Russia continues to strengthen its military capability by modernizing and increasing production of the Su-34, the multirole fighter jet that has emerged as a key element of the Russian air force. The increase in production of the Su-34, which has now more than doubled compared to pre-2022 levels, shows the priority given to strengthening the country’s air power, especially at a time of intense geopolitical pressures and conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine.
Russia to have 300 Su – 34s by 2030
Production of the Su-34 has reached 30 units per year, with a goal of exceeding 300 aircraft by 2030. This makes the Su-34 more affordable than other modern aircraft in the Russian air force, such as the Su-35 and Su-57.
It is about 30% cheaper to produce than the Su-35 and less than 2/3 of the cost of the Su-57, making it one of the most cost-effective aircraft for mass production. In addition, since 2024, the Su-34 has been manufactured in an improved version, the Su-34M, which carries enhanced capabilities and capabilities for electronic warfare missions, as well as a specialized variant for intelligence collection and reconnaissance.
This new model offers twice the combat capabilities of the original version, making it even more powerful and versatile in a range of strategic missions.
A major player in the Russian Air Force
The Su-34 has become the “workhorse” of the Russian air force, with many aircraft flying missions daily. According to former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Su-34 is the key to effective air support on the battlefield, with four to five sorties per day being the norm.
Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Su-34 has been used to meet critical strategic needs, such as nuclear deterrence and tactical strikes on various fronts, from the Middle East to the Arctic Circle and the Western Pacific.
Their use has been focused on high-risk missions, which explains the significant losses of the aircraft during the war.
The Evolution of the Su-34
Although the Su-34 suffered significant losses at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, attrition rates have decreased significantly over time. This is due to a combination of factors, such as the depletion of Ukrainian air defenses and the use of more advanced, precision-guided bombs.
In addition, the Su-34M’s electronic warfare capabilities, as well as a number of other countermeasures, have enhanced the aircraft’s survivability in dangerous missions.
All armed with the formidable FAB-3000 glide bombs
Russia continues to integrate new weapons and technologies into the Su-34. The latest addition is a new class of glide bomb, the FAB-3000, revealed in September 2024. The FAB-3000 is so destructive that it can burn down 11 football fields on its own.
These new capabilities further enhance the Su-34’s ability to carry heavy strikes, as well as its ability to carry heavy weapons, making it highly capable of close air support. The Su-34 stands out for its lack of direct competitors in the Western world or China.
It is a modified derivative of the Soviet Union’s legendary Su-27 Flanker, with its size making it 50% larger than the Su-27. This capability allows it to carry heavier equipment and greater amounts of fuel, increasing its range and maneuverability. In addition, the Su-34 plays a strategic role for Russia, as its characteristics make it capable of carrying out missions on various fronts, from the territories of Europe to the Arctic and the Far East.
Despite its weight, its maneuverability makes it valuable in many modern strategies, combined with its ability to carry large weapons loads.
Strategic Strikes in a Global Context
Russia’s increased production of the Su-34 demonstrates its continued determination to enhance the strategic capabilities of its air force, with particular emphasis on its ability to conduct tactical and strategic strikes in a global context.
The Su-34, with its advanced capabilities, appears to have become one of the main pillars of Russian strategic air power, underscoring the importance of evolution and adaptation to modern battlefield needs.
