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As Ukraine Receives Combat Aircraft Russia Strengthens with New Su-34s Strike Fighter.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Rostec has successfully delivered a new batch of Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces. These newly produced aircraft are part of this year’s production program and have undergone comprehensive ground and flight testing before deployment. The manufacturer made this announcement on October 9, 2024.
The Su-34 is a strike fighter designed and produced in Russia. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
“The new series of Su-34s has joined the ranks of the Russian Aerospace Forces, highlighting the consistency and timeliness of deliveries, which are a testament to the coordinated efforts of the aviation industry in supporting Russia's armed forces. I am confident that the Su-34’s enhanced capabilities, with its broad range of deployable armaments, will significantly contribute to the goals of the special military operation,” stated Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
The Su-34 fighter-bomber is a versatile and advanced aircraft within the Russian Aerospace Forces' arsenal, designed to engage ground and naval targets, carry out reconnaissance missions, and suppress enemy air defenses. Its high combat performance, modern technology, and proven success in combat scenarios make the Su-34 a crucial element of Russia’s defense capabilities, ensuring mission success in diverse conditions.
The Su-34 is locally manufactured by the Sukhoi company. This advanced combat aircraft is distinguished by its crew configuration of one pilot and one systems operator, seated in a spacious and well-equipped cockpit suited for complex reconnaissance and attack missions.
Powered by two Lyulka AL-31FM1 turbofan engines, each producing 13,500 kg of thrust, the Su-34 reaches a maximum speed of 1,900 km/h, with a cruising speed of 1,400 km/h. Its impressive range of 4,000 km allows for long-distance operations without refueling, offering strategic flexibility to Russian forces. Weighing 38,240 kg, it can carry up to 8,000 kg of combat load, including various guided armaments for precision strikes.
The Su-34 is also equipped with advanced avionics systems, ensuring both detection and defensive capabilities. Its Leninets B-004 phased array radar provides multimode detection, while the Sorbtsiya-S defensive jamming system, along with the SPO-32 warning jammer and KNIRTI SPS-171 countermeasures, effectively protect the aircraft from aerial and ground threats. For precision strikes, the Su-34 is equipped with the Platan system, a laser/TV station enabling accurate target identification and designation. The aircraft also includes an inertial navigation system and Geofizika FLIR infrared imaging, providing enhanced visibility even in low-light conditions.
With a wingspan of 14.7 meters, 25.5 meters, and a height of 6.2 meters, the Su-34 combines significant maneuverability with substantial payload capacity. This positions it as a versatile asset for Russian combat aviation, capable of conducting strike, reconnaissance, and air defense suppression missions, all while remaining resilient against contemporary threats.
“Our production facilities are maintaining the required pace to fulfill our commitments to the Ministry of Defense on schedule. Supplying the army and navy with new aircraft remains our primary mission. Simultaneously, our production teams are constantly working to improve processes and introduce technologies that allow us to increase production rates,” said UAC CEO Yuri Slyusar.