Sukhoi Su-24

The Sukhoi Su‑24, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1970s, entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1975 as a dedicated supersonic, all‑weather attack aircraft. Designed under the project name “Fencer,” the Su‑24 combined a rugged twin‑engine layout with variable‑sweep wings, providing high‑speed performance at low altitude and the capability to conduct precision strikes in adverse weather or night conditions. Its advanced avionics suite featured a digital navigation/attack system, head‑up display, and side‑looking infrared sensors, allowing one‑person operation of complex attack profiles. The aircraft’s payload capacity of up to 8 tonnes, with 12 hardpoints for a mixture of cannons, rockets, guided missiles, and free‑fall bombs, made it a versatile platform for deep‑penetration strikes, interdiction, and close air support. Over 500 Su‑24s were built and exported to countries such as India, Iran, and Iraq, where they saw combat in the Iran‑Iraq War, the Gulf conflicts, and the Syrian civil war. The Su‑24’s robust design, swing‑wing aerodynamics, and sophisticated avionics have cemented its legacy as one of the most effective tactical bombers of the Cold War era, influencing later Russian strike aircraft development.

Sukhoi Design Bureau

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Design & Classification