Is The Russian And Chinese Air Force Pathetic?

The Next Big Future: China and Russia’s Air Forces Exposed in Actual Combat 

Russia’s Air Force is getting wrecked in the Ukraine War. China’s Air Force is mainly copies of the same Russian planes that are getting wrecked in the Ukraine. 

The US military has no interest in telling everyone how pathetic the Russian and Chinese Air Force is. Why? The US military wants to justify getting more planes and more equipment. The collapse of the Soviet Union and now the failure of the Russian military in the Ukraine has exposed the planes and pilots of potential American opponents as garbage.  

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WNU Editor: Russian and Chinese war planes may not have the engines and the avionics that US warplanes may have, but their missiles, at least for the Russian air force in Ukraine, are proving to be very effective.

After One Year Of War The Russian Air Force ‘Has Lot of Capability Left’

A Russian Su-35 takes off from Brest, Belarus, Feb. 11, 2022. Russian Ministry of Defense photo  

Air Force Magazine: Russian Air Force ‘Has Lot of Capability Left’ One Year On From Ukraine Invasion 

While the red stars on the aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, or VKS, have not been very visible in recent months, Russia’s air force remains largely intact despite its grinding war in Ukraine, according to independent analysis and official comments.

The fighting in Ukraine has been dominated by artillery exchanges, and neither side has been able to establish air superiority. But as Russian forces begin a new offensive, there are mounting concerns among Ukrainian allies that Moscow may be preparing to make greater use of its fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. 

Though U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III sought to dispel fears that Ukraine will face a qualitatively different Russian air threat, he did acknowledge that Russia still has lots of aircraft, which could put additional stress on Ukraine’s air defenses.  

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WNU Editor: Ukraine (and Russia) are saturated with air defenses. I do not envy the pilots who must fly in this conflict zone. What I am relieved about is Russia holding back in using its bomber fleet to conduct saturated bombing. Like the US B-52s, when these Russian air assets are used they can cause massive destruction like they did in the last Chechen war, and in Syria..

Russia Gets Fresh Batch Of Su-57 Stealth Fighters

 

EurAsian Times: Ukraine War: Russia Gets Fresh Batch Of Su-57 Stealth Fighters; RuAF To Buy A Total Of 76 Fifth-Gen Warplanes 

The Russian Defense Ministry has received a new batch of Su-57 ‘Felon’ fighter jets from the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (owned by the United Aircraft Corporation).  The press service of UAC announced on December 28. 

In addition to the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the company also delivered a batch of the Su-35S for the Russian Aerospace Forces. “KnAAZ manufactured and transferred to the Russian Defense Ministry another batch of serial fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft as part of the supply program of this year,” UAC said.  

Yuri Slyusar, the corporation’s general director, stated that the aircraft plant had fulfilled the current year’s production schedule for the Su-57 and multipurpose Su-35S fighters for the Russian Aerospace Forces.  

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Update: Russian Air Force Adds More 5th-Gen Stealth Su-57 Fighter Jets Despite Western Sanctions (IBTimes)  

Update #2: Watch: New Batch Of Stealth Fighters Delivered To Russian Aerospace Forces (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: It's believed 6 to 15 Su-57s are already operational. Over the next five years, Russia plans for 76 Su-57 fighters. Production is slow, and the tweet below explains why Russia has production problems when it comes to its fighter planes:

This comparison of the Su-57 production line versus the F-35 production line really sums up the most important difference between these aircraft.
One is the most technologically advanced fighter in the world. The other is practically artisanal. pic.twitter.com/pGAYJauVUj

— Alex Hollings (@AlexHollings52) October 1, 2022

Russia Unveils Its New Fighter Jet The Su-75 At The Dubai Airshow

 

Warzone/The Drive: Russia Claims Flying Prototypes Of Its New Checkmate Fighter Are Now Under Construction  

Russia’s military and the United Arab Emirates have apparently both expressed interest in the single-engine fighter. 

Developments in the Sukhoi Checkmate new-generation single-engine fighter program are now coming in rapid succession, with the announcement that the first flying prototypes are now under construction. 

At the same time, there are reports in the Russian media of talks on selling the jet to the Russian military, while officials are also hopeful that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could become more deeply involved in the program. 

The Checkmate is currently making its foreign debut at the Dubai Airshow where officials from the United Aircraft Corporation, the conglomerate responsible for the Sukhoi design bureau, have been talking up the prospects of the new fighter. 

This is all part of an extensive public relations drive that included a glitzy presentation ceremony in Dubai and even the launch of a signature perfume to accompany the jet’s appearance.  

