Article Posted on : - Dec 02, 2010

A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): The Russian Air Force will add over 1500 new aircraft and also significantly increase the number of high-precision weapons in its arsenal by 2020.

According to a RIA Novosti news report, Russia is planning to modernise its air force fleet by upgrading around 2000 aircraft and helicopters which also include procurement of 1500 new ones.

"The Russian Air Force is planning to induct Su-27SM, Su-30M2 and Su-35S multirole fighters, Su-34 fighter-bombers and Yak-130 combat trainers as well as Ka-52 and Mi-28N attack helicopters, Mi-8 armed assault helicopters, Ka-226 and Ansat-U light multipurpose helicopters by 2011," Lt. Gen. Igor Sadofyev, a deputy Air Force commander, was quoted as saying in the news report.

Igor Sadofyev said that, the air force would also significantly increase the number of high-precision weapons, including UAVs, to 70 percent of the total.

"The immediate priority of the strategic aviation of the Russian Air Force will be the modernisation and service life extension of existing Tu-160, Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 bombers and Il-78M aerial tankers," he further added, as per the report.