The battle-hardened Su-25 attack aircraft, which made tens of thousands of sorties only during the war in Afghanistan, will be able to remain in service for several more decades.
The basis of such longevity is successful design solutions that gave the aircraft a powerful modernization reserve. As a result, thanks to relatively small updates, it is still in demand in modern military conflicts and is one of the most combat-ready in the Russian Aerospace Forces, The National Interest writes.
This attack aircraft was adopted in the early 1980s, its main task is to support the ground forces. Due to its powerful weapons and armored body, it is also often called a "flying tank". It has five suspension points under each wing and boasts a diverse set of missiles and bombs, as well as a 30-millimeter cannon.
In addition to the war in Afghanistan, the Rooks - another unofficial name for this attack aircraft - were also the main air strike force of the Iraqi army in the conflict with Iran. Later, they were actively used during the Chechen campaigns, and more recently-during the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Gradually, the basic version of the fighter was replaced by the modernized Su-25SM, which received updated avionics, improved engines and additional weapons. Now the Russian Aerospace Forces are receiving even more modern Su-25SM3 attack aircraft with modernized guidance, electronic warfare and navigation systems.
Alexey Ivanov