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WNU Editor: Here are the latst images of the Su-75 .... Latest Images Of Russia’s Checkmate Fighter Shows Us Just How Big It Really Is (Updated) (Warzone/The Drive). 

Russia Unveils Its New Fighter Jet The Su-75 At The Dubai Airshow 

'Checkmate': Russia unveils new warplane… with no pilot -- RT  

Russian tech firm unveils unmanned version of cutting-edge Checkmate fighter -- TASS  

Russia to Launch Mass Production of Checkmate Fighter Jet in 2026 -- Sputnik  

Russia Wants Checkmate Fighter to Operate Alongside Su-57s and Drones -- National Interest  

As UAE waits for U.S. F-35s, Russia pitches new warplane in Dubai -- Reuters  

Rostec looks to UAE to co-produce Su-75 Checkmate subsystems -- Defense News  

Russia holds high hopes for Checkmate at Dubai 2021 -- Asia Times

Russia Unveils Next-Generation Stealth Fighter Jet 'The Checkmate'

 

Warzone/The Drive: Russia’s Checkmate Light Tactical Fighter Is Officially Unveiled (Updated) 

After a much-hyped buildup, Russia’s latest fighter jet design has arrived on the international stage. 

The wraps have finally, officially, come off the mock-up of Russia’s new light fighter, the Sukhoi Checkmate, also known as the Light Tactical Aircraft, or LTS in Russian, with a formal unveiling at the opening of the MAKS international air show at Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, today. Observers who had been given a succession of tantalizing, and mainly unofficial, glimpses of the new jet over the last few days now have the chance to examine the aircraft from all aspects. The actual ceremony ended up being delayed by several hours, perhaps to accommodate the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was shown inspecting the mock-up after opening the show. 

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WNU Editor: According to TASS the plane should make its maiden flight in 2023. There are customers already interested for this fighter jet .... Five countries interested in Russia’s state-of-the-art Su-57 fifth-generation fighter (TASS). 

More News On Russia Unveiling Its Next-Generation Stealth Fighter Jet Called 'The Checkmate' 

Weapon of the future, today: Russia unveils ‘Checkmate’, new 5th-generation lightweight stealth fighter, unmanned version in works -- RT  

Photos: Meet ‘Checkmate’, Sukhoi’s Sleek New Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet for Half the Cost of an F-35 -- Sputnik  

Russia Unveils Stealth Fighter Jet to Compete With F-35s -- AFP  

Russia unveils new 'Checkmate' fighter jet -- CNN  

Russia unveiled its new 'Checkmate' fighter jet as Putin heaped praise on the country's aviation industry -- Business Insider  

Putin hails Russia's air power as new fighter goes on view -- AP  

Putin inspects new Russian fighter jet unveiled at air show -- Reuters  

New Sukhoi jet fighter to feature maximum standardization with Su-57 -- The TASS  

Serial production of Sukhoi Checkmate to begin in 2026 — UAC -- The TASS

First Clear Image Of Russia’s New Stealth Fighter Design Made Public

Checkmate at MAKS. Via Andreas Rupprecht  

The Aviationist: Here’s The First Clear Image Of The “CheckMate”, Russia’s New Stealth Fighter Design  

Markings suggest Russia’s new stealth fighter might be designated the Sukhoi Su-75 “CheckMate”. 

Some new interesting images of the new Russian 5th generation aircraft, the “CheckMate” have started to appear online ahead of MAKS 2021 airshow which kicks off next week. 

As we reported on Jul. 15, 2021, the jet, covered by black canvas, was first spotted as it was moved to the static display fueling various theories around the shape of the “CheckMate”, believed to be developed by the Sukhoi bureau with an eye to the international market.  

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Update #1: Russia’s New Fighter Breaks Cover—It’s Got ‘Stealth’ Written All Over It (Forbes)  

Update #2: Meet the 'Checkmate', the new Sukhoi lightweight stealth fighter that Russia aims to sell to Argentina, India, Vietnam, and the UAE (The Aviation Geek Club)  

WNU Editor: This will be the first of many images in the coming days. I am waiting for the video.

Leaked Images Of ‘Russian F-35’ Stealth Fighter Posted Online

A leaked image of what is suspected to be Russia’s new fighter jet. (via Twitter)

Closer foto of New Russian plane pic.twitter.com/PlzUv8DR9h

— ZOKA (@200_zoka) July 16, 2021

Warzone/The Drive: Russia’s New Fighter Jet Design Breaks Cover (Updated) The eagerly awaited new fighter seems to be named Checkmate and is due to be unveiled at the MAKS air show next week. 

