The Russian T-50 fighter and PAK DA bomber.
In early June, a series of high profile crashes involving Russian military planes led to Moscow grounding the Tu-95 'Bear' bomber fleet. Additionally, on June 4, a Su-34 strike fighter crashed near Voronezh and a MiG-29 crashed near the Caspian. Military leadership is hoping that the air force's reliance on old systems will be solved by two new programmes: the Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA and the PAK-DA bomber.
Russia will continue high frequency of air activity over Baltic and North Sea regions.
Increasing numbers of European air forces will look to procure fifth-generation fighters to maintain approximate parity with Russia.
Shortage of refueling planes will be concern for Russian air force and may prove to be an Achilles' heal.
