Ukrainian forces down another Russian Su‑34 in Kursk region
Ukrainians have destroyed another Su-34 multirole tactical bomber within a few days. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the defending army shot down this unit on the territory of the Russian Federation in the Kursk region.
"On the territory of Kursk Oblast (Russian Federation), during the execution of a combat mission, the forces and means of the anti-aircraft missile troops of the Air Force of Ukraine’s Armed Forces destroyed a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber," reads the communiqué of the Ukrainian military. A recording has also appeared on social media, which is said to show the effect of the attack on the Russian Su-34 – the video shows a column of thick smoke in an unspecified location on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Russians lost another aircraft
The loss of this machine is highly significant for the Russians. This is primarily because there are fewer and fewer of these units in their armed forces. Recently, an expert associated with the aviation industry, Konstantyn Kryvolap, commented on the size of Russian aviation. According to his calculations, the Russians have about 80 Su-34 aircraft. In the past, they have confirmed the destruction of over 30 units.
What is also important is that the Russian Federation's defence industry is currently producing a maximum of 10 Su-34 tactical bombers per year. This number does not allow for covering current losses and essentially illustrates the problems of the Russian industry. In 2022, 20 such aircraft were produced, while in 2023, productivity dropped to 12 units. In 2024, the Russian Air Force was supplemented with only four Su-34 units.
Multirole tactical bomber
The Su-34s mentioned are often referred to as fighters, but in fact, they are multirole tactical bombers. They serve the Russian military as truly versatile machines that can be utilized for various missions—including, among others, direct shooting in air combats and bombing enemy units.
In the context of the latter task, which can be assigned to the Su-34, it should be explained that the Su-34 can carry up to 8,165 kilograms of additional armament (beyond the standard GSz-30-1 30mm aircraft gun). The aircraft can be integrated with various aviation bombs, as well as S-8, Kh-25, or Kh-59 missiles. The space for this ammunition is located on 12 undercarriage pylons.
The Su-34's maximum speed is around 1,900 kilometres per hour, and two AL-31F M1 turbojet engines ensure this. This machine's maximum range on a single tank reaches around 4,000 kilometres.
