Russia Ramps Up Black Sea Fleet With Modernized War Aircraft

Source : http://sputniknews.com

The aviation units of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Air Force, Air Defense and Naval aviation have received modernized attack aircraft and fighter jets, including Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-30M2 fighters, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters and Mi-8MTPR electronic warfare helicopters.

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Air Force, Air Defense and Naval aviation units have received 10 new and modernized aircraft and helicopters, the press service of Russia’s Southern Military District reported on Friday.

Among the new military hardware are Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO reporting name Fullback) twin-engine, two-seat strike fighters. Based on Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker', the two-seat Su-34 is designed primarily for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets.

Modernized, multipurpose Su-30M2 fighters are designed to gain air superiority by destroying manned and unmanned aircraft with medium- and short-range air-to-air guided missiles, engaging surface and ground targets with all kinds of weapons, primarily precision ones.

The main features of Su-30M2 include a modified weapon control system cwith advanced capabilities of destroying ground and sea targets; a new cockpit display system with multifunctional color liquid crystal displays; improved navigation and radio communication systems; a modern onboard defense system; a wide range of “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” weapons hosted on 12 hardpoints and an in-flight refueling system.

The jet's strengthened airframe and landing gear ensure that it can operate with full fuel tanks and maximum combat load at take-off weigh up to 38 tons. The Su-30M2 weapon control system provides for the detection, tracking and destruction of air, ground and sea targets with aircraft weapons in all weather conditions, day and night.

The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name "Havoc") is an all-weather, day-night, military tandem, two-seat anti-armor attack helicopter.

And Mi-8MTPR electronic warfare helicopters are designed to be able to detect and suppress electronic command-and-control systems as well as the radars of surface-to air and air-to-air missiles.

All the hardware has been tested by the engineering and technical services of the manufacturers, the press services said. The units are now holding exercises, to improve the skills of handling and operating the new combat equipment.

Over 50 more new and modernized aircraft and helicopters will be transferred to the aviation units of the military district in the near future.