How Russia's Air Force Inventory Compares

How Russia’s Air Force Inventory Compares

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, March 01, 2022 at 12:24 PM ET

Verified

The Russian Air Force has 3,829 current active inventory. [File Photo: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Russian fixed-wing combat aircraft have been largely absent from the Ukrainian battlefield, failing to achieve air superiority and raising questions about the force's readiness despite its large inventory.
While acknowledging Russia's initial setbacks, U.S. defense officials caution that Russia still possesses significant combat power and is expected to learn and adapt.
The U.S. Air Force is considered the global gold standard in combat air power, significantly outranking the Russian Air Force in modernization, logistical support, capabilities, and overall "TrueValueRating."

See a mistake? Contact us.

Despite having one of the largest aircraft inventories in the world, Russian air force fixed-wing combat aircraft have been noticeably absent from the Ukrainian battlefield, prompting some observers to question the invading force’s fleet readiness.

Five days into its launch of the bloody invasion of Ukraine and Russia troops had yet to take control, according to U.S. defense officials.