Russian Air Force Day: A Tribute to Iconic Military Aircraft

On August 12, 2015 Russia celebrates the annual Air Force Day. Sporting a wide assortment of military aircraft, this branch of the Russian military remains ever-vigilant, ready to obliterate any enemy foolish enough to threaten the country's borders.

1/13

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Ankov

A Sukhoi Su-30M2 multirole fighter aircraft lands at a military airfield in Primorsky Territory, Russia.

2/13

© Sputnik / Host photo agency/Konstantin Chalabov

Tupolev Tu-160 supersonic heavy strategic bomber takes part in the Victory Day Parade in Moscow. May 9, 2015.

3/13

© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich

Sukhoi Su-25 close air support aircraft.

4/13

© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich

A Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber participating in the Aviadarts-2015 competition in Voronezh, Russia.

5/13

© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich

MiG-29 fighter aircraft piloted by members of The Swifts aerobatic team participate in the MAKS-2013 airshow.

6/13

© Photo : Jason M Banker

An Ilyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraft used by the Soviet Union during World War II.

7/13

© Sputnik / Valeriy Melnikov

A Sukhoi Su-34 strike fighter.

8/13

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Ankov

A MiG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft prepares for takeoff.

9/13

© Sputnik / Alexei Kudenko

An Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft deploys paratroopers during a military exercise.

10/13

© Sputnik / Anton Denisov

A Yakovlev Yak-130 subsonic trainer and light attack aircraft.

11/13

© Sputnik / Anton Denisov

Tupolev Tu-95MS turboprop strategic bombers.

12/13

© Sputnik / Igor Mikhalev

A Sikorsky Ilya Muromets four-engine heavy military bomber used by the Russian Empire during World War I.

13/13

© Sputnik / Anatoly Sergeev-Vasiliev

A Yakovlev Yak-9 single-engine fighter aircraft used by the USSR during World War II.