Breaking News
Russia Increases Its Strike Force by Supplying New Su-34 Fighter-Bombers to Russian Air Forces in Ukraine.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, has delivered a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry. These advanced aircraft successfully passed all required testing and have been deployed to their assigned bases, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities of Russia's frontline air forces.
The Su-34 is a Russian-designed fighter-bomber, developed by Sukhoi Company and used primarily by the Russian Air Force. (Picture source: Rostec)
Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec, emphasized the corporation's commitment to maintaining and even increasing production rates to meet national defense orders. According to Artyakov, the Su-34 remains a cornerstone of tactical aviation, valued for its ability to deploy both guided and unguided air-to-ground weaponry with remarkable efficiency. The aircraft’s versatility allows it to operate effectively across various theaters of operations, regardless of environmental or operational conditions.
The Su-34 is specifically designed to engage and neutralize ground, maritime, and aerial targets, including heavily defended infrastructure located far from its base. Engineered to withstand enemy fire and electronic countermeasures, the aircraft is equipped to conduct missions both day and night, under all weather conditions. In addition to its primary strike role, the Su-34 is also capable of performing aerial reconnaissance missions, further enhancing its operational utility.
Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC, highlighted the importance of meeting deadlines for national defense orders, confirming that this is not the final batch of Su-34s scheduled for delivery this year. He underlined the essential role of these aircraft in the effectiveness of Russian tactical aviation, noting their proven performance in real combat scenarios.
The Su-34 is a Russian-designed fighter-bomber, developed by Sukhoi Company and used primarily by the Russian Air Force. Classified as a tactical strike aircraft, it stands out for its ability to conduct both ground-attack and air-superiority missions while incorporating advanced technologies to ensure its versatility on the battlefield.
Designed for a two-person crew—a pilot and a systems operator—the Su-34 is powered by two Lyulka AL-31FM1 turbofan engines, each delivering a thrust of 13,500 kilograms-force. This propulsion system enables the aircraft to reach an impressive maximum speed of 1,900 km/h, with an operational cruising speed of 1,400 km/h. The aircraft also boasts remarkable autonomy, with an operational range of 4,000 km, allowing it to conduct long-range missions without refueling.
With an empty weight of 38,240 kg and a maximum combat load of 8,000 kg, the Su-34 is capable of carrying a wide range of armaments, from unguided bombs to guided missiles, as well as advanced weapon systems tailored to specific missions. Its dimensions highlight its robustness: a length of 25.5 meters, a wingspan of 14.7 meters, and a height of 6.2 meters, all of which enable a balance between maneuverability and strike power.
One of the Su-34’s major strengths lies in its advanced avionics systems. It is equipped with a Leninets B-004 multimode active phased-array radar, offering enhanced detection and targeting capabilities. In terms of electronic warfare, the aircraft features the ECM SPO-32/L150 Pastel system, the KNIRTI SPS-171/L005S Sorbtsiya-S defensive jammer, and the Geofizika FLIR infrared warning system. The aircraft also integrates an inertial navigation system and a Platan laser/TV station for target designation, increasing its precision in strike missions.
The Su-34 fighter bomber is recognized as a key component of Russia's aerial strike capability, reflecting the ongoing efforts of Rostec and UAC to meet defense requirements with modern, combat-proven solutions. This latest delivery reaffirms the Su-34’s position as a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical aviation fleet.