What will happen to Russian military aviation after the war? These aircraft could be scrapped

Russia will likely need to retire several types of combat aircraft after the war, regardless of how or when it ends, reducing combat capability in practice even if some systems remain on paper. The article argues that past post-conflict patterns show worn or technologically outdated equipment is typically scrapped or sold to third countries to cut costs and forces, leaving only the newest platforms in service. It cites Russia’s post-Soviet precedent: between 1992 and 1998, Moscow retired all single‑engine fighters, including MiG‑21 and MiG‑23 families, MiG‑27, Su‑17, and the Yak‑38, while reallocating small numbers to training. It also notes that, decades later, aircraft retained from that period have exceeded intended service lives.