02/27/2024 

Russian occupation forces have already lost 38 Su-34 aircraft in the war against Ukraine. In the last month alone (January 29 – February 27), the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down eight fighter-bombers.

OBOZ.UA figured out what is known about the Su-34 and how many of them remain in Russia. Air Force Speaker Yuri Ignat noted that one such aircraft could cost up to $50 million.

What is known about the fighter-bomber

The Russian Su-34 bomber was created to replace outdated models, including the Su-27. It is designed to destroy air and ground targets. One of the differences of this aircraft is the change in the entrance to the cockpit, now it is located in the recess of the front landing gear. In-flight refueling capability has also been added, allowing the aircraft to carry out long-range missions up to 4,000 km.

To increase the stability of the aircraft and protect the crew, the cabin body is made of an armored titanium alloy shell; the Su-34 also has armored glass.

The fighter has a 30 mm GSh-301 caliber cannon and 12 hardpoints for different types of external weapons. Its radar system is capable of distinguishing targets at a distance of up to 75 km.

These aircraft were first used by Russia back in 2008 during the invasion of Georgia and subsequent conflict in Syria. At this time, propaganda tried to create an image of great power for this aircraft. The Kremlin propaganda machine said that the main task of the Su-34 is supposedly to carry out high-precision strikes against the enemy in the rear and operational-tactical depth, in conditions of active air defense and counteraction.

How many Su-34s are left in Russia?

In total, during the entire period of creation and use of the Su-34 in the Russian Federation, approximately 143 aircraft were manufactured. The first hundred were released before 2016. However, there is uncertainty in the indices, so the number of aircraft may not be accurate.

If we consider that during a full-scale war at least 38 Su-34 bombers were destroyed and if the data on aircraft production is true, then about 106 units may remain in the Russian Federation.

Let us remind you that Ukrainian soldiers destroyed the second enemy Su-34 fighter bomber of the day. They landed it, like the first plane, on the eastern front.

The Russian occupiers lost the first such aircraft that day in the morning. Then, the commander of the Air Force advised Russian pilots to say goodbye to their families before each flight, just in case.

So, before this, Ukrainian defenders shot down a Su-34 on February 21. It became the seventh enemy aircraft destroyed in a week.

Two more Russian aircraft, a Su-34 fighter-bomber and a Su-35S fighter, landed on February 19, also in the east.

And on February 17, Ukrainian defenders shot down three Russian aircraft at once. Two Su-34 front-line bombers and one Su-35 fighter flew off that day.

But the most serious blow awaited Russian aviation on February 23: while the Russian Federation was celebrating Russian Army Day, in the Sea of ​​Azov region, Ukrainian soldiers shot down a Russian A-50U aircraft, of which only a few are in service with the Russian Armed Forces.

We have only verified information in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don’t be fooled by fakes!