The Russian Aerospace Forces has received the first batch of Su-34M Fullback front-line bombers for 2023. The delivered bombers were manufactured at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant. V.P. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Chkalov (a division of the state tech behemoth Rostec).
Before handing over, the bombers had undergone a set of essential ground and flight tests.
The number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed.
The upgrades include extended combat capabilities, enabling it to employ advanced air-launched munitions, increasing the range of striking ground and naval targets and expand the conditions and accuracy of bombing runs.
The Su-34 features extended combat capabilities, enabling it to employ advanced air-launched munitions, increase the range of striking ground and naval targets and expand the conditions and accuracy of bombing runs.
Noteworthy, this is the third batch of upgraded Su-34s fighter bombers delivered since July 2022 by UCC. The last batch was delivered to Russia in November 2022
Previously, Russia had ordered 76 upgraded Su-34s, called the Su-34M, in 2020 with deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
The multi-role aircraft is reportedly expected to replace the Su-24M and the much larger, long-distance Tu-22M3 strike bomber.