Russia's Aircraft Fleet: A Looming Crisis?

Concerns Mount Over State of Russia's Aging Aircraft Fleet MOSCOW, May 15, 2025 — A recent video highlights growing concerns about the condition of Russia's aging aircraft fleet. Experts interviewed in the video warn of potential maintenance challenges and the impact on the country's aviation sector. "Even obtaining a single engine component for thousands of planes requires thousands of engines," stated Oleg Smirnov, former deputy minister of the USSR's civil aviation. This underscores the difficulty of maintaining a large fleet of aging aircraft. The video also notes the lack of skilled personnel to carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance. The video's analysis suggests a potential vulnerability in Russia's air power, particularly in light of international sanctions and restrictions on spare parts. The situation warrants further investigation into the long-term implications for Russia's aviation capabilities.