VKS Russian Aerospace Forces: News #2

BMPD latest article regarding aircraft deliveries to VKS and export in 2022, excellent as always
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/4642641.html

High Lights:

according to available data, 29 combat and combat training aircraft were delivered: four Su-30SM2, ten Su-34M, seven Su-35S, six Su-57 and two Yak-130s. Five newly built Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft were also delivered

Regarding losses, it is estimated that during the hostilities in Ukraine in 2022, the Russian Armed Forces lost at least 30 new types of combat aircraft (Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35) from all causes.

From 2008-2022, 619 combat aircraft delivered

It is estimated (2023) that seven Su-57 aircraft, up to 12 Su-35S, up to 12 Su-34, up to 10 Su-30SM2 and up to 12 Yak-130, can be delivered, as well as one or two strategic bombers Tu-160M ​​of new production ( already built boards 8-05 and 9-01). In military transport aviation, up to four Il-76MD-90A aircraft and the first serial tanker aircraft Il-78M-90A can be handed over.

@franco
Will Su-30SM2 be fully upgraded version with Irbis E and AL-41F1S? I presume that Su-34 will be of NVO version.

caveat emptor Today at 3:49 pm
@franco
Will Su-30SM2 be fully upgraded version with Irbis E and AL-41F1S? Not yet but that was the plan.
I presume that Su-34 will be of NVO version. They are calling it the M version but I believe they would be NVO.

Yes, fully upgraded Su-34M should be ready for delivery only from next year, per anouncements.

What long-range aviation does the country need

Commander of the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, at the end of last year, spoke about the tasks of this type of force for 2023. According to him, these tasks will be solved during the participation of Long-Range Aviation in a special military operation in Ukraine. This is the main feature of their implementation in the coming year.

As emphasized in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the main tasks for Long-Range Aviation for 2023 remain maintaining a high level of combat readiness, combat training, serviceability of aviation equipment and weapons, as well as the development of new and modernized military equipment.

Currently, Long-Range Aviation in the structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation is represented as a separate command of Long-Range Aviation. But it was not always so. At different periods in the history of this type of force, Long-Range Aviation (in particular, in 1988) included three air armies of the Supreme High Command for Strategic Purposes - the 30th, 37th and 46th.

Currently, long-range aviation is a component of Russia's strategic nuclear forces. But, unfortunately, the fewest.

Let's see how the combat and numerical strength, the organizational and staffing structure of Long-Range Aviation, as well as the aviation weapons that are on its equipment, meet the requirements of the time.

BATTLE AND MANNER

At present, the combat composition of Long-Range Aviation is as follows.

22nd heavy bomber division (22nd tbad, permanent base airfield - Engels, Saratov region) consisting of two regiments - 121st heavy bomber aviation regiment (121st tbap, permanent base airfield - Engels) and 184th heavy bomber aviation regiment (184th tbap, permanent base airfield - Engels). The combat strength of the 121st tbap is seven Tu-160M ​​and nine Tu-160, the combat strength of the 184th tbap is 18 Tu-95MS.

52nd heavy bomber aviation regiment (52nd tbap, permanent base airfield - Shaykovka, Kaluga region). The combat strength of the 52nd tbap is 23 Tu-22M3 vehicles.

326th heavy bomber aviation division (326th tbad, permanent base airfield - Ukrainka, Amur region) as part of two regiments - 79th heavy bomber aviation regiment (79th tbap, permanent base airfield - Ukrainka) and 182nd heavy bomber aviation regiment (182nd tbap, permanent base airfield - Ukrainka). The combat strength of the 79th tbap is 14 Tu-95MS vehicles. The combat strength of the 182nd tbap is 16 Tu-95MS vehicles.

200th heavy bomber aviation regiment (200th tbap, permanent base airfield - Belaya, Irkutsk region). The combat strength of the 200th tbap is 15 Tu-22M3 vehicles.

444th heavy bomber aviation regiment (444th tbap, permanent base airfield - Belaya, Irkutsk region). The combat strength of the 444th tbap is 14 Tu-22M3 vehicles.

203rd separate aviation regiment of tanker aircraft (203rd OAPZ, permanent base airfield - Dyagilevo, Ryazan Region). The composition of the 203rd OAPZ is 12 Il-78M aircraft and six Il-78 aircraft.

According to some open data, in total, the Long-Range Aviation currently has 17 Tu-160 aircraft, 60 Tu-95MS aircraft, and about 60 Tu-22M3 aircraft. At the same time, it should be noted that data in open sources on the number of strategic and long-range bombers in long-range aviation are very contradictory. And how many of these aircraft are serviceable and fully ready for combat use is far from clear. For example, according to other open data, today there are only 58 serviceable vehicles in the combat composition of the DA - 30 Tu-95MS units, 16 Tu-160 units, 12 Tu-22M3 units.

