Russia boosts front with more Su‑34s amid losses in Ukraine
As predicted by analysts and observers of the war in Ukraine, the Russians are sending additional planes to the front to compensate for the losses they have suffered in recent weeks. The footage shared online shows them receiving new Su-34s. What are these machines?
The Su-34s are considered the backbone of Russian aviation. They are among the aircraft the Russians use in the greatest numbers in Ukraine. As a result, they are also the most frequently shot down by Ukrainian air defence, which was particularly effective at the beginning of this year. In February alone, 10 Russian Su-34s were shot down, a result that was unattainable in previous months.
Additional Su-34s for the Russian army
In March of this year, Ukrainian aviation expert Valeriy Romanenko warned against undue optimism, noting that the enemy has large reserves and continues to produce these tactical bombers. The latest information confirms this. A new batch of Su-34s was delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense, which has already been prepared for transfer to units participating in the war in Ukraine.
Valeriy Romanenko calculated that the production of Su-34s in 2022 and 2023 amounted to about 10 units each year. Depending on the sources, it is estimated that the Russians currently have about 80 to even 120 Su-34 units, a significant portion of which are used in Ukraine. They try to maintain a constant number of these bombers on the front because they play a very important role during attacks on Ukrainian cities and the military.
These are among the aircraft used for dropping KAB-type aerial bombs. Their weight can reach up to about 1500 kg. Some analysts describe them "a miracle weapon", against which the Ukrainians basically have no defense currently.
Tactical bomber Su-34
The Su-34 tactical bomber (Fullback in NATO code) is also classified as a fighter-bomber aircraft. It was developed in the 1990s to replace the Su-24. It can perform surveillance and assault roles.
The dimensions of this Russian machine are over 23 m in length and 6 m in height. Powered by two AL-31F M1 engines, the Su-34 pilot can reach speeds of up to 1900 km/h and carry a maximum payload of about 8 tonnes of underwing armament. In addition, it is equipped with a standard GSh-30-1 cannon of 30 mm calibre. The maximum range of this aircraft is about 4000 km, and the maximum altitude it can reach is about 17,000 m.
