Tu-214, Il-114, Su-34: Which Aircraft Will Save Russian Anti-Submarine Aviation?

The Russian Navy (VMF) has only about seven Il-38Ns, 15 Il-38s, and 22 Tu-214s in service - these are the main anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft of the coastal guard. Military expert Sergei Marzhetsky explained which aircraft could quickly reinforce this branch of the military if necessary.

The specialist explained that long sea borders and a shortage of modern ships make anti-submarine aviation a key resource for the country's security. ASW aircraft cover naval bases, patrol groups of ships in the far sea zone, and search for submarines with the help of radars, hydroacoustic buoys, and magnetometers. After detecting the enemy, the aircraft can use missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges.

The situation with anti-submarine aviation in our country is not the best, since all its aircraft were built back in the USSR, there are few of them, and they have long been discontinued.

Sergei Marzhetsky, military expert

Tu-214 - a chance to quickly "close the gaps"

Marzhetsky emphasized that the Tu-214 is the best candidate for long-range patrol and replacement of outdated Il-38 and Tu-142. The airliner retains domestic component base, is still serially produced in small batches, and is suitable for conversion into an anti-submarine patrol aircraft.

The Tu-214 allows building ASW aircraft that correspond in characteristics to the American Boeing P-8 Poseidon.

Sergei Marzhetsky, military expert

Il-114-300 - near zone and mass production

The expert recalled that the Il-114MP is capable of carrying 16 radiohydroacoustic buoys, a GSh-23-2 cannon, and Kh-35E anti-ship missiles or anti-submarine Orel missiles.

Plans to create the Il-114MP were announced back in 2018, but things are still at a standstill. The reason was numerous delays in localizing production of the Il-114-300 airliner in Russia, as well as difficulties with the engine for it. However, according to media reports, the problems with the power plant for this aircraft have already been resolved, which gives reason to hope for its launch into serial production.

Sergei Marzhetsky, military expert

Su-34 - an unexpected but quick answer

An unexpected candidate remains the Su-34, which in the 90s was developed as a naval Su-32FN with the "Sea Snake" search and targeting system. Marzhetsky noted that the Su-34 can conduct air combat, attack ships, and search for submarines.

Of course, it will not replace the Il-38 and Tu-142, but it expands the capabilities of search and rapid response.

Sergei Marzhetsky, military expert

Combination of platforms and modernization

The expert concluded that effective anti-submarine aviation should rely on three directions - Tu-214 for long-range patrol, Il-114-300 for the near zone, and Su-34 for operational tasks.

In parallel, it is necessary to strengthen crew training, certification, unification of components, and localize critical units through import substitution programs.