Russia's dwindling air power: Aircraft loses exceed 300
The Russian Federation has lost several hundred aircraft during the war with Ukraine. Military analyst Aleksandr Kovalenko estimates that the aviation losses currently exceed 300 aircraft.
As a result of the war with Ukraine, Russia has suffered significant aviation losses. According to the Ukrainian agency Unian, the aggressor's army has lost over 300 aircraft. Among the lost machines are three long-range A-50 aircraft, which are no longer being produced, meaning the Russians cannot compensate for these losses.
Problems with production
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine lists the types and numbers of aircraft the Russians lost in 2024. The list includes:
- A-50 (3 aircraft)
- Su-25 (16 aircraft, not producible)
- Su-27 (1 aircraft, not producible)
- Su-30 (2 aircraft)
- Su-34 (18 aircraft)
- Su-35 (2 aircraft)
- Su-57 (2 aircraft)
- MiG-31 (1 aircraft, not producible)
- Il-22 (1 aircraft, not producible)
- Il-76 (2 aircraft)
- Tu-22M3 (3 aircraft, not producible)
- 2 aircraft of unknown type
Russia no longer produces many of the aircraft lost during the fighting. Kovalenko emphasizes that each lost aircraft is a significant loss for this reason. He particularly highlights unique aircraft like the A-50, which serve the Russian Federation for aerial observation. The production of new aircraft in Russia cannot compensate for the current losses.
Production rate declines
The best year for the Russian aviation industry was 2014 when 101 aircraft were produced, the expert estimates. Since then, production has declined, reaching 20 units in 2019 and 2021. In 2022, after the start of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian defence industry accelerated, producing 29 new and modernized fighter jets.
However, since 2022, the situation has not improved. On the contrary, in 2023, Russia delivered 26 aircraft, including 2 Su-57 and 10 Su-35s. Despite regular losses, Russia is unable to return to a production level of 100 aircraft per year. This indicates serious technical and technological issues in the Russian aviation industry.
Valuable Russian machines
Among all the Russian aircraft destroyed in 2024, two types stand out due to their numbers. These are the Su-25, which reaches a speed of approximately 950 km/h and can carry weapons weighing over 4,000 kg. It is a small aircraft intended for frontline combat and supporting ground forces.
The Su-34, of which the Russians have lost at least 18 in recent months, is an important aircraft for the local army. It is a tactical bomber that can also perform fighter missions. It accelerates to approximately 1,900 km/h and can carry up to 8,000 kg of additional weapons (missiles, cruise missiles, and bombs) under its fuselage. During the war with Ukraine, the Russians are using this aircraft, among others, to carry glide bombs from the KAB family.
