French SCALP Missiles Mounted on Ukrainian Su-24 Aircraft to target Russian forces.

The Ukrainian armed forces have officially deployed the SCALP cruise missile. We'll provide you with more details on this development in an article by Army Recognition dated August 8, 2023. This significant step was confirmed during a recent visit by President Zelensky to a Su-24 Fencer unit tasked with launching these advanced missiles.

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SCAPL Long-range air-launched attack cruise missile mounted on a Su-24 Fencer (Picture source: screen footage of Ukrainian MoD )

The SCALP missile was handed over to President Zelensky, with the missile adorned in the colors of the French flag and the Ukrainian coat of arms. Manufactured by MBDA, these missiles will enhance Ukraine's strategic capabilities. However, what piques our interest here is that the French missile was mounted on a Su-24, an aircraft not originally designed to operate with SCALP missiles. Let's delve a bit into the capabilities of the aircraft.

In the realm of modern military aviation, few aircraft can boast the longevity, adaptability, and impact of the Sukhoi Su-24. Designed and produced by Russia's Sukhoi corporation in collaboration with the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association, this frontline attack aircraft, also known as an interceptor, has found its place in the service of several nations worldwide. With a distinctive blend of power, speed, and technological innovation, the Su-24 has left an indelible mark on the aviation landscape.

The Su-24 has found its way into the arsenals of several countries. Among its users are Algeria, Iran, Russia, Syria, Sudan, and of course, Ukraine. Powered by two Saturn/Lyulka AL-21F-3A turbojet engines, each providing a thrust of 11,250 kgf, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of 1,315 km/h. With a combat radius of 1,050 km and a maximum ferry range of 2,775 km, the Su-24 has the capability to cover vast distances without compromising its performance.

At the heart of the Su-24's capabilities lies a suite of advanced avionics and systems. The PNS-24 Tigr navigation and attack system ensures extreme precision during complex missions, while the Filin-N defensive countermeasures system enhances survivability by disrupting enemy targeting systems. The Beryoza (Birch) radar warning receiver, SPS-161 jammer, and Geran-F jammer together form an electronic warfare package.

The aircraft measures 22.5 meters in length, with a wingspan ranging from 10.7 to 17.6 meters and a height of 6.2 meters. These dimensions not only contribute to its aerodynamic agility but also accommodate its two-person crew, a configuration that enables efficient task distribution and improved situational awareness.

The Su-24 is capable of performing various missions, including anti-ship warfare, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and notably ground attack. It's this latter capability that becomes important for striking deep into Russian logistics, thanks to the SCALP missiles that the Ukrainians have successfully mounted. Despite the adaptability of the Russians, the delivery of such equipment is extremely important for Ukraine.

Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer front-line attack aircraft (Picture Source: Vitaly V.Kuzmin )