UAC Transfers Third Batch of Su-34 Fighters to Russian Air Force this Year

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation(UAC) has transferred the third batch of SU-34 fighter-bombers to the country's air force marking a significant increase in the production of this type of aircraft during the current year.

Starting April 5 this year when the first batch of Su-34s were delivered, the next delivery happened in June this year.

In comparison, two batches of Su-35 fighters have been delivered this year and one batch of the new Su-30SM2 which utilizes the high powered AL-41F-1S engine from the Su-35.

The Su-34 which features side-by-side seating of its pilot and weapons operator is unique in the world of fighter aviation. Larger and wider than the Su-35, the Su-34 has emerged as the aircraft of choice in the war against Ukraine due to its ability to carry a higher payload of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs as compared to other aircraft in Russia's arsenal.

"UAC is continuously enhancing production processes to boost rates and volumes. The Novosibirsk plant is a top performer in this effort," said UAC CEO and Vice President of Soyuzmash of Russia Yuri Slyusar on the sidelines of the Su-35 delivery.

Deliveries of the top-notch Su-57 stealth aircraft have not been announced yet. Sources told defensemirror.com during last month's Army 2024 event in Moscow that the Su-57 is transitioning from the AL-41F-1S engine to an even more powerful engine the Izdelie-30, or AL-51F1 that delivers some 20% increased thrust over its current engine. From 2025 onwards, all models of the Su-57 will be equipped with the new engine, the sources said