The Russian Air Force has recently received a new batch of Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, which were delivered for immediate deployment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United Aviation Corporation (UAC) confirmed the delivery through their official social media channels on Monday, though the exact number of aircraft remains unspecified. A video posted by UAC shows ground servicing of two Su-34s, though it is likely that only two aircraft were included in this delivery, as is typically seen with prior shipments of this and the Su-35 Flanker aircraft. The new aircraft, which have completed necessary training, are now being assigned to their designated operational locations.
Rostec, the parent company of UAC, emphasized that all production facilities are operating at full capacity to meet state defense orders, ensuring accelerated production rates. Vladimir Artyakov, Rostec’s deputy general director, highlighted the operational value of the Su-34s, noting their effectiveness in executing a wide range of combat missions, including the use of both guided and unguided ordnance. UAC officials also stressed the strategic importance of timely fulfilling defense orders, underscoring their commitment to this vital task.
The Su-34, a multirole fighter-bomber produced by Sukhoi, is designed for a wide spectrum of combat operations, including strategic and tactical bombing, maritime strikes, and aerial combat. Its tandem cockpit configuration supports a two-pilot crew for enhanced coordination during complex missions. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 1,900 km/h and operating at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters, the Su-34 has a range of approximately 4,000 km without refueling. The aircraft’s armament includes a variety of bombs, missiles, and cluster munitions, enabling it to effectively target both military and infrastructure objectives.
In the context of the war in Ukraine, the Su-34 plays a key role in Russian operations, executing strategic bombings on critical infrastructure, military facilities, and command centers. It is also heavily involved in frontline strikes, where its precision weaponry proves valuable in engagements with Ukrainian forces. The Su-34 is well-suited for operations in hostile air environments, including night missions and high-risk airspace with dense air defense systems, owing to its advanced navigation and electronic countermeasures.
While the Su-34 represents a formidable asset for the Russian Air Force, it is not immune to the advanced air defense systems fielded by Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have developed effective countermeasures, using systems such as the S-300, Buk-M1, and Tor to target Russian aircraft at various altitudes. The Su-34 is particularly vulnerable at lower or medium altitudes, where it can be detected by shorter-range air defense radars like those of the Tor or Pechora systems. Ukrainian air defense units often use these radars in conjunction with camouflaged positions and strategic terrain to make detection more difficult for Russian aircraft.
Electronic warfare, including the use of drones and jamming technologies, further complicates the Su-34’s operational environment. These systems can disrupt the aircraft’s navigation, communications, and make it easier for Ukrainian air defense to detect and intercept. Ukrainian forces also rely on drones to divert the Su-34’s attention, forcing it into predictable flight paths or into the range of surface-to-air missiles. By combining these tactics with airspace control and fighter cover, Ukraine increases its chances of neutralizing the Su-34, especially when the bomber is forced to operate in more predictable routes due to heightened air defense activity.