Photos have appeared on social media showing what appears to be Russia’s much-hyped new light-to-medium-weight fighter, or at least a mock-up of it, days after the country’s United Aircraft Corporation first teased that a new design was likely to appear imminently. Previous announcements indicated that the rumored fighter, described as “a fundamentally new military aircraft,” was to be officially unveiled at the MAKS international air show that will begin at Zhukovsky International Airport, outside Moscow, next week.  

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WNU Editor: The photos show it to be single fighter jet 

More News On Leaked Images Of ‘Russian F-35’ Stealth Fighter Posted Online  

What we already know about Russia's new stealth fighter -- Insider/Sandboxx  

Russia’s newest fighter jet spotted near Moscow -- Defence Blog  

Leaked Images Of ‘Russian F-35’ Stealth Fighter Jet Take Social Media By Storm: Watch -- EurAsian Times  

Russia New Fighter Jet: Details, Timeline for Mystery Plane -- Popular Mechanics

Three Russian Nuclear Bomber Servicemen Are Killed When Their Ejector Seats Accidentally Go Off Before Take-Off

The Тu-22М3's crew members were killed when the emergency ejection system malfunctioned, state news agencies said.Marina Lystseva / TASS 

RT: 3 crew dead after catapults accidentally triggered during Tu-22M3 strategic bomber launch in Russia 

Three people have been killed after the ejection system of a Tu-22M3 bomber aircraft went off during pre-flight preparations outside west-Russian city of Kaluga, the country’s military has said. 

The deadly accident was reported by Russian media on Tuesday and confirmed by the Ministry of Defence shortly afterwards. 

The military aircraft’s ejection system activated during pre-flight preparations, sending three pilots to their deaths. 

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WNU Editor: there are now some reports that are saying one of the crewmembers survived .... One crewmember survives incident with Tu-22M3 bomber near Kaluga, says source (TASS). 

 More News On 3 Russian Military Pilots Killed By Faulty Ejection Seats 

Three servicemen die in Tu-22 bomber incident at airfield near Kaluga -- TASS 

Three Servicemen Die in Bomber Ejection Accident in Russia -- Sputnik

3 Russian Soldiers Killed in Supersonic Bomber Accident -- Moscow Times 

3 Russian military pilots killed by faulty ejection seats -- AP 

Three Crew of Russia’s Tu-22M3 Strategic Bomber Perish in Freak Accident -- Defense World 

Three Russian nuclear bomber air crew are killed when their ejector seats accidentally go off just before take-off -- Daily Mail

Russian Jet Makers Sukhoi, MiG and United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) Will Be Merged Into One Company

Reuters Pravda: Sukhoi and MiG companies will cease to exist 

Russia's renowned aircraft makers Sukhoi and MiG design bureaus will be merged into one corporate aircraft manufacturing center in order to resolve issues of financial stability and aircraft competitiveness. 

This will also be done to meet the country's needs for modern aircraft for air transportation purposes, the head of Rostec Corporation, Sergei Chemezov, said. 

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Update: End of an era: Russian jet makers Sukhoi, MiG united under single program (Daily Sabah) 

WNU Editor: For the Russian aviation industry, this is an end of an era.

Russia's Strategic Bomber Fleet Poses With Some Of The Weapons That It Can Carry (Photo-Gallery)

Tu-95MS Bear-H. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

Warzone/The Drive: Russia’s Strategic Bomber Trio Poses With Nearly All Its Weapons 

The Russian Air Force's Long-Range Aviation assets are photographed with their ordnance laid out around them. 

A fearsome-looking array of weapons artfully arranged in front of the aircraft expected to carry them is a familiar trope of military aviation and has frequently been used for both military “shows of strength” and marketing purposes. Until now, however, there have been precious few opportunities to see Russia’s strategic bombers displayed alongside their potential payloads. That has changed with the accompanying set of photos recently released by the Russian Ministry of Defense. 

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WNU Editor: The Russian air force is copying what the U.S. Air Force has done (see below).

B-52 weapons load 

U.S, Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Horstman

Watch Russian MiG-31s Simulating Combat In The Stratosphere

 

Sputnik: Watch Russian MiG-31s Simulating Combat in the Stratosphere 

First introduced into service in the early 1980s, the Mikoyan MiG-31 interceptor aircraft has proven to be one of the most versatile jets in the Soviet and Russian air forces, with recent upgrades enabling the planes to carry Russia’s new Kinzhal hypersonic missile. 

The Russian Defence Ministry has released footage of MiG-31 fighters practicing combat in the stratosphere during drills by Pacific Fleet naval aviation in the Far East region of Kamchatka.  