Let's be honest and frank, it's quite sparse. The combat strength of many heavy bomber aviation regiments does not reach the established authorized strength - 18-20 vehicles. Naturally, in such a composition, Long-Range Aviation does not in any way pull on an operational association (the air army of the Supreme Strategic High Command). And for these reasons, it cannot conduct air operations characteristic of Long-Range Aviation.

For example, the US Air Force currently has 20 Northrop B-2A Spirit strategic bombers, 61 Rockwell B-1B Lancer strategic bombers, and 70 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers, for a total of 151 aircraft. It is planned to replace them with about a hundred promising B-21 Raider strategic bombers.

PERSPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFF STRUCTURE

In order to bring the Long-Range Aviation Command to the operational level, reorganize it into the air army of the Supreme High Command (VGK) for strategic purposes and give it the ability to conduct air operations of Long-Range Aviation, the combat strength must be increased at least several times.

Most importantly, it is advisable to do this only on the basis of modernized Tu-95MSM, Tu-160M ​​and Tu-22M3 vehicles. And at the same time, to form at least one regiment equipped with PAK DA (a promising aviation complex for Long-Range Aviation).

In this case, the strategic air army of the Supreme High Command will be able to fully solve the following tasks using only conventional weapons:

- hit enemy aircraft at airfields, destroy its fuel and ammunition depots;

- carry out the destruction of objects of the military industry, systems of state and military administration;

- to defeat the operational and strategic reserves, as well as enemy air defense systems.

To do this, at least the following units and formations must be included in the strategic air army of the Supreme High Command:

- one heavy bomber aviation regiment on new generation strategic bombers (PAK DA);

- one heavy bomber aviation division equipped with Tu-160M ​​strategic bombers (two regiments of 20 aircraft each, 40 vehicles in total);

- two heavy bomber aviation divisions (two regiments each, more than 80 Tu-22M3M long-range bombers in total);

- 22nd heavy bomber aviation division (with bringing the combat strength of the regiments to at least 18 vehicles);

- 326th heavy bomber aviation division (with bringing the combat strength of the regiments to 18 vehicles);

- three heavy bomber aviation regiments (52nd tbap, 200th tbap, 444th tbap) on Tu-22M3 aircraft (with the number of aircraft in each regiment brought up to the established state);

- 203rd separate aviation regiment of tanker aircraft (in addition to it, form at least three more aviation regiments of tanker aircraft (each with 20 aircraft), and in total have at least 80 Il-78 aircraft).

That is, in the future, the combat strength of Long-Range Aviation should include at least 260 combat aircraft and at least 80 tanker aircraft.

In addition, long-range aviation cannot be fully combat-ready if it does not include specialized electronic warfare aircraft. And you need to have about one such aircraft per squadron, that is, about 20–25 aircraft in total.

If such figures seem clearly unrealistic to someone, an alternative should be indicated here: either we have Long-Range Aviation with appropriate operational and strategic capabilities, or we only indicate its presence.

Of course, such a combat and numerical strength of Long-Range Aviation, at best, can be achieved - and this is with the most optimistic forecasts - no earlier than 2030. But at least such plans should be included in the corresponding plans for the development of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and in state armament programs.

AIRCRAFT WEAPONS

The range of aviation weapons for strategic and long-range bombers must be substantially increased. First of all, this concerns large-caliber free-fall aviation bombs (3-9 tons and more).

These include, for example, the three-ton FAB-3000M-54 and the five-ton FAB-5000M-54. The only carrier of the FAB-3000M-54 and FAB-5000M-54 is currently the Tu-22M3 long-range bomber.

Russia is also developing a high-powered aviation vacuum bomb (AVBPM). According to official data, the total mass of the AVBPM product exceeds 7.5–8 tons. The explosive mass of this ammunition is 7100 kg, the TNT equivalent is 44 tons.

Among other things, a significant part of the Long-Range Aviation fleet is intended only for the combat use of cruise missiles. At the same time, strategic bombers are not equipped for bombing with conventional free-fall bombs. There is reason to believe that this shortcoming of Long-Range Aviation must be decisively eliminated, and this will significantly increase its combat capabilities in a war using only conventional weapons.

First of all, it is necessary to revise upwards the means of destruction for Tu-22M3M type bombers - from guided and gliding free-fall bombs (JDAM type) to long-range cruise missiles. One Kh-32 air-to-surface cruise missile for the Tu-22M3M will obviously not be enough.

As for the number of air-launched cruise missiles for Long-Range Aviation in the arsenals, it is necessary to reach such a quantitative level that this branch of the Aerospace Forces could reach an operational-strategic result in its first air operation.

