The Russian Armed Forces will receive no less than 230 new airplanes and helicopters by the end of 2014, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

“As you know, modern aviation is being received actively in the Armed Forces, and this year alone more than 230 aircraft will be received,” Shoigu said, adding that 50 aircraft have already entered service and that another 180 will enter service by the end of the year.

According to Shoigu, the military is paying special attention to mastering the use of the avionics and increasing its operational safety.

Russia is currently undergoing a $640 billion rearmament program aimed at increasing the share of modern weaponry in Russia’s Armed Forces to 70% by 2020. According to the program, Russia's Air Force will receive about 2,000 new aircrafts, including 985 planes.

Source: RIA Novosti

Photo: Yak-130 combat-capable trainer aircraft