Su-25M1

The Su‑25M1 is a modernized version of the Soviet‑designed Su‑25 ‘Frogfoot’ close‑air‑support jet, assembled and extensively upgraded at the Zaporozhye State Aviation Repair Factory (ZAZ) in Ukraine. The original Su‑25 entered service in 1979, becoming the Soviet answer to the American A‑10, and proved its ruggedness in Afghanistan, the Caucasus, and the former Soviet republics. In the early 2000s ZAZ began a comprehensive refurbishment program that culminated in the Su‑25M1, first flown in 2011 and delivered to Russian and allied air forces shortly thereafter. Key features include a reinforced airframe, a new digital navigation and attack suite, upgraded KOLS‑L laser‑designator, modernized R‑823V radar altimeter, and a more powerful R‑13V‑300V engine providing improved thrust and fuel efficiency. The cockpit retains the iconic armored bubble but adds multifunction displays and a helmet‑mounted sight system for night‑vision operations. The aircraft also incorporates composite material wing panels and an enhanced self‑defence suite with counter‑measures dispensers and a rear‑facing infrared jammer. The Su‑25M1’s significance lies in its blend of proven survivability with contemporary avionics, allowing low‑cost, high‑tempo close‑air‑support missions in contested environments while extending the service life of a platform that has flown more than 10,000 combat sorties worldwide.

Zaporozhye State aviation repair factory

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Design & Classification