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WNU Editor: These fighter jets are almost 40 years old.

Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet Downed In Friendly Fire Incident

The Su-30 was on a routine training mission when it crashed Tuesday. Sergei Bobylev / TASS

TASS: Su-30 fighter that crashed in Russia on Tuesday may have been hit during drills — source

The Su-30 fighter crashed in Russia’s Tver Region during a planned training flight on Tuesday

TVER, September 23. /TASS/. A Su-30 fighter that crashed in Russia’s Tver Region on Tuesday may have been accidentally hit by another plane during military exercises, a source in the region’s emergency services informed TASS on Wednesday.

"According to preliminary data, the Su-30 was accidentally hit during the drills by another aircraft," the source said.

The Su-30 fighter crashed in Russia’s Tver Region during a planned training flight, the crew was forced to eject, the press service of the Western Military District informed on Tuesday, adding that the crew is in a satisfactory condition.

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WNU Editor: The Tver region is about 100km north of Moscow. It is a huge and sparsely populated region between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and it is a place that I enjoyed going on camping trips when I was young.

More News On A Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet Being Shot Downed In Friendly Fire Incident

Friendly Fire Suspected in Russian Fighter Jet Crash -- Moscow Times
Russian Su-30 Fighter Crashes in Tver Region -- Sputnik
Russian Flanker Fighter Reportedly Downs Another With Its Cannon By Accident -- Warzone/The Drive
Russian fighter plane shot out of the sky in war games incident -- Daily Star
Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Tver region -- Defence Blog

Two Russian Tu-160 Strategic Bombers Set A New World Record For Range And Duration Of Non-Stop Flight

Russia’s Tu-160 strategic bomber. © Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich

RT: 25 hours & 20,000km! Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers set new WORLD RECORD for range & duration of non-stop flight

A pair of Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers have spent more than 25 hours in the air and covered over 20,000km, setting a new world record for non-stop flight range, and duration, for this type of aircraft, it has been revealed.

The Defense Ministry, in Moscow, made the announcement on Saturday with Sergey Kobylash, the commander of Russia’s long-range aviation service, saying that “nobody has flown this type of aircraft longer.”

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WNU Editor: It is an impressive feat that was accomplished by having an escort of six Il-78 tanker planes. On a side note. According to American experts there is one draw-back for this bomber .... Fastest, Largest, Heaviest Bomber Ever Built – Russian Tu-160 Has One ‘Chink In Its Armour’ – US Experts (Eurasian Times).

Russia's Tu-95MSM Bear Bomber Has Been Upgraded To Carry Double Its Missile Load

Reuters

National Interest: Russia's Tu-95MSM Bear Upgraded to Double Missile Load

The systems and equipment performed as expected and the entire test flight was conducted without a hitch.

The Cold War-era Tupolev Tu-95 “Bear” is one of the oldest aircraft designs in active service with the Russian Air and Space Force (RuASF), and it remains the only propeller-driven in operation today. Despite its age, however, this Bear has some serious fight yet and shows no signs of being retired. In fact, the RuASF has continued to roll out modernizations that will keep the aircraft flying with added capability beyond its original role to drop unguided bombs.

This week, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced that the modernized Tu-95MSM strategic missile-carrying bomber will now be capable of carrying eight missiles instead of four, while the aircraft has received new flight control, navigation and communication systems.

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Previous Post: Russia's Modernized Tu-95MSM 'Bear' Bomber Takes Its First Maiden Flight (August 25, 2020)

WNU Editor: Like the B-52, Russia's TU-95 is older than its pilots.

Russia's Modernised Tu-95MSM 'Bear' Bomber Takes Its First Maiden

Sputnik: First-Ever Footage of Modernised Tu-95MSM 'Bear' Bomber Taking Maiden Flight Released

The Tupolev Tu-95 has been part of the air-based component of Russia’s strategic deterrent for decades, and has proven to be a tried-and-true workhorse for the military since its introduction all the way back in 1956.

The Russian military and United Aircraft Corporation have released footage of the maiden flight of a heavily upgraded Tupolev Tu-95MSM (NATO reporting name ‘Bear’) bomber.

The video shows the plane preparing for takeoff, its massive turboprop engines hearkening back to a tried and tested aviation engine technology that’s since been abandoned by most designers. The aircraft then lifts off from the ground and conducts aerial manoeuvres before touching back down at its home airfield.

