIS member states, designed to solve problems of protecting state borders in the airspace, as well as to conduct coordinated collective actions of air defense forces to repel a possible aerospace attack on one of the countries or a coalition states

However, assessing the process of accelerating the physical aging of weapons and military equipment, the Defense Committee State Duma The Russian Federation came to disappointing conclusions. As a result, it was developed new concept military construction, where it was planned even before 2000 to reorganize the branches of the Armed Forces, reducing their number from five to three. As part of this reorganization, two independent branches of the Armed Forces were to be united in one form: the Air Force and the Air Defense Forces.

New branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated July 16, 1997 No. 725 “On priority measures to reform the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and improve their structure”, by January 1, 1999, the the new kind Armed Forces - Air Force. IN short time The Air Force High Command developed a regulatory framework for a new branch of the Armed Forces, which made it possible to ensure the continuity of management of Air Force formations, maintaining their combat readiness at the required level, performing air defense combat duty tasks, as well as conducting operational training activities.

By the time the Russian Armed Forces were united into a single branch, the Air Force consisted of 9 operational formations, 21 aviation divisions, 95 air regiments, including 66 combat aviation regiments, 25 separate aviation squadrons and detachments based at 99 airfields. The total aircraft fleet was 5,700 aircraft (including 20% ​​training) and more than 420 helicopters.

The Air Defense Forces included: an operational-strategic formation, 2 operational, 4 operational-tactical formations, 5 air defense corps, 10 air defense divisions, 63 anti-aircraft units missile forces, 25 fighter air regiments, 35 units of radio technical troops, 6 formations and reconnaissance units and 5 electronic warfare units. In service: 20 aircraft aviation complex radar patrol and guidance A-50, more than 700 air defense fighters, more than 200 anti-aircraft missile divisions and 420 radio engineering units with radar stations of various modifications.

As a result of the activities carried out, a new organizational structure Air Force, which included two air armies: the 37th Air Army of the Supreme High Command ( strategic purpose) (VA VGK (SN) and 61st VA VGK (VTA). Instead air armies front-line aviation formed air force and air defense armies, operationally subordinate to the commanders of the military districts. The Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District was created in the Western strategic direction.

Further construction of the organizational structure of the Air Force was carried out in accordance with the Plan for the Construction and Development of the Armed Forces for 2001–2005, approved in January 2001 by the President of the Russian Federation.

In 2003, it was transferred to the Air Force army aviation, in 2005–2006 – part of connections and parts military air defense, equipped with anti-aircraft missile systems(ZRS) S-300V and Buk complexes. In April 2007, the Air Force adopted the new generation S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system, designed to defeat all modern and promising aerospace attack weapons.

At the beginning of 2008, the Air Force included: an operational-strategic formation (KSpN), 8 operational and 5 operational-tactical formations (air defense corps), 15 formations and 165 units. In August of the same year, units of the Air Force took part in the Georgian-South Ossetian military conflict (2008) and in the operation to force Georgia to peace. During the operation, the Air Force carried out 605 air sorties and 205 helicopter sorties, including 427 air sorties and 126 helicopter sorties to carry out combat missions.

The military conflict revealed certain shortcomings in the organization of combat training and the control system Russian aviation, as well as the need to significantly update the Air Force aircraft fleet.

Air Force in the new look of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

In 2008, the transition to the formation of a new look for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (including the Air Force) began. In the course of the activities carried out, the Air Force switched to a new organizational structure, more in line with modern conditions and realities of the time. Air Force and Air Defense commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western (headquarters - St. Petersburg), Southern (headquarters - Rostov-on-Don), Central (headquarters - Yekaterinburg) and Eastern ( headquarters - Khabarovsk).

The Air Force Main Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, promising development Air Force, as well as training of management personnel. With this approach, responsibility for the preparation and use of military aviation forces and means was distributed and duplication of functions was excluded, as in Peaceful time, and for the period of hostilities.

In 2009–2010 a transition was made to a two-level (brigade-battalion) system of command and control of the Air Force. As a result total Air Force formations were reduced from 8 to 6, all air defense formations (4 corps and 7 air defense divisions) were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. At the same time, active renewal of the aircraft fleet is taking place. Fourth generation aircraft are being replaced by their new modifications, as well as modern types aircraft (helicopters) having wider combat capabilities and flight performance.

