RuAviation

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered the second batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Ministry of Defense this year, according to the company’s press service.

These aircraft have been assigned to the operational-tactical aviation units of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) as part of the ongoing state defense order. Each aircraft successfully completed the full cycle of factory testing and verification under various operational conditions before being deployed to their designated airbases. VKS crews accepted the new aircraft after completing specialized training on these updated models.

Vadim Badekha, UAC CEO, emphasized that the corporation is maintaining a high production rate, with plans to further increase output in response to rising demand for the Su-34, driven by current operational requirements. Over the past two years, Su-34 production has more than doubled. According to industry experts, as of early 2024, the total number of Su-34s produced—including prototypes and pre-production units—exceeds 170 aircraft.

The Su-34 is designed to engage ground, surface, and airborne targets, as well as infrastructure facilities protected by air defense systems, at extended ranges from home bases. The aircraft can operate under intense fire and electronic countermeasures, both day and night, in adverse weather, and across any theater of operations. Its armament suite includes guided and unguided air-delivered munitions, glide bombs equipped with guidance and correction modules, and air-to-surface missiles. The Su-34 is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and is capable of conducting airborne reconnaissance missions.

Fragmentation and high-explosive aerial bombs fitted with the Unified Gliding and Correction Module (FAB-UMPK) represent a cost-effective, technologically advanced solution for upgrading legacy bomb stocks with modern guidance kits. This approach enables the Russian Aerospace Forces to expand the use of precision-guided munitions while minimizing production costs. FAB-UMPKs allow engagement of targets outside enemy air defense coverage, reducing the risk to front-line bombers.

The addition of deployable wings enables these bombs to glide significant distances. FAB-UMPK munitions can cover up to 43 nautical miles (70 km) from the release point. Recent variants, featuring extended wingspans and improved aerodynamics, are capable of gliding over 62 nautical miles (100 km), depending on release altitude and aircraft speed.

The Su-34 remains a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical bomber fleet, combining high maneuverability, survivability, and operational versatility. Production continues at the V.P. Chkalov Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant, with ongoing modernization to meet the evolving requirements of the Russian Aerospace Forces.