Russia’s Aerospace Forces have taken delivery of a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).
According to UAC, the delivery was made on schedule, and the aircraft underwent necessary testing before being deployed to their operational locations. “This is not the last batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers this year," news agency TASS quoted a company executive as saying.
Designed to engage heavily defended targets at long distances, the Su-34 aircraft is equipped with a maximum payload of 8,500 kilograms and is capable of carrying various air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. UAC highlighted its ability to operate under enemy fire and perform aerial reconnaissance.
The exact number of aircraft in the batch was not officially disclosed, but analysis of photos and videos suggests at least two were transferred. The footage primarily focused on one plane, but details indicate another was part of the batch. The transfer likely occurred before November, as the airfield lacked snow, which has been present since early November. The photos and videos may depict a previous batch from a different angle for propaganda purposes.
With this batch, the Russian Air and Space Forces have received nine newly built Su-34 aircraft in 2024, reports say . The third batch was delivered in September, and the fourth, likely the year's last, followed two months later.
The Su-34 has been actively used in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, conducting missile and bomb strikes. To protect these aircraft and others like the Su-35S and Su-30SM1/2, Russia has begun constructing reinforced concrete shelters at key airfields such as Khalino and Krymsk. These shelters aim to shield the aircraft from threats, including kamikaze drones and cluster warhead-equipped missiles like the ATACMS Block IA/IB.
However, the shelters are not designed to withstand warheads such as the BROACH-type or SCALP-EG stealth missiles. Addressing these threats may require underground bunkers and additional service infrastructure, according to experts.