Five Facts You Didn’t Know About Russia’s Army Air Forces

At first, the helicopter air squadron was as an auxiliary branch. Its task was transporting cargo, fire adjustment, intelligence and communication. But in the early 70s, auxiliary aviation became the army air forces, after adopting the Mi-24, whose primary role was to support ground forces on the battlefield.

In 1990, the Army Air Forces were withdrawn from the Russian Air Force and became an independent military branch. In 2003, it was transferred back. Some experts believe the transfer was erroneous, because it led to high human and financial costs.

The Army Air Forces were involved in ensuring safety and security during the referendum on self-determination in Crimea.

By 2020, Russia plans to add another six Army Aviation airbases to the eight existing ones. In addition, more than one thousand new helicopters are planned to be put into service.

No drills are held without combat and transport helicopters. In 2016 alone, more than 50 new vehicles, including the Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator," the Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" and Mi-8AMTSh "The Terminator,” were put into service.