Alexander Mladenov
How the Ukraine War has exposed vulnerabilities within Russia's Su-25 fleet
The protracted war in Ukraine has exposed key vulnerabilities of the ageing Su-25 fleet, leading to significant combat attrition while the type’s operational effectiveness has been unimpressive. This leads to a conclusion that the end of the Frogfoot’s career in Russia is in sight. Alexander Mladenov explains why
Why Rogachevo Air Base is key to Russian military operations in the Arctic
Alexander Mladenov looks at the prospects of further development of Rogachevo Air Base on Novaya Zemlya archipelago – key to airspace control over the Western sector of the strategically important Northern Sea Route in the frigid High North of Russia
Russia's intense air and missile defence operation in Ukraine War
Alexander Mladenov examines Russia’s air and missile defence operations in its protracted and hotly contested war with Ukraine
How Russia is upgrading its Bear-H and Backfire-C bombers
In the second of his two-part article on Russia’s big bomber fleet, Alexander Mladenov examines the upgrade programmes for the Bear-H and Backfire-C, and looks at the impact of systematic strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
Just how powerful is Russia's strategic bomber force?
Alexander Mladenov examines the current state, operations and inventory of Russia’s long-range bomber fleet which has been undergoing upgrades while also seeing active service in Ukraine
Su-57 Felon: Why Russia’s first stealth fighter has yet to fully ‘take-off’
The fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57 is among Russia’s top airpower priorities, but the ambitious project has suffered from protracted development and testing and the production effort is yet to gather speed. Alexander Mladenov reports
Russia moves to make the Sukhoi Su-34 deadlier amidst war in Ukraine
AirForces Monthly reviews the status of the Su-34 Fullback, the enhancement plans for the type and its controversial operations in the ongoing war in Ukraine
Mil Mi-24 and Mi-35 Hind family reviewed
Known as the world’s most numerous attack helicopter, the Mi-24/35 Hind is still in production in Russia, with a series of upgrades and continuing interest from operators. Alexander Mladenov reports
India's BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile to become even more lethal
Billed as the first ever operational supersonic cruise missile, the heavyweight, sea skimming PJ-10 BrahMos is set to be developed into a more versatile and lethal version. Alexander Mladenov reports
How sophisticated is Russia's air defence network?
Fighter operations and ground-based air defences have so far proved to be among Russia’s few victories in its otherwise poorly planned and mismanaged campaign in Ukraine. AirForces Monthly explains