This was announced by member of defence committee of Russian State Duma, general-major Nikolai Bezborodov, who used to command the aviation units in Russian Armed forces. "Depreciation of aviation equipment in Russian Air Force amounts to more than 57%, among them 55% were exploited for more than 15 years, 40% - from 5 to 10 years, and only 20 airplanes - for less than 5 years. In sum 87% of aviation technical equipment is exploited due to prolongation of resources and terms of use", - said Bezborodov. By his words, the term of maximum prolongation of majority airplanes` and helicopters` exploitation expires in 2006-2009. "After expiration of these terms equipment will be removed from Air Force`s arsenal, otherwise aviation catastrophes will increase by several times", - said the delegate. Bezborodov noted that "by most optimistic estimates, 3200 airplanes and 1300 helicopters will be removed from military arsenal of Air Force by 2009". Talking about building of new airplanes at the expense of state budget, general emphasized that "purchases of new samples of aviation equipment are realized in single specimens for 10 years and they can not cover the natural losses of aviation depot". He noted that 150 military airplanes of various types and 60 helicopters should be bought annually during next 20-25 years for rearmament of Air Force. "Unfortunately, military budget of 2006, approved by State Duma, allows only modernization and not purchase of 17 Su-27 fighters and about 20 Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters next year", - emphasized delegate Bezborodov.