Russia Fails to Replace Aircraft Lost in Ukraine

Russia has doubled production of combat aircraft since the start of the war in Ukraine, according to Sergei Chemezov, head of the state arms company Rostec. He made the statement during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, Defense Blog reported.

Analyses by the Ukrainian portal Militarnyj, however, suggest a less optimistic picture. The Russian Air Force was expected to receive about 30 new tactical aircraft in 2025, including Su-34M bombers, Su-35S fighter jets and two fifth-generation Su-57s. Moscow had reportedly planned to deliver up to 57 new aircraft.

At the same time, analysts cited by Defense Blog estimate that Russia lost about 65 aircraft in Ukraine in 2025, resulting in a net decline in its fleet. Reports suggest that Western sanctions have disrupted supplies of technology, precision components and production equipment needed for modern military aviation.

Although Russia continues to manufacture aircraft using domestic substitutes and parallel imports, experts say the pace of production is not enough to offset wartime losses.

(mja)