New Su-34s Join Russia’s Combat Aviation Fleet
A batch of new Su-34 fighter-bombers has joined the combat aviation fleet of the Russian Armed Forces.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced the delivery of the aircraft on October 7.
The manufacturer states that before being sent to their air bases, the aircraft underwent a series of necessary ground and flight tests at the factory.
The Russians are keeping the number of aircraft transferred secret. However, judging by the published photos and videos, the delivery involved three Su-34s.
The supply of these aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces is being carried out under the aggressor country’s defense procurement program.
The manufacturer delivered the previous batch of new Su-34s in July this year.
Su-34
The Su-34, which Russia classifies as a fighter-bomber, is designed to strike ground, surface, and aerial targets at considerable distances from its home air base. The aircraft can also conduct aerial reconnaissance.
The new aircraft are replacing Su-34s destroyed or damaged in the war against Ukraine. Some aircraft are also reaching the end of their service life due to their constant use in bombing strikes against Ukrainian positions.
In June, Russia’s Ministry of Defense published video of a Su-34 fitted with a new antenna fairing behind the cockpit, which may indicate the installation of additional communications or electronic warfare equipment.
Recent Su-34 Losses
On August 20, Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck the Russian Akhtubinsk military airfield in the Astrakhan region, damaging a Su-34.
During an attack on the Khanskaya airfield on October 4, drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed two Russian aircraft — a Su-35 and a Su-34.
At the end of March this year, it was announced that another Su-34 fighter-bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces had been lost.
Source: Militaryni
