More cryptic RuAF news

Five Su-30 Fighters Reach Russian Air Force Inventory

Five multirole Su-30 fighters have reached the Russian Federation air force, a source at the air force directorate of weapons management.

“Five Su-30 fighters and several Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters of various modifications have reached the troops,” he said.

According to the agency source, “a Tu-160 strategic bomber and several helicopters, including the new “Ansat” training helicopter will reach the air force inventory before year’s end.” Moreover, he continued, in the coming months the arrival of nearly 30 upgraded MiG-29, Su-24 and Su-25, and also 15 upgraded Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters into the forces is expected.

The source reported that today in Russia’s air force inventory there are 35 types and 82 modifications of various aircraft. The serviceability of the aircraft fluctuates from 68 through 89 percent depending on the type of aircraft.

“Specialists of the air force engineering and technical services have extended the service lives of more than 1,100 airplanes of tactical aviation, 250 for military transport aviation and 100 helicopters,” the agency source said.

Source: 11.08.03, Interfax-AVN

I didn’t post the Tu-160 story earlier, but basically the Russian Air Force inventory of Tu-160s has now climbed to 16 aircraft. Two more remain in Kazan- these are being funded to completion as well so it goes up to 18 aircraft. There are also four aircraft grounded at Zhukovsky according to Jane’s- if these are refurbished it could go up more (22), and possibly some remain in Ukraine.