The Kremlin’s new state armament plan, which will run from 2018-2027, will continue modernization of the Russian Aerospace Forces. However, while Russia will continue to buy modern combat aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E air superiority fighter and the Su-34 Fullback bomber, Moscow is not likely to make large purchases of the fifth-generation Su-57 PAK-FA stealth fighter until after 2027.
“The Su-57 is not expected to enter into serial production until upgraded engines are ready, which is unlikely to happen until 2027,” Center for Naval Analyses senior research scientist Dmitry Gorenburg wrote in a new PONARS Policy Memo. “Over the next eight years, Russia will continue to purchase small numbers of these planes for testing.”
Production of other combat aircraft including the Su-35S, Su-30SM Flanker-H multi-role fighter and the Su-34 Fullback will continue. Additionally, small numbers of the new Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrums are also likely to enter service with the Russian Air Force.
“It will also continue to purchase Su-35S fighter jets, with a new contract for 50 additional aircraft signed in late 2016. Purchases of Su-30SM fighter jets and Su-34 strike aircraft will also continue, most likely at rates of 12-18 aircraft per year of each type,” Gorenburg wrote.
“Mikoyan MiG-35 fighter aircraft may also be procured, but probably not in large numbers.”
However, while fighter production will continue, the Russian Air Force will likely deemphasize combat aircraft procurement to focus on other more pressing priorities.
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