Russia flexes aerial might with a rare Su‑33 bomber escort
Bulgarian military reports that Russia dispatched Su-33 and MiG-31 fighters to escort Tu-95MS bombers over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas. The operation was part of a mission to showcase the Kremlin's strength, reminiscent of the Cold War era. Notably, Russia seldom employs the Su-33 to escort strategic bombers.
Russia used Su-33 fighters to escort the strategic bombers Tu-95MS, also known as "Bears," during their flight over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas. This mission, evocative of the Cold War period, aimed to demonstrate Russia's ability to project air power far beyond its borders.
Su-33 escorted Russia's strategic bombers
The bombers were escorted by armed MiG-31 and Su-33 aircraft, which is unusual since such tasks are typically undertaken by MiG-31, Su-30SM, or Su-35S fighters. During the flight, Russian aircraft were accompanied at certain stages by foreign fighters, likely Norwegian F-35s or British Typhoons, which frequently intercept Russian aircraft in this region, reports Bulgarian Military.
The use of the Su-33, which is rarely deployed for bomber escort missions, could suggest several reasons. One possibility is the intention to expand the operational use of these fighters, especially since Russia's only aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, is currently under repair. Alternatively, it might have been an integration exercise between the Russian Air Force and the Navy.
Su-33 fighter
The Su-33, known under the NATO designation Flanker-D, is a multi-role carrier-based fighter developed by the Russian Sukhoi Design Bureau. This aircraft is the naval version of the renowned Su-27, adapted for operations from aircraft carriers, which involved a series of substantial design modifications. These modifications include reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook for carrier landings, and folding wings, facilitating storage in confined hangar spaces. The Su-33 was primarily designed to ensure air superiority over the sea, protect naval strike groups, and intercept hostile aircraft. It can also perform strike functions, attacking ground and sea targets.
The Su-33 is powered by two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, which enable it to achieve a maximum speed of up to 1,160 knots at high altitudes. The aircraft's operational range is approximately 1,600 nautical miles without additional fuel tanks, and the range with full armament and in combat configuration is correspondingly less, although still considerable, thanks to its ability to refuel in flight. The Su-33 is characterised by good manoeuvrability, attributed to large control surfaces, canards, and an advanced fly-by-wire control system.
The fighter's equipment includes the phased array radar N001K, adapted for operation in challenging maritime conditions, as well as electro-optical and navigation systems that assist the pilot in completing combat tasks. The Su-33 can carry a wide range of armaments, from medium- and long-range air-to-air missiles R-27 and R-77 to short-range R-73 missiles, guided and unguided bombs, and air-to-ground missiles. Its armament is complemented by an integrated 30mm calibre GSh-30-1 gun.