Long-range aviation has been and remains the most important component of the Aerospace Forces of the RF Armed Forces, both in terms of their tasks and their special capabilities. It seems that for its development it is necessary to make qualitatively different efforts than at present. One can only hope that the plans for the modernization of DA fully meet today's realities.

https://nvo-ng-ru.translate.goog/realty/2023-01-26/1_1222_aviation.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

I understood the 22 TBAD also had the 40th (O)SAP with MiG-31, Tu-22 and some transport aircraft and helicopters and the 52 TBAP

If not, to which TBADs are these subordinated?

Same for the 200 and 444 TBAPs, which TBAD or are they directly under Long Range Aviation command?

I understood the 22 TBAD also had the 40th (O)SAP with MiG-31, Tu-22 and some transport aircraft and helicopters and the 52 TBAP

If not, to which TBADs are these subordinated? That is my understanding too.

Same for the 200 and 444 TBAPs, which TBAD or are they directly under Long Range Aviation command? My understanding is the 326th TBAD.

There also is no mention in the article of the new Mig-31K regiment which to my understanding belongs to LRA and since in the West would fall under the 22nd TBAD.

Is there any chance Russia might bring back high payload subsonic medium bombers?

I would imagine such planes would be very useful against nato countries which tend to have poor air defence and ever fewer fighter jets.

Not useful anymore. Nowadays you need precision. Once you know where to hit even 50kg warhead is enough. Carpet bombing is also outdated. You have far less soldiers per km2 than in ww2 or ww1.

@Franco, we are on the same page regarding the bomber units

Isos wrote:Not useful anymore. Nowadays you need precision. Once you know where to hit even 50kg warhead is enough. Carpet bombing is also outdated. You have far less soldiers per km2 than in ww2 or ww1.

Ah yes, the old precision argument. Please do explain how helpful that precision 50kg bomb will be when your target is as city and the politicians do not want you to waste nuclear weapons on it.

And before you say that is not needed, consider the examples of poland and finland, two inherently hostile sodomite cesspools that contain yes cities, cities full of nothing but enemies. Why would one risk Russian lives to try in vain to save these useless locations when they could instead be flattened from the air.

Is there any chance Russia might bring back high payload subsonic medium bombers?

One of the jobs of the Tu-22M3.

Destroy the water supply and energy infrastructure with 100 guided missiles and the city becomes a shithole creating a mass movement of the population like in Ukraine.

Actually in Ukrine they don't even go for powerplants and water supply. They just hit some low level infrastructures yet the impact is huge.

Wasting effort and bombs to kill civilians is dumb.

Not to talk about shorads that would send any big bomber eat the ground if it tries some carpet bombing.

Russian air defense will get a new advantage, by Evgeny Pozdnyakov, Daria Volkova, Alyona Zadorzhnaya for VZGLYAD. 02.27.2023.

It seems that a fundamental change has taken place in the organizational structure of the Russian Armed Forces. According to sources, the military air defense, subordinate to the Ground Forces, was transferred to the control of the Russian Aerospace Forces. What is the logic of such a transformation and what result should it lead to?

Military air defense (air defense) was withdrawn from the subordination of the Ground Forces and reassigned to the main command of the Aerospace Forces (VKS) of Russia. This was reported to TASS by two sources close to the Russian military department, but there was no official confirmation of the information.

As the agency notes, earlier air defense formations were both part of the Ground Forces (SV) and the Aerospace Forces. The first were engaged in escorting and covering units in the combat zone "on the ground." The latter solved the problem of "objective air defense".

During the Soviet period, the USSR Air Defense Forces were one of the five branches of the Armed Forces, including anti-missile and anti-space defense forces, fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces and radio engineering troops. Accordingly, the air defense forces were controlled by the commander-in-chief of this type of the USSR Armed Forces, which simplified the coordination of actions within the structure.

However, in the post-Soviet period, as a result of several reforms, this structure was divided between the VKS and the SV. “Accordingly, the transfer of military air defense to the Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces will allow creating a single radar and information field, as well as integrating all the necessary forces and means. This is how we will be able to overcome the existing discord,” said Aitech Bizhev, Lieutenant General, ex-Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force for the Joint Air Defense System of the CIS member states.

“A unified system will also simplify the goal-setting process."

The military will have a complete picture of the battles, which means that our actions will become more understandable and streamlined. In such a situation, the risks of “not noticing” an important object “will be seriously reduced,” the interlocutor continues.

“In addition, the transfer of air defense under the command of the VKS will make life easier for aviation. It will be extremely clear how and in what direction to support our aircraft. This discrepancy must be eliminated. In addition, we have such experience,” the expert notes.

“Efforts to centralize the activities of air defense have been made in Russia more than once. So, from 1978 to 1987, Air Marshal Alexander Ivanovich Koldunov held the position of Air Defense Commander-in-Chief. However, after Mathias Rust landed on the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge, Koldunov was dismissed,” recalls Bizhev.

