The Russian Air Force will take control of Russia’s naval aviation strike aircraft by the end of 2011, a high-ranking naval source has said.

The strike aircraft to be transferred to the air force include Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers, MiG-31 Foxhound interceptors, Su-27 Flanker fighter jets, and Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft.

The transfer of the naval transport aircraft fleet to the air force is also under discussion, according to RIA Novosti.

The navy will retain control over Black Sea Fleet’s Su-24 attack aircraft, Su-33 Flanker D and Su-25UTG Frogfoot carrier-based aircraft, as well as Il-38 May and Be-12 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.