Russia is Upgrading Its Military Aircraft

A Russian Bear-F military aircraft was recently intercepted by British forces after the reconnaissance aircraft flew too close to U.K. airspace. While the U.K.’s Defense Ministry said that the Russian plane never actually entered U.K. sovereign airspace, the military wants Russian forces to understand that they will do whatever necessary to protect the United Kingdom from possible threats. Similarly, Russian military vessels were tracked through the English Channel earlier this week. Again, nothing came of this incident — but the U.K.’s government is now well aware of Russian forces potentially encroaching on the territory. Should Russia make any displays of power, the U.K. is part of NATO — and Russia should expect other NATO members to respond in kind. (Here is a look at NATO’s largest forces.)

The Bear-F, also known as the Tu-142, has long been a part of strategic Russian military operations. Typically, this aircraft is used for maritime operations — as it was here. But the Tu-142 is not the only aircraft that Russia uses to strengthen its air power. To identify the newest aircraft used by the Russian military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft chronologically. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, top speed and armament. (These are the most heavily armed Russian aircraft currently in service.)

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the aircraft in Russia’s Air Force is important because these aircraft play a big part in the country’s defense and global influence. Each type of aircraft has a specific job, like controlling the skies, bombing long-range targets, or using advanced technology to disrupt enemy systems. Knowing which aircraft are in use gives context to Russian military strategies and military capabilities.

Here are the aircraft being used by the Russian military:

42. Tu-95 Bear

• Type: Strategic reconnaissance / heavy bomber aircraft
• Year introduced: 1956
• Active aircraft: 47
• Top speed: 531 mph
• Armament: 23mm cannons, air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, precision guided munitions, conventional drop bombs, nuclear bombs

The Tu-95 Bear was introduced in 1956, and it would go on to influence the Tu-142 Bear. It is one of the longest serving aircraft in the Russian military.

41. IL-18 Coot

• Type: Transport / maritime patrol aircraft
• Year introduced: 1957
• Active aircraft: 4
• Top speed: 419 mph
• Armament: N/A

Introduced in 1957, the IL-18 Coot is a versatile aircraft that has served in both transport and maritime patrol roles for decades. It is one of the best-known Soviet aircraft, especially from that specific era.

40. An-12 Cub

• Type: Transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1959
• Active aircraft: 64
• Top speed: 300 mph
• Armament: Typically none, sometimes tail-mounted 23mm cannons

The An-12 can hit top speeds around 300 mph. The An-12 has been widely used in both military and civilian roles, handling cargo transport.

39. Be-12 Mail

• Type: Reconnaissance / maritime patrol aircraft
• Year introduced: 1961
• Active aircraft: 7
• Top speed: 329 mph
• Armament: Torpedoes, depth charges, mines, conventional drop bombs

The Be-12 was first introduced as a solution primarily for anti-submarine warfare. It was originally designed as an amphibious aircraft, allowing it to land on both runways and bodies of water. The Be-12 is typically used for long-duration missions over the ocean and it can equip a range of weapons reflecting this distinction.

38. Mil Mi-2 Hoplite

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1965
• Active aircraft: 4
• Top speed: 124 mph
• Armament: 23mm automatic cannons, rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles

These helicopters are some of the oldest in service of Russia’s military. These three rotor aircraft are used for attack, though they can carry small amounts of military personnel. However, the Mi-2 is no longer in production and has not been since 1999.

37. An-22 Antei

• Type: Heavy-lift transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1967
• Active aircraft: 3
• Top speed: 460 mph
• Armament: N/A

The An-22 has seen extensive use in humanitarian missions. At the time of its introduction, the An-22 was the largest turboprop-powered aircraft in the world. It still holds that distinction today, but it is expected to be retired from service soon.

36. Tu-134 Crusty

• Type: Transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1967
• Active aircraft: 6
• Top speed: 590 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Tu-134 Crusty, introduced in 1967, is a transport aircraft originally developed as a short-range passenger jet but it was later adapted for military transport and VIP missions. Its ability to operate from unpaved airfields and landing strips makes the Tu-134 a good option for operating in remote areas of the world or reaching hard-to-reach combat areas.

35. An-30 Clank

• Type: Transport / reconnaissance aircraft
• Year introduced: 1968
• Active aircraft: 16
• Top speed: 336 mph
• Armament: N/A

Introduced in 1968, the An-30 Clank is ideal for surveillance and mapping missions. The aircraft is equipped with advanced cameras and sensors that allow it to perform detailed reconnaissance.

