South Front
Click to see full-size image. Source: he United Aircraft Corporation.
On June 1, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced that it had delivered a new batch of Su-34 bombers to Russia’s Aerospace Forces (VKS).
Based on the Su-27 air superiority fighter, the Su-34 was designed primarily for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets on solo and group missions in daytime and at night, under favorable and adverse weather conditions and in a hostile environment with air defense and electronic warfare deployed, as well as for aerial reconnaissance.
“The UAC has delivered a new batch of Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces. These splendid aircraft have been manufactured at the Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Plant. The planes have undergone a set of ground and flight tests and have been delivered to the Defense Ministry of Russia,” the press office said in a statement on its Telegram channel.
“The Su-34 features extended combat capabilities, enabling it to employ advanced air-launched munitions, increase the range of striking ground and naval targets and expand the conditions and accuracy of bombing runs,” the statement reads.
“Su-34 frontline bombers are a major part of the Russian frontline aviation’s strike power,” the press office stressed.
The Su-34 has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 at altitude and a combat radius of 1,100 kilometers with a standard 12,000 kg weapons load.
The bomber can deploy a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including the UPAB-1500B glide bomb, the Kh-29TD tactical air-to-surface missile, the Kh-31PD anti-radiation missile, the Kh-32U anti-ship missile and the Kh-59MK2 land-attack cruise missile. It can also be armed with R-73 short-range and R-77 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
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- Click to see full-size image. Source: he United Aircraft Corporation.
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- Click to see full-size image. Source: he United Aircraft Corporation.
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- Click to see full-size image. Source: he United Aircraft Corporation.
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- Click to see full-size image. Source: he United Aircraft Corporation.
Su-34 bombers first proved their worth during Russian counter-terrorism operations in Syria. Now, they are conducting sorites against Kiev forces on a daily basis in the framework of the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine.
The VKS has so far received more than 150 Su-34s from UAC. The frontline bomber is planned to eventually replace the Su-24 tactical strike fighter and the Tu-22M long-distance bomber in the long term.
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