How Many Fighter Aircraft Does Russia Have? Fleet Analysis

Russia maintains a significant presence in global military aviation, commanding one of the world’s largest air forces. Officially known as the Russian Aerospace Forces, this formidable force operates a diverse collection of fighter aircraft designed for various combat roles and missions. Understanding precisely How Many Fighter Aircraft Does Russia Have is crucial for assessing its overall military strength and strategic influence on the world stage. As the second-largest air force globally, with nearly 3,900 military aircraft in total (including over 300 designated for the Navy), the composition and capabilities of its fighter jet arsenal provide key insights into its operational potential.

According to data from the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), the Russian Air Force possesses a total of 912 fighter jets. This substantial fleet is categorized by role, including 422 multirole fighters, 400 attack aircraft, and 90 dedicated to interception missions. These interceptors alone account for roughly 10% of the total fighter inventory and approximately 25% of the overall number of Russian Air Force combat aircraft listed by WDMMA. Examining the specific models within this fleet reveals a mix of older, workhorse platforms and newer, more advanced designs, representing various fighter aircraft generations.

Notably, the majority of these aircraft types are produced by the JSC Sukhoi Company, accounting for seven out of the ten listed models. The remaining three are manufactured by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau (MiG). Both companies, along with Ilyushin, Irkut, Tupolev, and Yakovlev, were integrated into the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2006. The data highlights that while Russia possesses a significant number of attack/strike aircraft like the aging Su-24 (first developed in the 1960s), a substantial portion of the fleet consists of more recently introduced multirole fighters.

Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer tactical bomber in flight.

Despite being introduced in 1981 as the first Generation IV combat aircraft to enter service, the MiG-31 interceptor fighter, known by its NATO reporting name ‘Foxhound’, remains a highly capable platform and is not underestimated. A large proportion of Russia’s operational MiG-31 fleet has undergone significant upgrades to the MiG-31BM standard, with some receiving further enhancements to the MiG-31BSM configuration. These upgrades include increased cruise speed, a new central computer, and an in-flight refueling system, significantly boosting their operational range and endurance.

The upgraded Foxhounds are equipped with advanced weaponry, including R-77 and R-37 active radar missiles capable of engaging targets up to 400 km away. Designed primarily for intercepting enemy aircraft and cruise missiles at various altitudes, including very low levels, the MiG-31’s performance is further augmented by its powerful D-30F6 engines. These are among the most potent engines ever integrated into a 4th generation fighter comparison, enabling the aircraft to operate at extreme altitudes of up to 25 km. The MiG-31 also holds the distinction of being one of the fastest fighter jets still in active service, boasting a top speed of 3,030 km/h, with the potential to reach up to 3,200 km/h under certain conditions, albeit with potential risks. Uniquely, it is the only aircraft type certified to carry the Kinzhal hypersonic missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 10 and an estimated range of 460–480 km, usable with conventional or nuclear warheads.

Russian MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor jet using afterburners.

While acknowledging the presence of older 3rd generation aircraft like the Su-24, accounting for a significant portion of the total fighter count, it’s also noteworthy that five out of the ten operational Russian fighter jet types were introduced relatively recently—within the last decade or so. This indicates a continuous effort to modernize the fleet alongside maintaining older airframes. Among the newer additions, the Su-35, a heavy multirole fighter developed from a Soviet-era design and entering service in 2014, is particularly notable for its exceptional maneuverability. Aircraft like the Su-35 represent some of the best multirole fighter aircraft in Russia’s inventory, capable of performing a wide range of missions.

Reports from 2023 indicated that the state defense order for Russia’s advanced Su-57 stealth fighters doubled, with expectations for an even larger order in 2024. The head of UAC, Yuri Slyusar, stated a goal to deliver 76 Su-57s to the Russian Aerospace Forces by 2027, despite production and operational challenges, including the impact of Western sanctions on the aerospace industry. The Su-57, Russia’s first serially produced fifth-generation fighter, continues to see advancements, such as testing a new engine and enhanced combat capabilities, although its deployment has been cautious to protect its reputation and export potential.

Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter jet in flight.

Looking to the future, Russia unveiled its new Sukhoi Su-75 stealth fighter jet, nicknamed ‘The Checkmate,’ in 2021. Positioned as a potential competitor to the US F-35, this fifth-generation light single-engine fighter is designed with advanced features, including the ability to carry and deploy drones and engage multiple targets simultaneously with strong electronic interference.

Mockup of the Russian Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter at Dubai Air Show 2021.

The Su-75’s rapid development by Rostec and UAC aims for sales to begin as early as 2026. With an estimated price point between $25-30 million, it’s presented as a cost-effective alternative on the global market, targeting significant orders over the next 15 years, particularly from regions like the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. The aircraft is slated to incorporate AI innovations and develop an autopilot version, intended to be effective against current fifth-generation and potentially future sixth-generation foreign aircraft systems, positioning it as a key element in fighter aircraft cost comparison discussions globally.

In summary, the question of How Many Fighter Aircraft Does Russia Have is answered with a figure of 912, as reported by WDMMA. This fleet is a mix of legacy aircraft like the Su-24, significantly upgraded older platforms like the MiG-31, capable modern fighters such as the Su-35 and Su-57, and promising future designs like the Su-75 Checkmate. Despite production challenges and external factors, Russia continues to invest in developing and enhancing its air force, maintaining its position as a major player in military aviation.