The Tactical Aviation branch (FA-Frontovaya aviatsiya) has always
occupied an important place in the structure of the Soviet, and
subsequently Russian, Air Force. In the 20-odd post-Soviet years the
Russian Air Force has been repeatedly reformed and in the course of the
reforms the importance of Tactical Aviation has risen. The brief
military conflict with Georgia in August 2008 highlighted poor
organization of operations and in 2009 the customary air armies, air
divisions and air regiments were replaced by aviation bases.
Much importance has attached to fleet renewal and upgrading of the
Russian Tactical Aviation capability. The Su-35S 'Generation 4++'
single-seat fighter is entering full-scale production and service.
Deliveries of single-seat Su-27SM3 (a mid-life update) and two-seat
Su-30SM and Su-30M2 multi-role fighters are also underway. The Beriyev
A-50 AWACS aircraft, which supports the Tactical Aviation's air defense
role, are also being updated. Production and deliveries of the Su-34
tactical bomber are continuing and for want of a next-generation attack
aircraft, the Russian Air Force is continuing to upgrade its Su-25
fleet--the latest Su-25SM3 is now in service.
Much attention has been paid to combat training. Exercises are being
held more frequently than in the 1990s and in-flight refuelling of
various aircraft, including tactical bombers, is practiced on a much
wider scale than before, as are long-range flights by groups of
fighters.
The book, companion to the highly successful Soviet Tactical Aviation,
illustrates the current state of the Russian Air Force's tactical
aviation as well as its recent history in various overseas conflicts.
Details are given of the aviation bases (units), their locations and the
principal types currently in service. Russian Tactical Aviation is
illustrated throughout with many previously unpublished photos,
including air-to-air shots during recent Russian Force exercises, as
well as color profiles of Russian tactical aircraft and helicopters
operated by various aviation bases.
