Russian Air Force Planes Flew 6000 more Hours in 2018 than 2017

Russian Aerospace Forces (RAF) aircraft flew 6000 more hours in 2018 than the previous year with individual pilots flying average of 100 hours each.

In 2019 the RAF will receive more than 100 aircraft. Thus, the part of modern weapons and equipment of the Air Force will be increased to 65%, a Russian MoD statement said without giving the break-up of the aircraft involved. An increase in the number of exercises besides combat operations in Syria may have contributed to the increase in flying hours.

Su-35S and Su-30SM multi-role fighters, Su-34 bombers that first entered the Central Military District air regiment in Ural, Ka-52 attack helicopters, Mi-8 transport combat helicopters of various modifications , Yak-130 combat training aircraft, etc were delivered to the the RAF in 2018.

In 2019, one of the main tasks to be accomplished by the Air force of the Aerospace forces will be: preparation and participation of crews in Tsentr 2019 strategic exercise, conduction of the all-army and international stages of the Aviadarts 2019 contest, crews' training for the combat use firing at land and air targets, air-to-air refuelling (AAR), conduction of tactical training, command post exercises, participation in Army 2019 International Military and Technical Forum, international aircraft showrooms and exhibitions, and other events, the MoD Statement said.