Soviet aviation refers to the development and operation of aircraft in the Soviet Union from the early 20th century until its dissolution in 1991. The Soviet government prioritized aviation for both military and civilian purposes, leading to the creation of notable aircraft like the MiG fighter jets and the Tupolev bombers. The Soviet aviation industry was characterized by state control and significant investment in research and development. It produced a wide range of aircraft, including commercial airliners like the Tupolev Tu-154 and military transport planes such as the Antonov An-124. These innovations played a crucial role in global aviation history.