The Sukhoi Su-34 and the Kamov Ka-52 Black Shark (Photo : TASS)
The Russian Aerospace Forces have received over 30 new advanced fighter jets and helicopters so far this year, said the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The aircraft went to the Air Force that also took delivery of over 30,000 aircraft weapons.
Delivered to the Air Force were the Sukhoi Su-35S, (a highly maneuverable air superiority fighter Russia claims can take on the U.S' F-22 Raptor stealth fighter); the Sukhoi Su-30M (a twin-engine, twin-seat multi-role fighter) and the Sukhoi Su-34 (a twin-engine, twin-seat fighter bomber).
Combat helicopter deliveries to aerospace air regiments included the Mil Mi-8AMTSh (an armored assault transport helicopter capable of ground attacks); the Mil Mi-28N Havoc (a two-seat, anti-armor attack helicopter) and the Kamov Ka-52 Black Shark (a single-seat attack helicopter powered by a coaxial rotor system).
The Defense Ministry said the aerospace upgrades are part of Russia's move to strengthen its military as it faces mounting aggression and military involvement from the United States in Europe and more hostility from NATO. It cited military adventurism from Ukraine it accuses of sending three alleged saboteurs to destabilize Crimea.
"Over 30 of our newest planes and helicopters were provided to the Aerospace Defense Forces' aviation units," said the ministry. "Radio engineering force divisions received modern radar systems capable of detecting air targets at heights from several meters to tens of kilometers."
The Russian Aerospace Forces (Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Sily) consist of three sub-branches: the Air Force; Air Defense Troops and Space Forces.
The Defense Ministry said Russian defense firms will deliver 40,000 more weapons to the Aerospace Defense Forces during the remainder of the year.
The Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E, which Russia bills as an anti-stealth fighter, is a fourth generation fighter with enhanced combat capabilities that make it capable of holding its own against American stealth fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor.
Russian military analysts claim the Su-35S can outmaneuver both American aircraft due to its thrust vectoring engines. The Su-35S can also detect them using an infrared search and track system that can identify American stealth jets out to 80 km. It's also faster and has greater range than both American jets.