These include: Su-34 front-line bombers, Su-35 and Su-30SM multirole fighters, various modifications of the long-range supersonic all-weather interceptor fighter MiG-31, a new generation medium-range military transport aircraft An-70, light military transport An-140-100 type aircraft, a modified Mi-8 attack military transport helicopter, a multi-purpose helicopter medium range with Mi-38 gas turbine engines, Mi-28 combat helicopters (various modifications) and Ka-52 Alligator.

As part of further improvement of the air defense (aerospace) defense system, currently time is running development of a new generation of S-500 air defense systems, in which it is planned to apply the principle of separately solving the problems of destroying ballistic and aerodynamic targets. The main task of the complex is to combat the combat equipment of medium-range ballistic missiles, and, if necessary, intercontinental ballistic missiles in the final part of the trajectory and, within certain limits, in the middle part.

Modern air forces are the most important integral part Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Currently, they are designed to solve the following tasks: repelling aggression in the aerospace sphere and protecting command posts of the highest levels of state and military administration, administrative and political centers, industrial and economic regions, the most important economic and infrastructure facilities of the country, groups from air strikes troops (forces); destruction of enemy troops (forces) and objects using conventional, high-precision and nuclear weapons, as well as for air support and support of combat operations of troops (forces) of other branches of the Armed Forces and branches of the armed forces.

The material was prepared by the Research Institute ( military history)
Military Academy of the General Staff
Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Air Force Day can rightfully be considered a holiday that promotes the development of military traditions in Russia and increases the importance of military service.

Facts from history

The history of the emergence of the Air Force in Russia began in 1910 thanks to the appearance in the country of the first air fleet, the purpose of which was to conduct military intelligence. On August 12, 1912, an order from the Military Department was issued, according to which an aeronautical unit was created in Russia.

This air fleet existed for seven years and rose to become the best in the world. He played a fundamental role in shaping world aviation. With the advent of the revolution in 1917, the imperial air fleet ceased to exist.

In 1918, the Soviet government created its own military aviation, which took part in civil war. After its completion, the air force was forgotten in the country until the early thirties.

With the onset of the thirties, authorities began to devote close attention military aviation. Aviation factories began to be built in the country, and schools were opened to train flight personnel.

The purpose of the air fleet was expanded, and military aviation began to develop rapidly.

During the Great Patriotic War, the production of military aircraft in the Soviet Union sharply increased, and new technologies began to be introduced.

Facts about the date of celebration

There is reliable information that Air Force Day was not always celebrated in Russia on August 12. At the beginning of the 20th century, during the formation of aviation, pilots celebrated their day on August 2. Then, in 1924, by decision of Frunze, the holiday of the air force began to be celebrated on July 14.

Stalin in 1933 moved the date of celebration to August 18. At the same time, Air Force Day was recognized as a public holiday. This was influenced by the successful development of the aviation industry in the country.

Since 1980, the date on which Air Force Day is celebrated has changed periodically.

In 2006, taking into account historical facts, the President of Russia signed a decree, thanks to which the air force of our country began to celebrate its day on August 12. This day, in compliance with all formalities, became the professional day of military pilots of the Russian Federation.

Great Patriotic War (role of the Air Force)

During the war, the Germans used rush war tactics, expecting a quick surrender Soviet troops. One of the main points of their plan was the destruction of airfields serving as locations for military vehicles. The Germans, thanks to information received by intelligence, were aware of their location.

Having received an order from the center, the command of certain military districts was unable to redeploy the aircraft to alternate airfields within the prescribed period. They were not properly prepared, so in the first days of the war the Nazis destroyed a large number of our aircraft. This fact allowed them to dominate the air for some time.

Soviet pilots, showing heroism, resisted German aces, flying on planes superior to ours technical specifications combat vehicles. Heroic exploits, committed by the pilots, instilled fear in the Nazis. With their actions, they laid the foundations of the Russian Air Force traditions, filled with courage, resilience and a sense of duty.

By the end of this bloody war, the superiority of the Soviet Air Force became an indisputable fact.

Cold War period

After the victory of the Soviet Union over fascism, the Air Force troops were subjected to serious modernization. Active work was carried out on the development new technology, air combat tactics were honed. By the end of the 1980s, the military aviation of the Soviet Union became the most powerful in the world.

The USSR Air Force in those years was divided into the following types:

• Frontline.
• Far.
• Military transport.
• Auxiliary.

