Russia Receives More Su-34 Fighter-Bombers

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) recently delivered a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Air Force.

This was confirmed by UAC's press service on social media. These aircraft, produced by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association Plant under UAC, mark the second batch handed over to Russia in 2023, with the exact quantity estimated to be between two and three units.

The initial delivery of this aircraft type occurred in early June of the same year, consisting of two units. In 2022, the Russian Armed Forces received two additional batches, each comprising two to four Su-34 fighter-bombers.

However, amid these arrivals, Russia has also faced losses within its Su-34 fleet. In 2023, two fighter-bombers were lost due to Ukrainian air defense systems and an air accident. Since the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has reportedly lost a total of 22 Su-34 and Su-34M fighter-bombers.

The Su-34, a two-seat fighter-bomber developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, is proficient at executing precise missile and bomb strikes on enemy ground targets in operational and tactical regions, as well as engaging air targets. With a combat radius ranging from 600 to 1,100 kilometers, depending on its load, the Su-34 boasts an 8-ton payload capacity, enabling it to carry bombs weighing up to 500 kilograms or two 1,500 kg bombs.

Before 2023, gravity bombs were the primary armament for targeting ground objectives. However, this changed with the introduction of guidance kits for gravity bombs, which expanded the bomber's standard weapons package.