The commander of Russia’s long-range aviation, Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, announced in an interview published on the official site of the Russian Ministry of Defense that aircraft based on new principles with enhanced capabilities are entering service in 2024. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce advanced models that reflect a shift in design philosophy and operational potential for long-range missions. The message conveyed a clear sense of strategic modernization and a focus on expanding the service life and effectiveness of the air arm through next‑generation aircraft that align with current defense priorities.
Kobylash outlined an ambitious modernization program, stating that the plan includes the procurement of entirely new aircraft built around fresh principles. He described improvements in aerodynamics and combat performance as core elements of the update, underscoring how these changes are intended to increase range, payload flexibility, survivability, and mission effectiveness. The emphasis was on a comprehensive upgrade that integrates contemporary technologies and reserves of national defense production to strengthen long-range aviation’s capabilities for present and future operations.
The general stressed that the principal tasks for long-range aviation in the coming year revolve around maintaining a high level of combat readiness and readiness for deployment, ensuring the constant availability of airframes and armament, and advancing both new and modernized military equipment. He linked these aims to sustained training, robust maintenance cycles, and the continuous supply of spare parts and weapons to support uninterrupted missions. The focus, he noted, is to keep crews proficient, aircraft ready, and systems up to date so the force can respond decisively to evolving scenarios.
Kobylash added that achieving these objectives will demand intense, disciplined effort from all service members. He expressed confidence that, with coordinated planning, rigorous execution, and disciplined teamwork, the long-range aviation command would reach its targets with high quality and timeliness. The statements conveyed a steady optimism about the trajectory of development, even as the workload and responsibilities of personnel remain substantial and exacting, reflecting the seriousness with which the service approaches modernization.
Earlier reports indicated that key activities centered in Russia, including completed scientific work related to the development of a test bench base for evaluating a promising long-range aviation complex, known as PAK DA. This bench base is designed to support rigorous testing and verification of critical components and systems before full-scale production progresses, illustrating the hands-on effort behind the technological upgrade. In addition, there have been indications that early rotorcraft and interceptor designs may advance toward deployment timelines in the near term, with some projections suggesting that initial fighters could appear as soon as 2025. Such timelines underscore a continuous push to translate research and testing into operational capability while aligning with broader strategic plans for air power modernization.