Su-25SM3

The Sukhoi 25 will be further developed based on its use in the Ukrainian front

Photo by © Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Russian Ministry of Defence

The Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft is planned to be upgraded for new means of destruction based on the experience of its use in a special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine. This was announced by Vladimir Artyakov, first deputy director general of Rostec.

He noted that the attack aircraft once again proved its effectiveness and indispensability on the battlefield during the special operation. According to him, the effectiveness of the Su-25SM3 modification has increased many times, the aircraft can use high-precision weapons among other things. “We will continue to improve this machine taking into account the experience of its use in the SMO, including in terms of its modification for new means of destruction,” Artyakov said.

The deputy director general added that the experience of using Su-25s in the special military operation zone showed that the attack aviation is still needed. “As during the Great Patriotic War, Russian attack aircraft destroy armoured vehicles, fortifications, solve many other tasks,” Vladimir Artyakov explained.

The most widespread modifications of the attack aircraft in the Air Force of Russia are the Su-25SM, the Su-25SM3 and the combat training version Su-25UB. There is also a version of the Su-25UTG, a trainer aircraft for training landings using ground and deck aerofinishers.

The Su-25’s organic armament comprises a GSh-30-2 gun, KAB-500 and KAB-1500 corrected aerial bombs, UAK-23-250 and SPPU-1 surface-to-air guns, various calibre unguided aerial rockets, the Vihr system and other guided missiles.

The Sukhoi Su-25SM3 is equipped with the SOLT-25 targeting acquisition and navigation system which enables it to detect and track ground, surface and aerial targets in all climatic conditions and at all times of day and night. The Su-25 of earlier versions was virtually incapable of carrying out combat missions in the hours of darkness.

The aircraft is in service in some 25 countries globally. It has been involved in all major armed conflicts over the past 50 years. This includes the Russian military operation in Syria and the peacekeeping operation in Nagorny Karabakh.