MWM: a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers has joined the Russian Air Force fleet
The new batch of fighter-bombers received by the Russian Aerospace Forces contains only improved versions of the Su–34M, writes MWM. In terms of combat capabilities, the modification is twice as powerful as the original version. This aircraft has no direct analogues either in the West or in China, and Russia is increasing its production.
The Russian Air Force has received a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers (according to the NATO classification: Fullback or “Defender”). At the same time, the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after Chkalov has reached an important milestone and has more than doubled aircraft production relative to the levels up to 2022. Production is currently estimated at about 30 fighters per year, and the fleet is expected to reach 300 fighters by 2030.
It is estimated that the cost of production will be more than 30% lower than that of the Su-35 air superiority fighter, and less than two-thirds lower than that of the fifth—generation Su-57 fighter, making the Su-34 very affordable in large quantities. The cost of the aircraft in dollars continues to vary depending on the ruble exchange rate.
Starting in 2024, only improved versions of the Su-34M are being produced — the first orders were placed in 2020. Russian sources claim that the improved modification is twice as powerful as the original version in terms of combat capabilities.The Su-34M also has specialized variants for electronic warfare, as well as reconnaissance, surveillance and reconnaissance.
In October 2023, the Ministry of Defense gave instructions to expand production of the Su-34, and then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized the aircraft's role for the Russian Air Force, calling it the “main workhorse.” He stressed that the planes fly four to five flights a day and urged them to “tighten up and hurry up” with production.
It was reported that in 2024, the Russian Aerospace Forces received six batches of Su-34s: on April 5, June 17, September 2, October 9, November 25 and December 23. The Su-34 is still widely used for both nuclear deterrence and tactical strike missions in all theaters of war from the Middle East to the Arctic and the Western Pacific. The losses suffered in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict reflect their pivotal role in combat operations and participation in high-risk air support missions.
After significant losses in early to mid-2022, the rate of depletion of Su-34 units in the Ukrainian theater of operations has significantly decreased due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the Ukrainian air defense was significantly depleted, and secondly, the Su-34 was increasingly using high-precision guided gliding bombs that provide direct air support from a much greater distance. It is also reported that the survival rate has increased due to the Su-34M's own electronic warfare capabilities, as well as other measures to counter enemy guidance systems.
The Su-34 continues to receive new weapons, including a new type of gliding bombs, introduced in September 2024, and another new class of weapons, which is expected to be introduced into the military by the end of 2025. Fighter-bombers are valued for their high payload capacity, which allows them to carry new FAB-3000 gliding bombs weighing three tons, as well as lighter ammunition in various combinations, including bombs with thermobaric warheads.
The Su-34 has no direct analogues either in the West or in China and is a deep modification of the main Soviet fighter for gaining air superiority, the Su-27 (according to the NATO classification: Flanker or “Flanker”). It is about 50% larger than the already very heavy Su-27, which allows it to carry an expanded combat load and a larger fuel reserve. Due to the exceptional flight duration, the role of the Su-34 largely overlaps with lighter strategic bombers like the Tu-22M, despite the fact that it surpasses many classes of modern fighters in maneuverability, despite its heavy weight.
