Russian Military To Produce Su-34 Fighters To Replace Su-24s

Russia may produce over 100 Su-34 strike fighters to replace Su-24 jets, which are currently in service with the country’s Air force and Navy, Sputnik reported Saturday

"This year the [Novosibirsk] aircraft factory must deliver 16 Su-34 frontline bombers," Vladimir Mikhaylov, former commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force was quoted as saying. He added that the factory is ready to exceed the production target.

"Three aircraft will be delivered soon," said the director of the Moscow-based United Aircraft Corporation's Military Aviation Programs Directorate.

Mikhailov added that the aircraft as solid, sound and able to cover long distances with refueling, "In other words, it meets all the requirements for the frontline bomber".

The Su-34, based on the Su-27 fighter, is fitted with twin AL-31MF afterburner turbojet engines and can carry a payload of up to eight tons of precision-guided weapons over 2,500 miles.