It also included special forces and rear services. But the economic crisis and the collapse of the country led to the fact that the Air Force began to divide the newly formed CIS republics among themselves.

At the end of the section, Russia became the only state on the territory of the former Soviet Union with long-range aviation.

The current situation of the Russian Air Force

The authority of Russian military aviation these days in any military conflict situation cannot be underestimated. Rarely can anyone express their opinion that Russian aviation is not capable of solving combat missions under any circumstances.

This revaluation of the essence of things became possible thanks to the work of the developers of the latest combat aircraft; technical personnel servicing combat vehicles at home bases, and directly to highly qualified flight personnel.

Nowadays, the air force of the Russian Federation is actively undergoing rearmament and modernization. They carry out a huge range of work to ensure the security of our country’s borders and patrol separate zones planets in the interests of Russia.

Even on their holiday (August 12 - Russian Air Force Day), a large number of military pilots are at their combat posts, protecting the tranquility of their native country.

Tasks of the Russian Air Force

Nowadays, the Russian Air Force is entrusted with many important tasks:

• Intelligence operations.
• Transportation material assets and resource potential.
• Landing and assistance to ground units.
• Protecting the country from air strikes.
• If necessary, strikes against enemy groups and military-economic territories.

The Air Force of the Russian Federation plays one of the main roles in protecting Russian territory from the threat of enemy attack. They are able to repel any blow and are a deterrent to the plans of any ill-wisher.

Holiday traditions

Every year, when Air Force Day comes, events are held at the locations of military air bases. exciting excursions, military aircraft demonstrations and other events.

In certain cities of our country, on the day when the military aviation of the Russian Federation celebrates its holiday, spectacular flight shows are held. Those present can admire the most complex tricks and appreciate high level professionalism of flying aces.

On Russian Air Force Day (the date of the holiday has remained unchanged since 2006), various films about the air force are also shown, and exciting sporting events are held. Flowers and wreaths are brought to the graves of military pilots who gave their lives for their Motherland, because the memory of the exploits they accomplished lives forever in the souls of the Russian people.

Aviation museums also open their doors on the holiday, everyone can visit them for free, and various sporting events take place.

On August 12, everyone without exception wishes the representatives of the Russian military aviation, who are the guarantors of peace, Russian people, best wishes.

The Russian Federation is a powerful power, this is no secret to anyone. Therefore, many are interested in how many aircraft Russia has in service and how mobile and modern its military equipment is? According to analytical research, the modern Russian Air Force really has a huge amount of such equipment. The world-famous publication Flight International proved this fact by publishing in its publication a ranking of countries that have the most powerful air weapons.

"Swifts"

1. The leader in this ranking is America. The US Army has about 26% of its military air assets that were created in the world. According to data published in the publication, the American Army has about 13,717 military aircraft, of which about 586 are military refueling vessels.
2. The army of the Russian Federation took the third place of honor. How many military aircraft does Russia have according to Flight International? According to data published by the publication, the Russian army currently has 3,547 aircraft, which can be used for military purposes. If translated into percentages, this will indicate that about 7% of all military vessels that exist in the world belong to the Russian Federation. This year, the country's army should be replenished with new Su-34 bombers, which showed excellent performance during the military operations that unfolded in Syria. Analysts claim that by the end of the year the number of equipment of this type will reach 123 units, which will significantly increase the power of the Russian army.
3. In third place in the ranking is the Chinese Air Force.

• about 1,500 air assets;
• approximately 800 helicopters;
• about 120 Harbin Z attack rotorcraft.

In total, according to the publication, the Chinese army has 2942 units of aircraft, that is, 6% of all military aircraft available in the world. After reviewing the published data, Russian experts noted that some of the information is indeed true, however, not all facts can be called reliable. Therefore, you should not try to find the answer to the question - how many aircraft does Russia have, using only this source. Experts noted that the publication was not fully able to analyze strategically important air equipment, and if you make a comparison between combat aircraft and transport-combat vessels belonging to the Russian and US armies, you will notice that the American Air Force is not as superior to the Russian air fleet as experts claim Flight International.