34. Il-38 Dolphin

• Type: Anti-submarine maritime patrol aircraft
• Year introduced: 1968
• Active aircraft: 21
• Top speed: 404 mph
• Armament: Conventional drop bombs, depth charges, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes

Introduced in 1968, the IL-38 Dolphin is designed to protect Russian naval assets. The IL-38 was originally based on the IL-18 design, but this was heavily modified for maritime conditions.

33. An-26 Curl

• Type: Transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1969
• Active aircraft: 139
• Top speed: 277 mph
• Armament: N/A

The An-26 Curl have become a workhorse for many air forces around the world. Currently, over 30 countries are putting this aircraft to use, making it one of the most widely flown transport aircraft in the world.

32. IL-20 Coot-A

• Type: Electronic signals intelligence aircraft
• Year introduced: 1969
• Active aircraft: 31
• Top speed: 419 mph
• Armament: N/A

The IL-20 Coot-A was designed to gather, intercept, and analyze electronic communications and radar signals. Currently, 31 IL-20 aircraft are active, and these continue to provide critical intelligence in modern conflicts.

31. Let L-410 Turbolet

• Type: Twin-turboprop utility aircraft
• Year introduced: 1970
• Active aircraft: 53
• Top speed: 252 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Let L-410 Turbolet is widely used for short-haul transport in both military and civilian operations. This aircraft is often used to carry personnel and cargo. It is also capable of landing on short or unpaved runways, making it great to use in remote areas.

30. Tu-142 Bear

• Type: Anti-submarine bomber aircraft
• Year introduced: 1972
• Active aircraft: 32
• Top speed: 575 mph
• Armament: 23mm automatic cannon, torpedoes, naval mines, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles

The Tu-142 Bear is a long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft developed from the original Tu-95. These aircraft previously held the world record for the fastest turboprop aircraft.

29. Tu-154 Careless

• Type: Transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1972
• Active aircraft: 4
• Top speed: 590 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Tu-154 Careless was introduced primarily for civilian passenger flights but it was later adapted for military transport roles. Because this plane is actually extremely loud, there are noise restrictions for flying — which means that this aircraft is only allowed for use in certain areas.

28. Tu-22M Backfire

• Type: Strategic maritime bomber
• Year introduced: 1972
• Active aircraft: 58
• Top speed: 1,243 mph
• Armament: 23mm GSh tail-mounted cannon, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, conventional drop bombs, laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles

The Tu-22M Backfire is designed for long-range strike missions against naval and land-based targets. Its advanced digital avionics system allows this aircraft to be used strategically by Russian forces.

27. Mil Mi-24/35 Hind

• Type: Attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1973
• Active aircraft: 325
• Top speed: 208 mph
• Armament: 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 23mm cannon, 30mm cannon, anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, machine gun pods, cannon pods, conventional drop bombs

The Mi-24 earned the nickname the “flying tank” as a result of its heavy armor and incredible firepower. With 325 active aircraft, the Mi-24/35 is the backbone of Russia’s attack helicopter force.

26. Su-24 Fencer

• Type: Long-range strike / attack aircraft
• Year introduced: 1974
• Active aircraft: 300
• Top speed: 1,439 mph
• Armament: 23mm GSh internal six-barrel cannon, Aphid missiles, Archer missiles, Kingbolt missiles, Krypton missiles, rocket pods, conventional drop bombs, guided bombs

The Su-24 Fencer was introduced as a long-range strike aircraft, but it can perform a variety of other roles. It was one of the first Soviet aircraft that came with an all-weather radar and terrain-following capabilities, allowing it to fly at low altitudes to evade enemy defenses.

25. IL-76 Candid

• Type: Strategic transport / tanker aircraft
• Year introduced: 1975
• Active aircraft: 143
• Top speed: 559 mph
• Armament: 23mm GSh-23L tail-mounted cannons, conventional drop bombs

Introduced in 1975, the IL-76 Candid is used for moving large amounts of cargo, military personnel, and even refueling operations.

24. AS355 Twin Squirrel

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1979
• Active aircraft: 2
• Top speed: 173 mph
• Armament: Light machine guns, rocket pods, air-to-ground, air-to-air missiles

The Twin Squirrel is used in a range of missions, including reconnaissance, transport, and even light combat roles. It does see some use among civilians as well, without the armament of course.

23. MiG-31 Foxhound

• Type: Interceptor aircraft
• Year introduced: 1979
• Active aircraft: 128
• Top speed: 1,864 mph
• Armament: 23mm GSh-6 internal cannon, Amos missiles, Aphid missiles, Acrid missiles

The MiG-31 Foxhound is one of the fastest fighter jets in the world. Its incredible speed puts it primarily as an interceptor. These jets are designed to defend against enemy bombers or even cruise missiles at long range. The Foxhound can also reach altitudes that most other aircraft can’t, further extending its defensive capabilities.

