Can Russian industry maintain a viable air force?
Russian losses to Ukrainian air defences of Su-34s that were still flying over home territory have been problematic, and current low production rates seem insufficient to make up the numbers. (Photo: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)
While sanctions have not crippled Russia’s military-industrial complex as some predicted, its ability to produce modern combat aircraft at a sustainable rate remains uncertain.
The 29th month of the Russian-initiated war in Ukraine marks a grim milestone. A recurring complaint has been the absence of a Russian economic-military-industrial collapse, a scenario widely forecasted by commentators in 2022.
The assumption was that sanctions on critical exports would cripple Russia’s economy and military production. This expected collapse has not, however, occurred.
This analytical error is not new. Many countries can endure short- to medium-term exclusion from traditional markets and trading partners. The early 20th-century belief that prolonged European war was impossible due to economic interdependence proved incorrect. Similarly, Putin’s Russia has defied the anticipated trajectory. Conscripting
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Farnborough Airshow 2024 (FIA2024) | View all news
-
![Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year]()
Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year
The first representative Eurofighter Typhoon flew in 1994 and entered operational service in 2003. Two decades later the company is working to ensure the platform’s relevance beyond the middle of the century.
-
![Embraer KC-390 puts on a show for the Mexican Air Force]()
Embraer KC-390 puts on a show for the Mexican Air Force
The KC-390 demonstrator was en route to Brazil after a display at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK.
-
![Israeli Air Force to receive first KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft in May 2025]()
Israeli Air Force to receive first KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft in May 2025
The delivery would mark an end to long delays in the programme with additional aircraft expected through to 2027.
-
![Boeing says next stage of Poland Apache deal is close and Chinook may be next]()
Boeing says next stage of Poland Apache deal is close and Chinook may be next
Boeing has seen a renewed demand for the Apache attack helicopter with Poland and Australia becoming customers, while India, the UK, the US, the Netherlands and Egypt have also bought new aircraft or upgraded platforms.
-
![Defence leaders call for strengthened supply chains and highlight security risks at Farnborough]()
Defence leaders call for strengthened supply chains and highlight security risks at Farnborough
Under mostly clear skies, a couple of showers and the roar of the newest variant of Boeing’s venerable F-15, there was a lot of talk at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 about how to make supply chains stronger in the face of high demands and a lingering post-Covid pandemic effect.
-
![Greece joins the F-35 Lightning II world alliance]()
Greece joins the F-35 Lightning II world alliance
Greece has signed an offer for 20 F-35 aircraft with an option on 20 more platforms.
