Aerospace Forces (VKS)
Air force and air-defence arm; central to the glide-bomb and missile strike campaigns.
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.