The rearmament program which is currently underway in the Air Force is on schedule, Bondarev underscored.
"Since 2012, we have received more than 300 planes and helicopters. By the end of the year, we will receive another 150 aircraft. By the end of 2020, their number will be 1,000," the general said.
Among the aircraft which will be delivered to the military in 2015 are the Su-35S, Su-30SM and Su-34 multirole tactic jet fighters, the Mi-28N and Ka-52 combat helicopters, the MiG-31BM interceptor, the Su-25SM3 assault jet, the Mi-35M attack helicopter, and the Yak-130 fighter/trainer.
According to Bondarev, all of the new aircraft are extremely reliable and willoutperform their predecessors. They have also gained a positive reputation among pilots of the Russian Air Force. Over 300 crews have undergone training programs to handle the new hardware.
"The MiG-35S is being developed by the order from the Defense Ministry and due to be ready in 2017. After tests the aircraft will enter service in the Russian Armed Forces. The Defense Ministry plans to sign an agreement for over 30 MiG-35S aircraft in 2018," Bondarev said.
"It is equipped with a perfect targeting system, and the target acquiring range was significantly improved. What is more, the MiG-35 is a super-maneuverable aircraft. I think it will be in demand both by the Russian Defense Minister and foreign clients," he added.
The MiG-35S outperforms the MiG-29 jet fighter in maneuvering capabilities. It is also expected to be less difficult and less expensive in maintenance than the aircraft of the Su-series.
Earlier it was reported that the MiG-35 would be equipped with fifth-generation on-board electronic systems. Currently, the MiG Corporation is beefing up the capabilities of the aircraft.
The Air Force Staff explained that the new military hardware will be used for a wide range of tasks, including state border protection, airborne missions, and transportation of troops and military equipment.
It will also take part in different large-scale military exercises held by the Russian Armed Forces.
As for the strategic aviation, the first modernized Tu-160 strategic bomber/missile carrier will join the Air Force in 2021. Earlier, a decision to resume the production and modernization of the Tu-160 was made by the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Earlier this week, it was also announced that the PAK DP advanced interceptor aircraft is planned to be developed to replace the MiG-31 interceptor. The R&D work on the project is scheduled to begin not until 2019.