“We returned to the issue of a unified command in 1991. Then, at the Alabino training ground, unified exercises were held, which were attended by Air Defense Commander Viktor Prudnikov and Ground Forces Commander Vladimir Semenov. And the first department showed a total advantage in all respects,” the expert emphasized.

“But a unified command did not work out. The fact is that air defense has become an important part of the Ground Forces. Its withdrawal was perceived as damaging the status of the entire department. However, the expert community still believes that a centralized air defense command is necessary,” the source points out.

Summing up, Bizhev noted: "If the decision to reassign the air defense is really made, this will be a qualitative change in the structure of the Russian Armed Forces, which in the future will lead to a more accurate fulfillment of the tasks set."

“We can assume that the changes are aimed at improving interspecific interaction and improving the quality of air defense at all levels: from tactical to operational,” military expert Boris Rozhin told the VZGLYAD newspaper. This will also reduce the number of cases of so-called friendly fire, that is, friendly fire.

“Infrequently, but there have been incidents when our own aircraft were shot down by mistake. In the case of integration, this problem can be solved. It is also likely that air defense and aviation communications will be strengthened on the ground and reliable air cover will be provided during attacking operations, ”the source notes.

“Combining resources, automation and control tools will create a unified aerospace defense system that will more effectively repel enemy attacks on our troops and rear facilities,” agrees Yuri Knutov, director of the Museum of Air Defense Forces.

The expert also recalled some incidents with the penetration of enemy UAVs into the rear areas of Russia. Most of the attacks were repulsed by means of electronic warfare, however, a possible reform will make it possible to comprehensively counteract such attacks.

“Obviously, we will not see the fruits of this reform tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. But in the future, the integration of air defense will allow us to quickly distribute and destroy targets, as well as expand our advantage in the air, ”added Knutov.

https://vz.ru/society/2023/2/27/1201047.html

The chain of command is what seems to be changing

So command posts , batteries, and air defense HQ will be seeing the same things

The army might ignore a blip on the radar which is not affecting their operations

But the Aerospace Forces will see everything and can give an order to intercept a drone seen heading to Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin assigned the name of Guards to two formations of the Russian Armed Forces.

The honorary name was given to the 71st anti-aircraft missile brigade, which can be read on the legal information portal.

The 266th Separate Attack Aviation Regiment also became Guards, which also has a corresponding entry on the portal.

As stated in the text of the presidential decrees, the honorary name of the guards units was given for mass heroism, courage, fortitude and courage shown by personnel in combat operations to protect the Fatherland and state interests in armed conflicts.

https://tvzvezda-ru.translate.goog/news/2023391325-Zwod5.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB&_x_tr_pto=nui

An early warning helicopter with long legs would be much much better than aerostats.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that by the end of this year, the Russian Aerospace Forces will receive 507 pieces of equipment. He did this during a meeting of the collegium of the Russian Defense Ministry.

“Thus, the share of modern weapons of the airborne forces will reach 85% by the end of the year, which corresponds to the set pace of development and ensuring the solution of priority tasks in all areas,” Shoigu noted.

In addition, according to him, the construction of 621 military infrastructure facilities for the needs of the Russian Aerospace Forces will be completed.

Also, as Sergei Shoigu said, the modernization of the Moscow anti-missile defense system will be completed in 2023 .

https://tvzvezda-ru.translate.goog/news/2023322144-k7tAr.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB&_x_tr_pto=nui


Shoigu also announced the formation of an air defense division and brigade, a special-purpose air defense missile brigade, an anti-aircraft missile regiment with the S-350 complex and a military transport aviation regiment.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that this year the space control station "Decoupling" will be put on combat duty. He spoke about this during a meeting of the collegium of the Russian Defense Ministry. “We will put the Interchange space monitoring station on combat duty,” Shoigu said

https://tvzvezda-ru.translate.goog/news/20233221415-BOU1e.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB&_x_tr_pto=nui

MOSCOW, 22 Mar-RIA Novosti. Up to 90% of the operational-tactical and army crews, as well as 60% of the strategic and long-range aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces, received combat experience during a special operation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting of the Board of the Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday.
"During the special operation, up to 90% of the crews of operational-tactical and army aviation, 60% of strategic and long – range aviation, 85% of the personnel of complexes with unmanned aerial vehicles received combat experience," he said.
The Minister recalled that at last year's enlarged meeting of the Defense Ministry Board, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, President Vladimir Putin, noted the important role of aviation in the Northern Military District and set the task of further improving its combat capabilities and the level of training of personnel.

https://translated.turbopages.org/proxy_u/ru-en.en.9cd99535-641afe09-ca969271-74722d776562/https/ria.ru/20230322/spetsoperatsiya-1859772286.html

The case is not that they get the real experience, but that they have survived that.
Ukroluftwaffe gets some real experience either, but the most common maneuver was assisting the coffins in the last sortie.