the development of russian military policy and finland

Annex 2 · 77
ized, including a total of 120 Sukhoi Su-25 (NATO: Frogfoot) close air support
aircraft (50 already upgraded) and 120 Mikoyan MiG-31 (Foxhound) interceptor
aircraft (at least 25 to be completed by the end of 2012). 276
In addition to the fighters, the air force has ordered 129 Sukhoi Su-34 fighterbombers
to be delivered by 2020, with an option for at least another 18. Fifteen
of these planes have been delivered. In the meantime, the air force is
continuing to modernize its existing stock of Su-24s, with 50 already modernized
and 50 to be upgraded before 2020. In terms of training aircraft, 18 Yak-
130s have been delivered as of October 2012, with another 49 on order and
an option for another 10. The air force is also purchasing twelve Su-25UBM
two-seaters that will likely be used for training. 277
By comparison, long-range aviation will get very little over the next decade.
There are no plans to complete the two or three remaining Tupolev Tu-160
(NATO: Blackjack) supersonic strategic bomber, carrying cruise missiles. Production
of these strategic bombers dates back to Soviet times. Discussions
about designs for a new long range bomber are continuing. In any case, production
of new long range bombers will not start until after 2020. The only
contracts in this sector are for modernization, including 30 Tupolev Tu-22M3
(NATO: Backfire) bombers and cruise missile carriers, 14-16 Tu-160 strategic
bombers, and up to 30 Tu-95MS (NATO: Bear) strategic bombers. 278
In terms of rotary-wing aircraft, there are contracts in place for 167 Mi-28N
(45 already delivered), 180 Kamov Ka-52, and 49 Mil Mi-35M (10 already delivered)
attack helicopters. Transport helicopter orders include 38 Mi-26 heavy
lift helicopters. Six have already been delivered and another 22 may be ordered
in the future. Up to 500 Mi-8s of various types will be purchased. These
are currently being produced at a rate of 50 per year. There are also contracts
in place for 36 Ka-226 (6 already delivered) and 32 Mil Ansat-U (16 delivered)
light transport helicopters. Additional contracts for 38 Ansat-U and up to 100
Kamov Ka-62 helicopters may be placed in the near term. 279
During the year 2012 the Russian Air Force appears to have turned a corner
on procurement, having received 40 new airplanes and 127 new helicopters.
For the first time, the entire aviation procurement plan appears to have been
fulfilled. The winged aircraft include now 10 Su-34s, 6 Su-35s, 2 Su-30SMs,
and over 20 Yak-130s. There’s no detailed breakdown regarding helicopters,
though the bulk are probably Mi-28N and Ka-52s. This is an improvement on
276 Gorenburg, 2012.
277
Ibid.
278 Ibid.
279 Gorenburg, 2012.