Composition of the Russian Air Force

So how many aircraft does Russia really have in service? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally, because the amount of military equipment is not officially published anywhere; this information is kept in the strictest confidence. But, as you know, even the strictest secret can be revealed, even if only partially. So, according to information that was published by a reliable source, the Russian air fleet is indeed inferior, although not by much, to the American army. The source indicates that the Russian Air Force has about 3,600 aircraft in its arsenal, which are operated by the army and about a thousand are in storage. The Russian Navy includes:

• long-range military equipment;
• military transport aircraft;
• military aviation;
• anti-aircraft, radio and missile forces;
• troops for communications and reconnaissance.

In addition to the above units, the air force includes troops participating in rescue operations, logistics services and engineering units.

The military aircraft fleet is constantly replenished with aircraft; currently the Russian army has the following military aircraft in its arsenal:

• Su-30 M2 and Su-30 SM;
• Su-24 and Su-35;
• MiG-29 SMT;
• Il-76 Md-90 A;
• Yak-130.

In addition, the army also owns military helicopters:

• Mi-8 AMTSH/MTV-5-1;
• Ka-52;
• Mi-8 MTPR and MI-35 M;
• Mi-26 and Ka-226.

In the army of the Russian Federation he serves about 170000 Human. 40000 of them are officers.

Victory Parade on Red Square

What types of structures operate in the army?

Main structures Russian fleet are:

• brigades;
• bases where military air equipment is located;
• army command staff;
• a separate command staff supervising the activities of long-range aviation;
• command staff in charge of transport air forces.

Currently, there are 4 commands in the Russian Navy, they are located;

• in the Novosibirsk region;
• in the Khabarovsk district;
• in Rostov-on-Don;
• in St. Petersburg.

Relatively recently, the officer corps carried out several reforms. After their completion, the previously named regiments were renamed into air bases. Currently, there are air bases in Russia about 70.

Tasks of the Russian Air Force

The Air Force of the Russian Federation must perform the following tasks:

1. Repel enemy attacks both in the sky and in outer space;
2. Act as a defender against enemy air for the following objects: military and government; administrative and industrial; for other objects that are valuable for the country.
3. To repel an enemy attack, the Russian navy can use any ammunition, including nuclear.
4. Vessels, if necessary, should conduct reconnaissance from the sky.
5. During military operations, air equipment must provide support from the sky for other branches of the armed forces that are available in the army of the Russian Federation.

The Russian military fleet is constantly replenished with new aircraft, and old aircraft are certainly updated. As it became known, the Russian Air Force has begun developing a 5th generation military fighter together with the navies of the United States, India and China. Apparently, soon Russian base will be replenished with completely new 5th generation flying equipment.

| Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation | Aerospace Forces (VKS). Air Force

Armed forces Russian Federation

Aerospace Forces (VKS)

Air Force

From the history of creation

Aviation took its first steps without a sufficient scientific base, only thanks to enthusiasts. However, in late XIX- early 20th century Theoretical and experimental research appeared in this area. The leading role in the development of aviation belongs to the Russian scientists N. E. Zhukovsky and S. A. Chaplygin. The first successful flight of the aircraft was carried out on December 17, 1903 by American mechanics brothers W. and O. Wright.

Subsequently, various types of aircraft were created in Russia and some other countries. Their speed then reached 90-120 km/h. The use of aviation during the First World War determined the significance of the aircraft as a new weapon, caused the division of aviation into fighter, bomber and reconnaissance.

In the warring countries, during the war years, the fleet of aircraft expanded and their characteristics improved. The speed of the fighters reached 200-220 km/h, and the ceiling increased from 2 to 7 km. From the mid-20s. XX century Duralumin began to be widely used in aircraft construction. In the 30s in the design of aircraft they switched from a biplane to a monoplane, which made it possible to increase the speed of fighters to 560-580 km/h.

The Second World War became a powerful impetus for the development of aviation. World War. After it, jet aviation and helicopter manufacturing began to develop rapidly. Supersonic aircraft appeared in the Air Force. In the 80s Much attention was paid to the creation of short takeoff and landing aircraft, high payload capacity, and improvement of helicopters. Currently, some countries are working to create and improve orbital and aerospace aircraft.

Organizational structure of the Air Force

• Air Force Command
• Aviation (types of aviation - bomber, attack, fighter, air defense, reconnaissance, transport and special);
• Anti-aircraft missile forces
• Radio technical troops
• Special troops
• units and institutions of the rear

Air Force- the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces, designed to protect the bodies of higher state and military administration, strategic nuclear forces, groupings of troops, important administrative-industrial centers and regions of the country from reconnaissance and air strikes, striking at enemy aviation, land and naval groups, its administrative-political, industrial-economic centers in order to disorganize state and military administration, disrupt the work of the rear and transport, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance and air transport. They can perform these tasks under any weather conditions, at any time of day or year.

