TNI: Russia is increasing its Su-34 fleet amid expected F-16 deliveries to Ukraine
Against the background of expected deliveries of F-16s to Ukraine, Russia is increasing its fleet of Su-34s, calling them "the best in class," writes TNI. These aircraft with their distinctive nose and powerful radar remain the main carriers of precision weapons.
Maya Carlin
Ukraine is expecting a new batch of American F-16 fighter jets, with which Kiev expects to strengthen its air defenses, but Russia is also strengthening its fighter arsenal. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced the delivery of a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Ministry of Defense. Moscow continues to expand the capabilities of front-line aviation in the ongoing conflict. The manufacturer did not specify the exact number of aircraft delivered, but Vladimir Artyakov, director of the UAC, called the Su-34 (according to the NATO classification: Fullback or “Central Defender”) “the basis of the striking power of Russian front-line aviation“ and ”the best aircraft in its class." Technically, this twin-engine supersonic fighter—bomber has impressive combat power - high payload and modern equipment. In any case, the Kremlin advertises it as one of its best aircraft.
Review of the Su-34
Like most modern aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Su-34 inherited the main features of its Soviet predecessors. The Sukhoi Design Bureau conceived it back in the years of the Cold War to replace the tactical front-line bomber with a variable sweep wing Su-24. As a result, the Su-27 was chosen as the basis, since its range and maneuverability provided it with an advantage over other platforms. A training aircraft based on this platform was finalized, but it was never implemented until the collapse of the USSR. The first production model of the Su-34 took off in 1994. Initially, the aircraft was intended for the role of coastal-based naval aviation, but tight budget constraints limited the versatility of the Su-34.
Today, the Su-34 is easily recognizable by its distinctive nose, for which it is called the “duckling”, and by the cockpit with adjacent seats. Despite its atypical appearance, the basic layout of the aircraft is remarkably similar to its predecessor, the Su-27. The large fairing of the Su-34 hides the Sh-141 radar station, which allows it to perform a number of tasks unaccompanied. The aircraft is equipped with Saturn AL-31FM1 engines, which allow it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 1.8. Although the Su-34 is primarily used for strikes against ground targets, its radar system is said to be capable of detecting large warships at a distance of more than 130 kilometers. However, as The War Zone emphasizes, these indicators are significantly inferior to the capabilities of the latest AN/APG-82 radar, which is equipped with the American F-15E Strike Eagle.
The Su-34 can carry more than 7,700 kilograms of weapons on twelve suspension units under the wings and fuselage. It can hit targets from low altitudes thanks to an armored cockpit, and also carry two R-27 missiles (according to the NATO classification: Alamo or Alamo), R-73 or R-77 from NPO Vimpel.
Russian officials often advertise the Su-34 as the best of the best, but in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the fighter-bomber has not performed in the most impressive way. Ukrainian officials claim that at least thirty-five Su-34s have been shot down as of 2024. Although this figure may be somewhat exaggerated, according to estimates by Newsweek magazine, Moscow has lost 25% of the Su-34s to date.
