Air Force is a branch of the Russian Armed Forces designed for aerial warfare. It is responsible for providing air reconnaisance, gaining air superiority (air deterrence). Air Force is in charge of aerial defence of national industry hubs and troops, timely air warning, delivering strikes at enemy's targets, supporting the Ground Force and the Navy, airborne operations, air deployment.

Air Force strategic role is primarily played by Strategic Aviation consisting of long-range bombers (TU-160)capable of carrying nuclear missiles.

Russian Air Force is armed with various types of military fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, i.e. fighters (worldwide known SU, MIG fighters), used to destroy other aircraft, bombers (TU-22, TU-160) and attack aircraft, used to attack ground targets, reconnaissance aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft (A-50), transport aircraft (IL-76), tankers which provide in-flight re-fuelling for other aircraft, helicopters, used for attack, reconnaissance or transport missions and training aircraft.