Russia’s Air Force struggles to replace lost combat aircraft
The Interfax agency reported the new delivery of Su-34M aircraft. Although the Russians present the transfer of further batches of combat aircraft as a success of their industry, in reality, it highlights the challenges they face. Only single units are being delivered, and the annual production does not compensate for the losses incurred.
The new batch of Su-34M planes, the fourth this year, was delivered to the Russian Air Force on 9 October. According to Defence 24, this practically means the delivery of eight planes, as each previous delivery included two units.
Deliveries of other types of aircraft are equally modest. In 2024, the Russian industry delivered six Su-35S and Su-35SM2, as well as two or three Su-57s. Additionally, two modernised MiG-31s should be added to the tally of delivered aircraft, although these are not new planes.
This results in 16-17 new combat aircraft annually, which does not cover Russia's combat losses. These – depending on the source – amount to 19-40 aircraft. The Ukrainian side provides an even higher number, but these figures are unreliable. In addition to destroyed aircraft, those withdrawn from service due to wear and tear must also be considered, though their number is unknown.
At the same time – according to Pentagon data – after accounting for replenishments, Russian losses do not exceed 10% of pre-attack levels in Ukraine. Despite the limited production of new machines, Russia has maintained the combat capability of its air force.
Su-34 - Carrier of heavy FAB 3000 bombs
The course of the conflict in Ukraine shows that a key component is the Su-34 aircraft. Based on the Su-27, these tactical bombers retain – despite the enlarged cabin that accommodates a two-person crew – the characteristic silhouette of the Russian fighter and air combat capability.
Simultaneously, they are capable of carrying a wide range of air-to-ground armaments, including FAB bombs with UMPK modules, which convert them into precision glide bombs. Thanks to this, Russian aircraft can attack targets from outside the range of Ukrainian air defences, deploying, among other things, heavy 3-tonne FAB 3000 bombs.
