Russia Modifies Su-34 Bomber for Reconnaissance Role

Russian Air Force has modified its Su-34M fighter-bombers for reconnaissance and target acquisition role equipping it with Sych family pod-based reconnaissance systems.

The deployment time of the Su-34M-R in operational areas is  50% lower compared to the heavier and bulkier Tu-214-R dedicated reconnaissance aircraft.

The adaptation of the Sych series' pod-based components is being carried out at an accelerated pace and with minimal financial outlay. An alternative approach to producing an equivalent number of new Tu-214Rs would require disproportionately greater investment, time, and production resources.

The performance characteristics of pod-based reconnaissance systems determine their priority in operational reconnaissance missions.

The UKR-RT electronic modification, which has reached operational combat readiness, is equipped with passive interferometric phased antenna arrays, providing direction finding of all types of actively emitting aerial targets, followed by spectral analysis and digital signal identification.

During combat patrols at altitudes above 12.5 kilometers, the Su-34M-R effectively detects and locates PMRU-class air defense radars, including American Patriot PAC-2/3 systems with AN/MPQ-65A radars, German TRML-4D radars, and Israeli ieMHR RADA mobile radars used by the Ukrainian air defense to counter unmanned aircraft.

The detection range for emitting objects ranges from 460 to 500 kilometers. Preliminary assessments indicate that the UKR-RT operates in an extended frequency range from 0.1 to 18 GHz, enabling it to intercept a wide range of signals from various types of electronic equipment.