Decay process Soviet Union and the events that followed noticeably weakened the Military air force and Troops air defense(air defense). 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
decreased by Russian Federation almost doubled (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 the former Soviet republics, has begun construction Air Force and the 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 on the territory of the Chechen Republic (1994–1996). Subsequently, the experience gained made it possible to more thoughtfully and with high efficiency conduct the active phase of the counter-terrorist 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 Organization Warsaw Pact, 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, a new concept of military development was developed, 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, it was necessary to combine in one form two independent species Armed Forces: Air Force and 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 new look Armed Forces - Air Force. IN short terms 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 combat duty missions in air defense, 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 of air armies of front-line aviation, air force and air defense armies were formed, operationally subordinate to the commanders of the military districts. In the Western strategic direction, the Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District was created.
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, army aviation was transferred to the Air Force, and 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.

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

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 and staffing 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 High Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as training the leadership of command and control bodies. 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 peacetime, 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 quantity 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, combat helicopters Mi-28 (various modifications) and Ka-52 Alligator.

As part of the further improvement of the air defense (aerospace) defense system, the development of a new generation of S-500 air defense systems is currently underway, 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 missiles ballistic missiles at the final section of the trajectory and, within certain limits, at the middle section.
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.

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

Armed Forces of the 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 command, strategic nuclear forces, troop groups, important administrative and industrial centers and regions of the country from reconnaissance and air strikes, attacks on aviation, land and naval groups the enemy, 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 conduct 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;
• notification of the main headquarters of the Armed Forces, headquarters of military districts, fleets, authorities civil defense 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 military and public administration enemy;
• 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 is armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers various types. It is designed to defeat troop groups, destroy important military, energy facilities and communications centers primarily in the strategic and operational depth of the enemy’s defense. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as air-to-surface guided missiles.

Attack aircraft intended for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on cutting edge, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as the 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. It 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 photographic equipment for day and night photography 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, rescuing crews in distress, evacuating 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, possessing great firepower and high accuracy in destroying 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.
The radio technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar systems capable of detecting not only airborne but also surface targets at any time of the year and day, regardless of meteorological conditions and interference.

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 are 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.

The Air Force includes the following types of troops:

• aviation (types of aviation - bomber, attack, fighter aircraft, air defense, reconnaissance, transport and special),
• anti-aircraft missile forces,
• radio technical troops,
• special troops,
• units and institutions of the rear.

Bomber aircraft It is armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers of various types. It is designed to defeat troop groups, destroy important military, energy facilities and communications centers primarily in the strategic and operational depth of the enemy’s defense. 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 combating enemy aircraft 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. It 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 photographic 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 designed 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 missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems for various purposes, possessing great firepower and high accuracy in destroying 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.

The radio technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar systems capable of detecting not only airborne but also surface targets at any time of the year and day, regardless of meteorological conditions and interference.

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 are designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, aircraft navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters.

Units and subdivisions of engineering troops, and also units and divisions of radiation, chemical and biological protection designed to perform the most complex engineering and chemical support tasks, respectively.

The military-industrial complex of Russia is one of the most modern in the world, therefore Russian military aviation is also one of the most modern on the planet.

The Russian military-industrial complex is capable of producing almost any type of modern military aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters.

Russian military aviation consists of:

• Russian bombers
• Russian fighters
• Russian attack aircraft
• Russian AWACS aircraft
• Flying tankers (refuelers) of Russia
• Russian military transport aircraft
• Russian military transport helicopters
• Russian attack helicopters

The main manufacturers of military aircraft in Russia are PJSC Sukhoi Company, JSC RSK MiG, Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M. L. Mil, JSC Kamov and others.

You can see photos and descriptions of some companies' products using the links:

Let's look at each class of military aircraft with descriptions and photographs.

Russian bombers

Wikipedia will very accurately explain to us what a bomber is: A bomber is a military aircraft designed to destroy ground, underground, surface, and underwater targets using bombs and/or missile weapons. .

Long-range bombers of Russia

Long-range bombers in Russia are developed and produced by the Tupolev Design Bureau.

