Sukhoi Su-34

The Sukhoi Su‑34, developed by the Russian Sukhoi Design Bureau, entered service in the early 2010s as a modern replacement for the aging Su‑24 tactical bomber. Its development began in the 1990s under the codename “Fullback,” aiming to create a versatile strike fighter capable of deep‑penetration missions while offering crew comfort for long sorties. First flown in 1996, the Su‑34 achieved operational readiness with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2014 and has since been exported to several allied nations.

Key features include a side‑by‑side cockpit with advanced digital avionics, fly‑by‑wire controls, and a reinforced airframe that can carry up to 12,000 kg of weapons on external pylons and internal bays. It is powered by two Saturn AL‑31FM1 afterburning turbofans, providing a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat radius of over 1,500 km. The aircraft’s sophisticated radar, infrared search‑and‑track system, and electronic‑warfare suite enable all‑weather, day‑or‑night precision strikes using guided missiles, bombs, and rockets.

The Su‑34’s significance lies in its blend of fighter agility and bomber payload, redefining the strike‑fighter concept and giving Russia a credible platform for long‑range, high‑intensity operations in contested airspace.

Sukhoi Design Bureau

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Design & Classification

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