First, some background facts and figures: Today's Russian Air Force (technically Aerospace Forces) is formidable, with over 4,000 military aircraft in service. This makes it the world's second largest air power after the US air arms which have nearly 1 3,400 aircraft in service. Probing of NATO air defences and naval exercises around Northern Europe has become a serious problem in the past years. However, the Russian Air Force still has many current problems that impact on its size and capabilities. First, its inventory is getting older, with only a few bombers and fighters of the latest types being added. Although the Kremlin has comprehensive plans to modernise the Air Force, its strength is expected to continue declining in the coming years.
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