Long-range bomber Tu-160

Tu-160, which received the unofficial name " White swan" - the fastest and heaviest long-range bomber in the world. The Tu-160 “White Swan” is capable of reaching supersonic speed, and not every fighter is able to keep up with it.

Long-range bomber Tu-95

Tu-95 is a veteran long-range aviation Russia. Developed back in 1955 and having undergone many upgrades, the Tu-95 is still Russia's main long-range bomber.

Long-range bomber Tu-22M

Tu-22M is another long-range bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It has variable sweep wings, like the Tu-160, but its dimensions are smaller.

Frontline bombers of Russia

Frontline bombers in Russia are developed and produced by PJSC Sukhoi Company.

Su-34 front-line bomber

The Su-34 is a 4++ generation combat aircraft, a fighter-bomber, although it would be more accurate to call it a front-line bomber.

Su-24 front-line bomber

Su-24 is a front-line bomber, the development of which began in the USSR in the early 60s of the last century. Currently, it is being replaced by the Su-34.

Russian fighters

Fighter aircraft in Russia are developed and produced by two companies: PJSC Sukhoi Company and JSC RSK MiG.

Su fighters

PJSC Sukhoi Company supplies the troops with such modern combat vehicles, such as the fifth generation fighter Su-50 (PAK FA), Su-35, front-line bomber Su-34, carrier-based fighter Su-33, Su-30, heavy fighter Su-27, attack aircraft Su-25, front-line bomber Su-24M3.

Fifth generation fighter PAK FA (T-50)

PAK FA (T-50 or Su-50) is a fifth-generation fighter developed by PJSC Sukhoi Company for the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2002. As of the end of 2016, tests are being completed and the aircraft is being prepared for transfer to regular units.

Photo PAK FA (T-50).

Su-35 is a 4++ generation fighter aircraft.

Photo of Su-35.

Carrier-based fighter Su-33

Su-33 is a 4++ generation carrier-based fighter. Several such aircraft are in service with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.

Su-27 fighter

The Su-27 is the main combat fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces. On its basis, the Su-34, Su-35, Su-33 and several other fighters were developed.

Su-27 in flight

MiG fighters

JSC RSK MiG currently supplies the troops with the MiG-31 interceptor fighter and the MiG-29 fighter.

MiG-31 interceptor fighter

The MiG-31 is an interceptor fighter designed to perform missions at any time of the day and in any weather. The MiG-31 is a very fast aircraft.

MiG-29 fighter

The MiG-29 is one of the main combat fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces. There is a deck version - MiG-29K.

Stormtroopers

The only attack aircraft in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces is the Su-25 attack aircraft.

Su-25 attack aircraft

Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft. The aircraft made its first flight in 1975. Since then, having undergone many upgrades, it has reliably performed its tasks.

Russian military helicopters

Helicopters for the army are produced by the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M.L. Mil and JSC Kamov.

Kamov helicopters

OJSC Kamov specializes in the production of coaxial helicopters.

Ka-52 helicopter

The Ka-52 Alligator is a two-seat helicopter capable of performing both attack and reconnaissance functions.

Deck helicopter Ka-31

The Ka-31 is a deck-based helicopter equipped with a long-range radio detection and guidance system and is in service with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.

Deck helicopter Ka-27

Ka-27 – multi-role helicopter carrier-based aviation. The main modifications are anti-submarine and rescue.

Photo of Ka-27PL Russian Navy

Helicopters Mile

Mi helicopters are developed by the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M.L. Mil.

Mi-28 helicopter

Mi-28 - attack helicopter used by the Russian army of Soviet design.

Mi-24 helicopter

The Mi-24 is a world-famous attack helicopter created in the 1970s in the USSR.

Mi-26 helicopter

Mi-24 is a heavy transport helicopter, also developed during the Soviet era. On at the moment is the largest helicopter in the world.

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, whose purpose 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, the authorities began to pay close attention to 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, according to Frunze’s decision, the holiday air force began to be celebrated on July 14th.

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 on time. They were not properly prepared, so in the first days of the war the Nazis exterminated large number our planes. 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. The heroic deeds performed 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 today in the conditions of any military conflict situation, cannot be underestimated. It is rare that anyone can 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 their 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 certain areas of the planet 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 performing 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 the peace of the Russian people, all the best.