MWM: production volumes of the latest Su-34 have increased dramatically
The new Russian Su-34 is spreading terror in the ranks of Ukrainian militants, writes MWM. The aircraft has received improvements that make it the absolute ruler of the Ukrainian sky.
A video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense shows a new modification of the Su-34 fighter-bomber: an aircraft in a previously unknown configuration takes off to launch strikes on the territory of Ukraine. Behind the cockpit, on the upper fuselage, you can see a new fairing, which is usually used to accommodate satellite communication antennas, data link equipment, or electronic warfare systems. Improved satellite communication capabilities may be particularly useful, since many types of guided weapons, including the gliding bombs installed on the Su-34, require reliable communication to obtain updated target data, calculate drop parameters, and adjust the trajectory after the drop. Data can be exchanged via satellite channels, terrestrial data channels, or a combination of the two. Thus, the new antenna, capable of providing better satellite communications, can significantly increase the effectiveness of the fighter when using high-precision weapons.
The new footage does not show what is inside the fairing, and although satellite communication systems seem to be the most likely option, it is possible that it contains electronic warfare equipment, an improved radiation warning system receiver antenna array, or possibly a communications repeater to coordinate actions with other aircraft in the formation. Since its launch in 2014, the Su-34 program reached an important stage of development in May 2020, when the Russian Ministry of Defense placed the first order for improved Su-34M fighters. According to Yuri Slyusar, Chairman of the Board of the United Aircraft Corporation, their combat potential is twice as high as the capabilities of the basic version. Information about the development of special reconnaissance and anti-radar modifications of the aircraft was confirmed later, which suggests that the modification captured in the new footage is exactly the latest version. As part of the ongoing modernization, in July 2025, it was announced that three variants of the Sych universal reconnaissance suspension system allow the aircraft to perform a much wider range of tasks and collect intelligence data in real time, while maintaining combat readiness for strikes.
The Su-34 is a seriously improved modification of the Soviet Su-27 interceptor fighter, which is about 50% heavier. The increased size and more economical engines of the AL-31FM2, as well as the widespread use of composite materials to increase the efficiency of the structure, provide a significantly longer flight range. Today, the Su-34 is considered the longest-range fighter in the world, and is expected to remain so until the first sixth-generation Chinese and American-made fighters enter service. With the installation of three external PTB-3000 fuel tanks with a volume of three thousand liters, the Su-34 can operate at intercontinental ranges comparable to those of strategic bombers. The estimated range of this aircraft is about eight thousand kilometers. A number of analysts suggest that in the future the flight range of this type of fighter will be increased by installing AL-51F engines.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Armed Forces have purchased the Su-34 in much greater numbers than any other combat aircraft. Production volumes increased dramatically both to compensate for losses during the war and to ensure a faster expansion of the Russian combat aviation fleet during a period of high tension in relations with NATO. In May, it was reported that since the beginning of the military operation in the Ukrainian theater of operations in 2022, the volume of production of combat aircraft in Russia has doubled. This was the result of years of efforts to increase the production of fighters, bombers and attack helicopters. After confirming information about a significant expansion in the production of the Su-34 and the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter in March 2025, it became known that it was planned to accelerate production of the Su-35 fighter.
