Developed from the earlier I-5 fighter, the Polikarpov I-15 was the last major biplane fighter used by the Soviet Union and hands down one of the most archaic aircraft to see extensive service during World War II. It was remarkably good for an aircraft of its type and it gave a good account of itself during the Spanish Civil War thanks to decent performance figures and easy handling, it was also instantly recognizable thanks to a prominent upper gull wing which led to its nickname of Chaika (Gull). However, it began to show its age during the clashes with the Japanese in 1939 during the Nomonhan Incident and the Winter War against Finland; by the time of the German invasion it hopelessly obsolete despite a number of improvements throughout its service life. Despite this, it was still used in front line service as far as 1943 due to the USSR's desperate need for fighters.

First flight of the I-15 was during December 1933 and entered service in 1934. It was later replaced by the I-15bis which was used mostly used in Spain and featured a straight upper wing and an improved engine based on the Wright Cyclone. Eventually, the much improved I-153 became the most widely produced version and served during the war mainly as a ground attack aircraft. It returned to the gull wing configuration of the I-15 in addition to having a retractable undercarriage and was modified into the I-153P with 20-mm cannon as well as the I-153V and I-153KGK with pressurized cabins. The strangest variant, however, was the I-153DM which was equipped with auxiliary ramjets.