Comments: Hardcover, 304 pages, 429 color photos, 130 color illustrations
ISBN: 978-1-90210-952-7
Price: $56.95
Publisher: Hikoki Publications
From the publisher: The Tactical Aviation branch (FA, or Frontovaya aviatsiya) has always occupied an important place in the structure of the Soviet, and subsequently Russian, air force. In the post-Soviet years, the Russian air force has been repeatedly reformed, and in the course of the reforms the importance of tactical aviation has risen. The brief military conflict with Georgia in August 2008 highlighted poor organization of operations, and in 2009 the customary air armies, air divisions, and air regiments were replaced by aviation bases. Much importance has been attached to fleet renewal and upgrading of the Russian tactical aviation capability.
The Su-35S “Generation 4++” single-seat fighter is entering full-scale production and service. Deliveries of single-seat Su-27SM3 (a midlife update) and two-seat Su-30SM and Su-30M2 multirole fighters are also underway. Beriyev A-50 AWACS aircraft, which support the air defense role, are also being updated. Production and deliveries of the Su-34 tactical bomber are continuing, and for want of a next-generation attack aircraft, the Russian air force is continuing to upgrade its Su-25 fleet — the latest Su-25SM3 is now in service.
Much attention has been paid to combat training. Exercises are being held more frequently than in the 1990s, and in-flight refueling of various aircraft, including tactical bombers, is practiced on a much wider scale than before, as are long-range flights by groups of fighters.
Soviet Tactical Aviation illustrates the current state of the Russian air force’s tactical aviation as well as its recent history in various overseas conflicts. Details are given of the aviation bases (units), their locations, and the principal types currently in service. Many of the photos are previously unpublished, including air-to-air shots during recent exercises; color illustrations profile Russian tactical aircraft and helicopters operated by various aviation bases.
FSM says: Hundreds of vivid photos provide myriad details of aircraft in flight, on the ground, and up close. In addition to the information-rich images, 130 color illustrations provide dozens of color schemes and marking options for a widely varied range of aircraft.