Russia revives military schools amid aging fleet concerns
Russia plans to reactivate disbanded military schools, including the Ulyanovsk Aviation School, which is intended to train Tu-95MS bomber pilots, reports Defense Express. The problem, however, is that Russia no longer produces these aircraft.
The country intends to revive military schools that were disbanded in the 2000s, including the Ulyanovsk Aviation School, which is set to start operations on September 1, 2025. This school is specifically aimed at training pilots for strategic Tu-95MS bombers. This move is part of a broader strategy to rebuild the nation's military education system.
New training centers
In addition to reactivating the Ulyanovsk Aviation School, Russia plans to establish new training centers to replace existing university military departments.
The country also intends to reinstate other military schools, such as an artillery school, a chemical warfare school in Saratov, a signal corps school in Novocherkassk, and a ground forces school in Irkutsk. Defense Express reports that in 2021, Russia had 109 "military training centers." By 2024, this number increased to 137, with a total of 60,000 individuals being trained there.
Militarization of education
However, analysts from Defense Express point out a contradiction: Russia's plans include starting a school for Tu-95MS pilots despite no longer producing these aircraft. Furthermore, the number of these planes in Russia's arsenal is gradually decreasing. Experts suggest that Moscow is expanding the mobilization and personnel training system of its army, focusing on increasing their military capabilities quantitatively with more emphasis on long-range weapons and elements of the nuclear triad.
For clarification, the Tu-95MS is one of the oldest strategic aircraft still in use in the Russian arsenal. Its range is approximately 7,500 miles, allowing it to execute long-range missions. The aircraft is powered by four NK-12 turboprop engines, enabling a maximum speed of over 500 mph. Additionally, the Tu-95MS can carry loads of up to 44,000 pounds, making it a versatile tool in military operations.
The Tu-95MS aircraft are designed to carry a variety of weapons, including cruise missiles like the Kh-55 and Kh-101, as well as both conventional and nuclear bombs. The Kh-55 missiles can reach a range of up to 1,860 miles, allowing them to target strategic locations from long distances. Meanwhile, the more advanced Kh-101 features modern guidance systems, making it even more precise and effective in action.
