Satellite images suggest significant losses of Russian Su‑34 bombers
In the last two weeks of February 2024, at least six Su-34 planes failed to return to their airfields. According to Defense Express, this may confirm reports from the Ukrainian side, which had repeatedly informed about the destruction of this type of aircraft. However, as machines typically fall into enemy territory after being shot down, there were no photos or recordings to confirm successful attacks.
The absence of Su-34s at their home airfields visible in satellite photos is therefore supposed to confirm the destructions carried out by the army of defenders on the side of the Russian Federation. Online, there are also voices suggesting that the missing Su-34s could have been moved to other airfields, where the Russians try to protect them from attack, but the first scenario seems more likely due to the lack of photos confirming the relocation of the mentioned Su-34s.
Therefore, the bombers must have disappeared as a result of being shot down during missions. For the Russians, this means significant financial losses, as the cost of one Su-34 plane is estimated at about £32 million.
A bad streak for Russian aviation. The army loses more Su-34s
The Su-34 bombers, heavily destroyed recently, are a key part of Russian aviation. These aircraft, in production since 2011, are designed to conduct fighter-bomber missions, as well as reconnaissance and assault – making them exceptionally versatile machines capable of a range of different tasks over Ukraine, from supporting ground troops to bombing specific areas.
The Su-34 is powered by two AL-31F M1 turbojet engines. Each of them generates a thrust of about 13,500 kgf with afterburner and allows the aircraft to accelerate to a speed of approximately 1,900 km/h. The maximum range achievable by this design is about 4,000 km.
The aircraft, weighing about 38,000 kg, is capable of carrying weapons with a total weight of up to 8,000 kg. On 12 weapons stations, air bombs, missiles, and tactical ordnance can be mounted. Moreover, the Su-34 can carry various types of thermonuclear bombs. Typically, however, the bombers are equipped with a 30 mm cannon for firing at lightly armored targets and air defense.
