2B-Adversaries: Russian Federation (1991-2001)

Though the USSR collapsed in 1991, the former Soviet Air Force (VVS) and Air Defense Forces (PVO) continued operating under the Russian Federation until they were merged in a 1998 reorganization. Russian aircraft continued to use the Soviet red star markings until 2010.

During my military service, the VVS conducted missions to test U.S. air defenses and performed signals intelligence operations near Alaska through 1994. In response, U.S. forces often encountered interceptions by PVO aircraft. U.S. aircraft sometimes flew within range of PVO long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. After a brief period of warming relations, Russia began aggressive maneuvers near U.S. Navy ships in the Sea of Japan, starting with a flyover of the USS Kitty Hawk in October 2000. This marked the beginning of a more aggressive Russian military posture led by Vladimir Putin, who was named Prime Minister in 1999. This collection includes Russian aircraft and air defense equipment that directly threatened U.S. forces during my time in service.

BOMBER / SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE
- Tu-95MS Bear-H (Russian Air Force)
- Su-24M Fencer-D (Russian Air Force)

AIR DEFENSE FORCES - INTERCEPTORS & GCI
- Su-15TM Flagon-F (Russian Air Defense Forces)
- MiG-25PD Foxbat-E (Russian Air Defense Forces)
- MiG-23P Flogger-G (Russian Air Defense Forces)
- MiG-31B Foxhound (Russian Air Defense Forces)
- Su-27P Flanker-B (Russian Air Defense Forces)
- Big Mesh (P-30) GCI radar (Russian Air Defense Forces)
• Bar Lock (P-35) GCI radar (Russian Air Defense Forces)

AIR DEFENSE FORCES - ROCKETS
- SA-5 Gammon / *Square Pair (Russian Air Defense Forces)
- SA-10E Grumble / Flap Lid (Russian Air Defense Forces)
* Tin Shield (Russian Air Defense Forces)
* Clam Shell (Russian Air Defense Forces)

* Wishlist
• Main topic featured in a different collection