Russian Air Force
Command Structure and Leadership
The Russian Air Force is headquartered in Moscow and is currently commanded by Lieutenant General Sergey Dronov. The centralized command structure facilitates strategic oversight and coordination of diverse aviation assets, encompassing operational, training, and research units. This hierarchical arrangement ensures streamlined communication and rapid decision-making capabilities across the Air Force's extensive network of bases and specialized divisions.
Special Purpose Aviation and Research Units
The 8th Special Purpose Aviation Division (military unit 42829) and the 92nd Special Purpose Helicopter Research and Development Squadron (military unit 45095-А) represent the Air Force's focus on specialized aviation operations and technological advancement. The 92nd Squadron operates Mi-8 and Mi-8AMTSh helicopters, supporting both experimental and operational missions. These units are pivotal in testing new aviation concepts, integrating advanced avionics, and conducting special operations.
Pilot and Crew Training Infrastructure
The Russian Air Force maintains a robust training infrastructure, exemplified by the 209th (military unit 14254) and 219th Training Aviation Bases, which utilize aircraft such as the Yak-130, Su-25, and L-39 for pilot instruction. The 35th Junior Aviation Specialists School (military unit 15542) and the 357th Air Force Training Center (military unit 27898) further enhance personnel readiness. These institutions provide comprehensive training programs for both pilots and technical specialists, ensuring a continuous pipeline of qualified personnel.
Combat and Retraining Centers
The 344th Combat and Retraining Center (military unit 45095) is a key facility for advanced helicopter pilot training and retraining, operating a fleet that includes Mi-24PN, Mi-8MT/MTV-2/MTV-5, Mi-28N, Ka-52, and Mi-26 helicopters. This center is instrumental in maintaining combat readiness and integrating new rotary-wing platforms and tactics into operational units.
Technical and Maintenance Support Facilities
Technical support for the Air Force is provided by several specialized bases, including the 1488th (military unit 58172) and 1494th (military unit 63002) Technical Bases, which focus on air defense equipment storage and maintenance. The Air Force Repair and Maintenance Base (military unit 23476) and the Aviation Equipment Storage Department, which handles MiG-29 aircraft, ensure operational availability and lifecycle management of critical assets.
Communications and Engineering Support
The Air Force Receiving and Telegraphic Radio Center (military units 23452 & 66213) and the 136th Separate Air Force Communications Regiment (military unit 41427) provide essential communications infrastructure, supporting command and control functions. The Air Force Separate Engineer Battalion (military unit 30114) and the Air Force Engineer Base (military unit 36713) are responsible for airfield construction, maintenance, and technical support, underpinning the operational effectiveness of the Air Force.
Advanced Training and Testing Centers
The 116th Fighter Aviation Combat Use Training Center specializes in advanced fighter pilot training, utilizing MiG-29UBM and MiG-29SMT aircraft. The Air Force Aeronautical Test Center (military unit 52527) conducts flight testing and evaluation of new aviation systems, playing a critical role in the introduction of next-generation platforms and technologies.
Transport and Utility Aviation Training
The 221st Training Air Base operates An-72, An-26, and Mi-8 aircraft, focusing on transport and utility aviation training. The 339th Training Aviation Base (military unit 21965) employs Ansat-U, Mi-8T, and Ka-226 helicopters, preparing crews for a variety of support and logistics missions. These bases ensure the Air Force's capability to project and sustain operations across diverse environments.
Logistics and Arsenal Management
The 38th Air Force Arsenal (military unit 21228) and the 3754th Central Aviation Technical Base (military unit 13830) are responsible for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of aviation munitions and technical equipment. These facilities are vital for ensuring the timely availability of resources required for both training and operational missions.
Pilot Education and Specialist Training
The 272nd Training Aviation Base of the Krasnodar Higher Military Pilot Aviation School (military unit 55661) and its associated L-39 training aircraft form the cornerstone of pilot education. The 874th Radio-Technical Troops Specialists Training Center (military unit 30790) provides specialized instruction for air defense and radio-technical personnel, supporting the integration of advanced electronic warfare and airspace surveillance systems.