The main tasks of the Air Force in modern conditions are:
• revealing the beginning of an enemy air attack;
• notifying the main headquarters of the Armed Forces, headquarters of military districts, fleets, and civil defense authorities about the beginning of an enemy air attack;
• gaining and maintaining air supremacy;
• covering troops and rear facilities from aerial reconnaissance, air and space strikes;
• air support Ground Forces and Navy forces;
• defeat of enemy military-economic potential facilities;
• violation of enemy military and government control;
• defeat of enemy nuclear missile, anti-aircraft and aviation groups and their reserves, as well as air and sea landings;
• defeat of enemy naval groups at sea, ocean, naval bases, ports and bases;
• the release of military equipment and the landing of troops;
• air transportation of troops and military equipment;
• conducting strategic, operational and tactical air reconnaissance;
• control over the use of airspace in the border strip.

The Air Force includes the following types of troops (Fig. 1):
• aviation (types of aviation - bomber, attack, fighter, air defense, reconnaissance, transport and special);
• anti-aircraft missile forces;
• radio technical troops;
• special troops;
• units and institutions of the rear.

The aviation units are armed with airplanes, seaplanes and helicopters. The basis of the Air Force's combat power is supersonic all-weather aircraft equipped with a variety of bomber, missile and small arms weapons.

The anti-aircraft missile and radio technical troops are armed with various anti-aircraft missile systems, short-range air defense systems, radar stations and other means of armed warfare.

In peacetime, the Air Force performs tasks to protect the state border of Russia in the airspace and alerts about flights of foreign reconnaissance vehicles in the border zone.

Bomber aircraft has long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers in service various types. It is designed to defeat troop groups, destroy important military, energy facilities and communications centers primarily in the strategic and operational depths of enemy defenses. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as air-to-surface guided missiles.

Attack aircraft designed for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects primarily at the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as command of the fight against aircraft enemy in the air.
One of the main requirements for an attack aircraft is high accuracy in hitting ground targets. Weapons: large-caliber guns, bombs, rockets.

Fighter aircraft air defense is the main maneuverable force of the air defense system and is designed to cover the most important directions and objects from enemy air attack. She is capable of destroying the enemy at maximum ranges from defended objects.
Air defense aviation is armed with air defense fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.

Reconnaissance aircraft designed for conducting aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather, and can destroy hidden enemy objects.
Reconnaissance flights can also be carried out by bomber, fighter-bomber, attack and fighter aircraft. For this purpose, they are specially equipped with day and night photography equipment at various scales, high-resolution radio and radar stations, heat direction finders, sound recording and television equipment, and magnetometers.
Reconnaissance aviation is divided into tactical, operational and strategic reconnaissance aviation.

Transport aviation designed for the transportation of troops, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel, food, airborne landings, evacuation of the wounded, sick, etc.

Special aviation designed for long-range radar detection and guidance, refueling aircraft in the air, electronic warfare, radiation, chemical and biological protection, control and communications, meteorological and technical support, rescue of crews in distress, evacuation of the wounded and sick.

Anti-aircraft missile forces but are intended to protect the country’s most important facilities and troop groups from enemy air strikes.
They constitute the main firepower of the air defense system and are armed with anti-aircraft guns. missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems for various purposes, with great firepower and high accuracy destruction of enemy air attack weapons.

Radio technical troops- the main source of information about the air enemy and are intended for conducting radar reconnaissance, monitoring the flights of their aircraft and compliance by aircraft of all departments with the rules for the use of airspace.
They provide information about the beginning of an air attack, combat information for anti-aircraft missile forces and air defense aviation, as well as information for controlling formations, units and air defense units.
Radio technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar systems capable of meteorological conditions and interference, detect not only air, but also surface targets.

Communication units and subdivisions designed for deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities.

Electronic warfare units and units designed to interfere with airborne radars, bomb sights, communications and radio navigation of enemy air attack systems.

Units and subdivisions of communications and radio engineering support designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, aircraft navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters.

Units and subdivisions engineering troops, as well as parts and units of radiation, chemical and biological protection are designed to perform the most complex tasks of engineering and chemical support, respectively.