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Russian military aviation production and deployment

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-08 01:44 UTC → 2026-09-08 06:23 UTC · added removed

Russia has significantly increased the production and deployment of its military aviation assets. Reports indicate that the United Aircraft Corporation has accelerated Su-34 tactical bomber manufacturing at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant, with Rostec stating that production has more than doubled over a two-year period. In addition to manufacturing surges, Russian aircraft are being actively utilized in the conflict in Ukraine. Recent operations include the use of Su-35 fighter jets to launch Kh-31PM anti-radiation missiles against Ukrainian Patriot air defense radar systems to suppress enemy air defenses. By September 2026, the United Aircraft Corporation delivered a third batch of Su-35S multirole fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces. Total combat aircraft deliveries for 2026 include 14 units, comprising six Su-35S, four Su-57, two Su-34, and two Su-30SM2. This production rate reportedly outpaces aircraft losses documented by open-source intelligence, which include at least eight destroyed and two damaged aircraft. Despite international sanctions, Russian assembly lines remain operational. Recent sightings at the Viva Avia aviation festival in Novosibirsk revealed a newly manufactured Su-34 still wearing its factory primer, confirming that the Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant continues regular production. However, some analysts suggest current production rates for the Su-34 may be insufficient to offset attrition. While 212 Su-34 units had been delivered to the Russian Air Force by early 2026, visual verification from Oryx suggests at least 43 Su-34 aircraft have been lost since February 2022. On September 8, 7, 2026, two Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jets collided in the airspace midair over the Kursk region during a combat mission. The aircraft were while performing aerial airspace patrols and providing fire support for ground units near units. The collision resulted in the Ukrainian border. Preliminary reports indicate that destruction of both aircraft and the death of one pilot; the second pilot was killed in survived by ejecting. With Su-35S airframes valued between $75 million and $85 million, the collision, while total loss is estimated at $150 million or more. A Russian Ministry of Defense committee is expected to investigate whether the other survived. crash was caused by technical failure, human error, or weather.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-08 06:23 UTC Russian military aviation production and deployment
  2. 2026-09-08 01:44 UTC Russian military aviation production and deployment
  3. 2026-09-07 14:37 UTC Russian military aviation production and deployment
  4. 2026-09-02 18:43 UTC Russian military aviation production and deployment

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