22. Mi-8/17/171 Hip-H

• Type: Medium-lift transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 1981
• Active aircraft: 792
• Top speed: 158 mph
• Armament: Shturm missiles, rocket pods, 23mm cannon pods, 7.62mm machine guns

Since its introduction, the Mi-8 series is the most-produced helicopter in the world. Its later iterations in the Mi-17 and Mi-171 build on the base design but obviously with upgraded avionics, coming about in the 1980s.

21. Su-25 Grach Frogfoot

• Type: Close-air support / ground attack aircraft
• Year introduced: 1981
• Active aircraft: 176
• Top speed: 590 mph
• Armament: 30mm GSh- internal cannon, rocket pods, guided munitions, conventional drop bombs, air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles

The Su-25 is recognized by the NATO reporting name “Frogfoot.” Although these jets have a relatively slow top speed, this aircraft provides close air support for ground forces.

20. Ka-27/28/29 Helix

• Type: Multi-role helicopter
• Year introduced: 1982
• Active aircraft: 108
• Top speed: 143 mph
• Armament: Rocket pods, gun pods, anti-tank missiles, aerial torpedos, depth charges

The Ka-27/28/29 Helix is known for its versatility in naval and military operations. This aircraft is leveraged for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and combat support.

19. Mil Mi-26 Halo

• Type: Heavy-lift transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 1983
• Active aircraft: 44
• Top speed: 183 mph
• Armament: Light machine guns, air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, rocket pods

The Mi-26 Halo can equip a wide range of armament for combat scenarios. This helicopter actually holds the world record for the heaviest helicopter lift, having transported a 56-ton piece of machinery.

18. IL-78 Midas

• Type: In-flight refueling tanker aircraft
• Year introduced: 1984
• Active aircraft: 19
• Top speed: 528 mph
• Armament: N/A

The IL-78 Midas is designed to extend the operational range of other military aircraft.  This aircraft is capable of refueling multiple other aircraft in a single flight, making it essential for combat and reconnaissance scenarios.

17. MiG-29/35 Fulcrum

• Type: Lightweight multirole fighter aircraft
• Year introduced: 1984
• Active aircraft: 258
• Top speed: 1,519 mph
• Armament: 30mm GSh-1 internal automatic cannon, Alamo missiles, Adder missiles, rocket pods, conventional drop bombs, guided bombs

The MiG-29/35 Fulcrum makes up the backbone of Russia’s fleet of fighter jets. The MiG-35 variant includes advanced avionics, improved radar systems, and can perform multi-role missions like ground strikes and interception.

16. Su-27 Flanker

• Type: Multi-role air superiority fighter
• Year introduced: 1985
• Active aircraft: 409
• Top speed: 1,553 mph
• Armament: 30mm GSh internal cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, conventional drop bombs, cluster bombs, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar missiles

The Su-27 Flanker comes outfitted with heavy armament, allowing it to have intensive strategic and combative capabilities. These jets were originally designed to counter the American F-15 Eagle, which has led to a long-standing rivalry between these two aircraft.

15. An-124 Ruslan Condor

• Type: Strategic heavy-lift transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1986
• Active aircraft: 5
• Top speed: 537 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Ruslan Condor is one of the faster aircraft in its class with a top speed of 537 mph. It was introduced in 1986 as a strategic heavy-lift transport aircraft. Currently there are 5 active aircraft in the Russian military. For a number of years, the AN-124 Ruslan Condor was the largest cargo aircraft in the world but it has since been surpassed.

14. An-72 Coaler

• Type: Tactical medium-lift transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 1986
• Active aircraft: 35
• Top speed: 438 mph
• Armament: 23mm gun pods, UB-23M rocket launcher system, conventional drop bombs

The An-72 Coaler earned the nickname of “Cheburashka” in Russia, for the resemblance of its engines to the ears of a popular Soviet cartoon character. This aircraft has a very unique engine placement compared to any other Russian aircraft: above the wings to create extra lift, allowing it to take off from shorter runways.

13. Tu-160 Blackjack

• Type: Strategic heavy bomber aircraft
• Year introduced: 1989
• Active aircraft: 15
• Top speed: 1,243 mph
• Armament: Kent cruise missiles, Kickback nuclear missiles, conventional drop bombs, air-to-surface missiles

The Tu-160 Blackjack is one of the fastest strategic heavy bombers on the planet. It is also recognized as the largest and heaviest combat aircraft ever built. It was nicknamed the “White Swan” for its sleek, all-white appearance.

12. IL-80 Maxdome

• Type: Airborne command post
• Year introduced: 1992
• Active aircraft: 3
• Top speed: 186 mph
• Armament: N/A

The IL-80 Maxdome serves as a mobile headquarters during national emergencies or nuclear conflicts. The Maxdome is equipped with advanced communications systems that allow high-ranking officials to control military operations from the air. This is more or less the equivalent of the U.S. “Doomsday” plane.