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More News On Russia's Tu-95MSM 'Bear' Bomber Taking Its First Maiden

Russia's newly upgraded 'Bear' bomber just took its first flight -- Business Insider/Aviationist
Army 2020: Latest Russian Tu-95 variant prototype flies for the first time -- Janes
Russia transform its Tu-95 bomber into cruise missile carrier -- Defence Blog
Russia’s upgraded Tu-95MSM strategic bomber to carry 8 missiles instead of four -- TASS

Russian IL-76 Transports Execute A Stunning Mass Flare Dump (Video)

Warzone/The Drive: Watch These Russian IL-76 Transports Execute A Stunning Mass Flare Dump

Russian airlifters put on a lively demonstration of their self-defense capabilities during anniversary celebrations.

While we’re used to seeing dramatic displays involving Russian fighter aircraft and attack helicopters, this time it’s the turn of the country’s air transport fleet to take center stage with a dazzling spectacle. Eye-catching imagery and video of the three Ilyushin Il-76MD Candid airlifters was released to mark the 90th anniversary of Russia’s Airborne Troops, also known as the Vozdushno-Desantnye Voyska, or VDV, yesterday.

The four-engine transports, flying from Migalovo Air Base in the Tver region, around 100 miles from Moscow, performed a fly-over of top brass and troops at a local training range on Aug. 2, 2020, dispensing hundreds of infrared decoy flaresin spectacular style.

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WNU Editor: Impressive flare-up.

Is Russia's New Stealth Bomber Better Than The US Air Force's B21?

Stealth bombers are designed to evade radar detection while carrying large amounts of weaponry. Defense Ministry

FOX News/Warrior Maven: Can Russia's new stealth bomber rival the Air Force B-21?

Moscow hopes to get ahead of the U.S. Air Force’s emerging B-21 stealth bomber and China’s H-20 strategic bomber

Russia has reportedly begun construction of its next-generation PAK DA stealth bomber as part of an apparent strategic effort to usher in a new era of stealth bombing technology. Moscow hopes to get ahead of the U.S. Air Force’s emerging B-21 stealth bomber and China’s H-20 strategic bomber.

Citing Russian News Agency TASS Military Watch Magazine reports that the first prototype is expected to be finished by the end of next year. Later, more prototypes are slated to be ready for testing by April 2023, something which puts the bomber’s production schedule on roughly the same anticipated timeframe as the U.S. B-21.

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Previous Post: Russia Begins Building Its First Stealth Bomber (May 26, 2020).

More News On Russia's New Stealth Bomber

Russia's New PAK DA Stealth Bomber vs. America's New B-21 Bomber (Which Is Better?) -- National Interest
Everything (we are allowed to tell you) about Russia’s next generation strategic bomber -- Russia Beyond
Russia Begins Construction of First PAK DA Stealth Bomber Prototype -- Military Watch

Russia’s Buying New Planes That Can Defend Them Country

An Su-34 refuels during an exercise in April 2020. Russian defense ministry

David Axe, Forbes: The Turks Shot Down A Russian Bomber In 2015. Now Russia’s Buying New Planes That Can Defend Themselves

The Russian air force is buying new Su-34 fighter-bombers. The two-seat, twin-engine warplanes will replace aging Su-24 bombers—one of which the Turkish air force shot down near Syria in 2015.

The Kremlin in late May cut a contract with United Aircraft Corporation’s Sukhoi division to build 76 new Su-34s at a rate of eight to 14 planes through 2027. The 76 Su-34s should be enough to equip two regiments.

The baseline Su-34 borrows the airframe of the Su-27 fighter but adds a two-person cockpit with side-by-side seating. The Su-34 can strike targets as far as 600 miles away while carrying 12 tons of bombs and missiles, including air-to-air missiles.

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WNU Editor: Russia will need to buy far more than 76 new Su-34s to make a difference.

Su-27 Flying In Formation With A Group Of Mi 28 Helicopters

WNU Editor: This Su-27 thinks it is Mi-28 helicopter.

Russian Test Pilot Explains Challenges Of Manoeuvring In Dogfights

"Kvochur's bell" manoeuvre performed by the Su-27 jets of the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team. © Sputnik / Mikhail Syritsa

Sputnik: Not Just to Show Off: Russian Test Pilot Explains Challenges of Manoeuvring in Dogfights

Every new plane introduced to an air force behaves differently and with the introduction of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, Russian pilots have had to adapt their solo and formation flying skills as well as perform high-level aerobatic manoeuvres – something they have now successfully achieved.

The fighter jet manoeuvres usually seen at air shows, while appearing genuinely astonishing and jaw-dropping, actually serve practical purposes – to outperform an opponent, gain an upper hand, and ultimately win a dogfight.

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WNU Editor: You would think that living in the missile age would put an end to "dogfights" between fighter jets. Apparently not.