Russian Air Force bolsters fleet with new Su‑57 and Su‑34 jets
The Russian Air Force has received additional new Su-57 and Su-34 aircraft, as announced by the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) on social media. This time, however, the delivery included one aircraft of each model, unlike previous deliveries of two or three units at a time.
The Ukrainian military service Militarny notes that throughout 2024, the Russian Air Force received seven Su-57 Felon fighters and a slightly higher number of ten Su-34 bombers in Su-35S and Su-35SM2 versions, across five deliveries. In 2025, the Russians plan to increase production of these machines to cover the losses incurred in Ukraine (which, according to Pentagon data, do not exceed 10% of the pre-war status in Ukraine) and to strengthen the combat capabilities of their own air force.
New aircraft for the Russians
It is worth noting that the Su-34 bombers are a key component of aerial operations conducted in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Su-57 fighters—as Militarny points out—carry Kh-69 cruise missiles, considered the Russian equivalent of the American AGM-158 JASSM missiles. Russians have started using these missiles increasingly for ground attacks in Ukraine.
The Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO code: Felon) is a Russian fifth-generation fighter jet equipped with two Saturn AL-41F turbofan engines. It can reach speeds exceeding 2,445 km/h and is known for its good manoeuvrability. The aircraft responds to the American ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) program and the air superiority fighter F-22 Raptor.
The Su-57 is equipped with advanced weaponry, including a 30-millimetre 9A-4071K cannon. This fighter can carry various types of missiles, including the aforementioned Kh-69 cruise missiles. Although the fighter's design is praised for its advanced stealth technology, concerns are increasingly raised about its radar visibility due to the external mounting of armaments.
The Su-34 (NATO code: Fullback) is a tactical bomber aircraft from the 1990s. It is more than 23 metres long and equipped with a pair of AL-31F M1 engines, which allow it to reach a maximum speed of up to 1,900 km/h. Its significant attribute is the substantial armament it can transport.
The Su-34's standard equipment includes a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon. It can carry up to 8,200 kilograms of weaponry on 12 pylons, including various rockets, cruise missiles, and aerial bombs. In Ukraine, Russians use this aircraft, among other things, to transport and drop KAB glide bombs, which are presented as a "miracle weapon" due to the threat they pose.
