12. Soviet Air Forces produced several aces while fighting the Germans
The staggering totals of aircraft shot down by German pilots on the Eastern Front imply the Germans held air superiority over the Soviets. In truth, the Soviets produced an impressive number of aces themselves. More than sixty Soviet pilots achieved the designation of fighter ace, with five scoring 50 kills or more. Soviet pilots, besides engaging in aerial combat, worked closely with ground forces. They played a major role in attacking German armor and troop formations and disrupting supply chains behind the front lines. One reason the Germans scored so highly is they frequently encountered Soviet aircraft engaged in ground support missions, ill-prepared for aerial combat.
Soviet flyers operated aircraft from their own factories, as well as those supplied via lend-lease from the British and Americans. While many of these were nearly obsolescent early in the war, by its end the Soviets flew Spitfires, Airacobras, Hurricanes, and several other front-line fighters. They used them effectively in 1943 over Kursk, and throughout the drive to Berlin in 1944-45. The leading Soviet ace, Ivan Kozhedub, scored 62 victories, including one of the first against a jet fighter by a piston-engine aircraft. He primarily flew a Soviet-built airplane, the Lavochkin La-7, considered equal to the best German piston-engine aircraft of the time.