In the most radical shake-up yet of Russia's military aviation, its air-defence forces (PVO) are to be merged with the air force (VVS) in 1998, while elements of the PVO missile-defence units will be allocated to Russia's strategic missile forces.
The move, announced by Gen Igor Sergeyev, will also see VVS/PVO personnel cut by at least 120,000. The combined strength of the air force and the air-defence forces is around 400,000.
On paper, the PVO represents a formidable fighting force, but it has been effectively paralysed in recent years by swingeing defence cuts. Combat readiness is low, with pilots recording dangerously inadequate numbers of flight hours.
The VVS will inherit a substantial number of fourth-generation combat aircraft, the most significant of which is the AVPK Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. The PVO is believed to have taken delivery of upwards of 300 Flankers. The PVO also received more than 400 Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhounds and around 20 Beriev A-50 Mainstay airborne-early-warning aircraft.
While the Su-27s will be a welcome addition, the MiG-31s will be more problematic. Senior PVO officers have in the past threatened to ground the Foxhound, claiming that, with the limited flight hours given to the crew, flying the aircraft is dangerous.
The PVO's ballistic-missile defence force, along with its ballistic-missile warning system, is to be integrated into the country's strategic missile forces.
Source: Flight International
