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| 5 Russian Fighter Jets Relics of the Soviet Union Which Is Still Used Today |
International Military - Since the Soviet Union disbanded in 1991, the country that has inherited the best fighter jets is Russia. Coincidentally, the two Soviet aeronautical companies that produced the most fighter jets, namely Sukhoi and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG, were continued by Russia. Amazingly, it's been more than 30 years, fighter jets from the Soviet Union are still the backbone of the Russian Air Force.
Even in the most recent conflict, the war with Ukraine, the Soviet-era fighter jets used by Russia were feared. This does not include the types of bombers, tankers and attack helicopters.
Here are 5 Russian fighter jets from the Soviet Union that are still used by Russia today
1. Sukhoi Su-24
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| Sukhoi Su-24 |
The Su-24 fighter jet is designed as a supersonic jet that can be used in all weather conditions. First introduced to the Soviet Air Force in 1974. See also; Ukraine Reportedly Receives Strom Shadow Supersonic Missiles, Installed on Su-24 Fencer Jets Su-24 fighter jets use a variable-sweep wing design that can be adjusted to the speed you want to achieve.
This technology is exactly the same as the US Navy's mainstay fighter jet, the F-14 Tomcat, which happened to enter service in the same year 1974. The Su-24 fighter jet, which uses a twin engine, has another uniqueness, having a double seat with the two pilots positioned side by side. Russia continues to operate today, including Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
2. Sukhoi Su-27
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| Sukhoi Su-27 |
The Su-27 fighter jet was first introduced in 1985 and remains in Russian service today. Ukraine also inherited its Su-27 fighter jets after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but was unable to modernize them.
Russia has the ability to upgrade the capabilities of the Su-27 fighter jet, to the Su-27SM3 so that it is regularly used in various conflicts. Russia even gave China a license to develop the Shenyang J-11, which has remained in service since 1999.
3. Sukhoi Su-30
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| Sukhoi Su-30 |
The Su-30 fighter jet, perhaps Sukhoi's last offering in the late Soviet Union's dissolution, was first introduced in the late 1980s. The Su-30 fighter jet entered service after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and entered service with the Russian Air Force.
In 1997, a variant, the Su-30MKK was produced for Chinese use in the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Another variant, the Su-MKM, was produced for Malaysia, while another, the Su-30KI, was developed for use by the Indian Air Force. Russia continues to use its Su-30 fighter jets in active military use. Especially in 2015 during the Syrian Civil War.
4. Mikoyan MiG-29
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| Mikoyan MiG-29 |
Mikoyan-Gurevich or MiG, this name is very attached and known as the legendary Soviet Union fighter jet manufacturer. One of the legendary fighter jets that is still used by the Russian Air Force is the MiG-29.
The MiG-29 fighter jet was originally developed in the late 70s and was introduced in 1982 as a counterpoint to the US-made F-16 Falcon. However, the Soviet Air Force adapted it as a multirole fighter that could also be used to perform various military missions.
Ukraine also inherited dozens of MiG-29 fighter jets after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During the war in Donbass, several Ukrainian MiG-29s were shot down in combat. Also read; This is Ukraine's most advanced MiG-29 fighter jet, equipped with anti-radiation missiles in the Russian war
5. Mikoyan MiG-31
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| Mikoyan MiG-31 |
First introduced in 1981, the MiG-31 has a chance to become one of the most durable fighter jets in the world. Given that the Russian military says it will continue to use it into the 2030s.
The MiG-31 has several advantages, including reports that it is one of the fastest fighter jets in the world. Including the only fighter jet capable of firing long-range air-to-air missiles.
Unlike the other MiG aircraft on this list, the MiG-31 has not been heavily exported. During the Russia-Ukraine war, MiG-31 fighter jets played an important role with the Kinzhal and Vympel hypersonic missile weapons.