FSB Aviation Department Ka-27PS RF-19596.

The FSB's Border Guard aviation has several dozens Ka-27PS coaxial-rotor helicopters used to patrol Russia's sea borders. Here a Gelendzhik-based example is seen operating together with a patrol vessel in the Black Sea.

The Mi-24 is used by the FSB to provide fire support to its troops. Approximately 20 remain in service.

The aviation department of the Internal Troops of the Russian Ministry of Interior maintains a small fleet of Mi-24 combat helicopters. Since the early/mid 1990s these helicopters have been providing close air support to the ground units engaged in fighting with insurgent groups in the Caucasus Mountains. The Internal Troops helicopters can be easily distinguished thanks to the presence of a vertical white strip on the tail boom.

Border Guard aviation has ten Mi-26 heavylift helicopters that undertake re-supply and the transport of heavy equipment.

The FSB operates a range of fixed-wing types, the largest of which is the Il-76.

One of the FSB's many Mi-8 Hips.

An Mi-8AMTSh of the the FSB Aviation Department fitted with two nose-mounted turrets housing the GOES-321 system used for night time navigation and surveillance, and the GOES-342 for targeting the helicopter's guided and unguided weapons.

A VV Mi-8MT is pictured on approach to Khankala airfield in the troubled republic of Chechnya. The helicopters operating there always carry loaded machine guns for self protection as well as two packs of 80mm rockets.

FSB Mi-8MTs RF-23130 and RF-23133 are painted in different colour schemes

FSB Mi-8MTs RF-23130 and RF-23133 are painted in different colour schemes

The An-72P is operated by the FSB's Border Guard service for the enforcement of Russia's exclusive economic zone. They conduct sea patrol and if needed these can also employ weapons against ships violating the rules in Russian territorial waters.

The Ka-226 is due to be procured in significant numbers by the FSB Aviation Department for use in the border patrol role, and its design will be 'marinised' for use onboard patrol ships. To date, the FSB has received four Ka-226s.

The FSB aviation service has on strength six Technoavia SM-92T Turbo Finist utility fixed-wing patrol aircraft used for transporting up to eight passengers, border patrol and the liaison role.