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Conflict Module · Eastern Europe · Force Atlas

Aerospace Forces (VKS)

Force Atlas / Armed Forces of Russia / Aerospace Forces (VKS)

Branch

Aerospace Forces (VKS)

The umbrella aerospace service — Air Force, Air & Missile Defence Forces and Space Forces; central to the glide-bomb and missile strike campaigns.

Moscow-alignedAirFixed-wing air power and strategic strike arm

Broad area of activity

Operating from Russian airspace across the front; central to the glide-bomb campaign and long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Notable history

Entered the war expecting rapid air superiority and never achieved it — Ukrainian air defences forced Russian aviation back from the front lines in 2022. The adaptation was standoff weapons: from 2023, cheap UMPK glide-bomb kits let VKS bombers strike from beyond most air-defence range, becoming one of Russia's most consequential battlefield weapons. Long-range aviation and drone forces carry the strategic strike campaign against the grid.

Strengths

Large airframe and munitions inventory; glide bombs deliver heavy firepower at low cost and low risk; operates from sanctuary airspace.

Limitations

No air superiority after three years; vulnerable to Patriot ambushes near the front; accumulated airframe fatigue and attrition of experienced crews.

Subordinate & associated

Documented equipment

Su-34 · Documented · high confidenceUMPK glide-bomb kits (FAB family) · Documented · high confidenceKa-52 Alligator · Documented · high confidenceS-400 Triumf · Documented · high confidence

Related locations

Engels airbase area · Associated withSaky airbase area · Associated withBelbek airfield area · Associated withMillerovo airbase area · Associated withMorozovsk airbase area · Associated with

Engels airbase area: Long-range aviation base publicly associated with the strike campaign; repeatedly struck.

Sensitivity: Public · structuralAssessment confidence: highStatus as of 2026-06Reviewed 2026-06Sources: Established international media reporting · ISW campaign assessments · Russian Ministry of Defence statements · IISS Military BalanceMethodology