Russian Air Force receives new batch of Su-34 fighter bombers

UAC Corporation delivered to the Russian Air Force a series of modernized Su-34M aircraft, with superior combat capabilities to the old version.

“The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces. They were manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chkalov Aviation Plant and have passed all acceptance tests,” the UAC press office said in a statement on June 2.

UAC did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered, but published images showed at least two aircraft being prepared for takeoff at the factory.

Two Su-34Ms preparing for takeoff on June 1. Photo: UAC

“These Su-34s have significantly increased combat capabilities, can use a variety of advanced aviation weapons, increase the range of attacks on ground and sea targets, and expand the ability to attack targets with bombs. The Su-34 fighter-bomber is an important part of the offensive capabilities of the Russian tactical aviation,” the statement said.

The Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) said the two aircraft in the image were Russia's most advanced Su-34M version. This is the first batch of Su-34Ms delivered to the Russian Air Force this year, part of a batch of 24 aircraft ordered by the Defense Ministry in mid-2020.

The Su-34 fighter bomber was born in the Soviet era and put into service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. It is currently one of Russia's main fighter jets on the Ukrainian battlefield, mainly carrying out bombing missions and launching guided missiles at fixed enemy targets.

When carrying 3 tons of bombs, 4 air-to-air missiles and an auxiliary fuel tank, the Su-34 has a range of nearly 3,000 km at high altitude, or 1,700 km when flying close to the ground and sea. The long range and large weapons load allow the Su-34 to carry out its main mission of attacking command, communication and logistics facilities deep in enemy territory, as well as cutting off supply lines to forward forces.

The Su-34M upgrade package significantly improves the aircraft's control system, radar, sight, and communications equipment. The Su-34M's guided weapons deployment range and electronic warfare capabilities are also superior to those of the original fighter-bomber.

A total of 157 Su-34s were produced, including seven prototypes. Several aircraft crashed in Ukraine, apparently after being hit by shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles while operating at low altitude.

According to VNE

Source