11. Ka-31 Helix

• Type: Airborne early warning naval helicopter
• Year introduced: 1995
• Active aircraft: 3
• Top speed: 155 mph
• Armament: Light machine guns

The Ka-31 Helix provides long-range radar coverage for Russian naval forces. While its main role is reconnaissance, it can also be armed with light machine guns for self-defense.

10. Tupolev Tu-214

• Type: Airborne command post
• Year introduced: 1996
• Active aircraft: 4
• Top speed: 559 mph
• Armament: N/A

Right now, there are only 4 Tu-214s currently in service. The Tupolev Tu-214 provides mobile command and control capabilities for military operations. It is equipped with advanced communications and radar systems for this very reason.

9. Antonov An-140

• Type: Transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 2002
• Active aircraft: 8
• Top speed: 357 mph
• Armament: N/A

The An-140 is primarily used for regional cargo and passenger transport. It is a fairly versatile transport aircraft and is often used in harsh environments, like Siberia. Its design is meant for extreme weather conditions and tough runways.

8. Ka-226 Sergei (Hoodlum)

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 2002
• Active aircraft: 36
• Top speed: 127 mph
• Armament: Light machine guns, rocket pods

The Ka-226 Sergei is recognized by the NATO reporting name of Hoodlum. While it can be outfitted with various armament, it is also used for civilian uses. It also has an interchangeable mission pod, which makes this aircraft more flexible for varied use.

7. Be-200 Altair

• Type: Amphibious flying boat aircraft
• Year introduced: 2003
• Active aircraft: 2
• Top speed: 435 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Be-200 Altair is designed for a variety of missions, including firefighting, search and rescue, and maritime patrol. With a top speed of 435 mph, it stands out for its speed and versatility in both air and water operations. These flying boats do not come with armament, unlike its predecessors.

6. Antonov An-148

• Type: Transport aircraft
• Year introduced: 2009
• Active aircraft: 15
• Top speed: 513 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Antonov An-148 is unique among Russian aircraft for its ability to operate in subzero temperatures. It is typically used for transport in the Artic region, with its hull designed to withstand these temperatures and its D-436 turbofan engines designed to handle cold-start conditions.

5. Mil Mi-28 Havoc

• Type: Twin-engine attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 2009
• Active aircraft: 94
• Top speed: 199 mph
• Armament: 30mm Shipunov 2A42 cannon, rocket pods, Spiral missiles, gun pods, cannon pods

The Mil Mi-28 Havoc is designed for precision strikes on armored targets and close air support for ground troops. One interesting fact about this helicopter that sets it apart from most others is that it can perform advanced maneuvers, like loops and rolls, which are rare for attack helicopters. This coupled with its firepower gives the Havoc a serious edge in almost any engagement.

4. Ka-52 Alligator

• Type: Attack / reconnaissance helicopter
• Year introduced: 2010
• Active aircraft: 140
• Top speed: 186 mph
• Armament: 30mm automatic cannon, air-to-surface anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, cannon pods

The Ka-52 Alligator is a state-of-the-art attack helicopter designed for close-air support and anti-tank operations. It is one of the newest combat helicopters to come out of Russia. The coaxial design for the main rotor is truly unique and actually eliminates the need for a tail rotor.

3. Su-34 Fullback

• Type: Strike fighter aircraft
• Year introduced: 2014
• Active aircraft: 134
• Top speed: 1,367 mph
• Armament: 30mm GSh internal cannon, Archer missiles, Moskit missiles, air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, guided munitions, rocket pods

The Su-34 Fullback, introduced in 2014, is one of the newest strike fighter aircraft to enter the Russian Air Force. These all-weather supersonic aircraft is being used significantly in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

2. Mil Mi-38

• Type: Medium-lift twin-engine transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 2019
• Active aircraft: 2
• Top speed: 186 mph
• Armament: Light machine guns, rocket pods

The Mil Mi-38 is a medium-lift twin-engine transport helicopter designed for a variety of missions, including cargo transport, troop movement, and medical evacuation. It can equip some small armament, but it is typically used for non-combat roles.

1. Su-57 Felon

• Type: Multi-role stealth aircraft
• Year introduced: 2019
• Active aircraft: 14
• Top speed: 1,616 mph
• Armament: 30mm GSh internal cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs

The Su-57 Felon is the newest iteration of Sukhoi fighter jets. These fifth-generation fighters feature advanced stealth technology and avionics. What makes the Su-57 Felon even cooler is that these jets are capable of supercruise, which allow them to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners.

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