Russia showcases air power with rare Su‑33 bomber escort
Russia deployed Su-33 and MiG-31 fighters to escort Tu-95MS bombers over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas. This mission aimed to demonstrate the Kremlin's strength, reminiscent of the Cold War era, reports Bulgarian Military. Notably, Russia infrequently uses the Su-33 to escort strategic bombers.
In this operation, Su-33 fighters were chosen to accompany the strategic bombers Tu-95MS, also known as "Bears," during their flight over these neutral waters. It was a move intended to showcase Russia's ability to project air power far beyond its borders.
Su-33 escorted Russia's strategic bombers
The bombers were escorted by armed MiG-31 and Su-33 fighters, an unusual choice since such tasks are typically handled by MiG-31, Su-30SM, or Su-35S fighters. During the flight, Russian aircraft were at times accompanied by foreign fighters, likely Norwegian F-35s or British Typhoons, which often intercept Russian aircraft in this area, reports Bulgarian Military.
The deployment of the Su-33, rarely used for bomber escort, could indicate several strategic intentions. It might reflect a desire to expand the operational use of these fighters, especially given that Russia's only aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, is under repair. Alternatively, the mission might have served as an integration exercise between the Russian Air Force and Navy.
Su-33 fighter
The Su-33, known under the NATO designation as Flanker-D, is a multi-role, carrier-based fighter developed by the Russian Sukhoi Design Bureau. It is the naval adaptation of the renowned Su-27, modified for carrier operations, requiring significant design changes. Notable features include reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook for carrier landings, and folding wings for easier storage in confined hangar spaces. The Su-33 is primarily designed to ensure air superiority over the sea, protect naval strike groups, and intercept hostile aircraft. It is also capable of performing strike functions, targeting ground and sea installations.
The Su-33 is powered by two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, allowing a maximum speed of up to 1,430 mph at high altitudes. Its operational range is approximately 1,860 miles without additional fuel tanks, with a reduced range when fully armed for combat, yet still substantial due to its in-flight refueling capability. The Su-33 boasts excellent maneuverability thanks to large control surfaces, canards, and an advanced fly-by-wire control system.
The fighter is equipped with the N001K phased-array radar, optimized for maritime operations, alongside electro-optical and navigation systems that support pilot operations in combat scenarios. The Su-33 can deploy a wide variety of armaments, from medium- and long-range air-to-air missiles R-27 and R-77, to short-range R-73 missiles, as well as guided and unguided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. Its weaponry is rounded out by an integrated 30 mm caliber GSh-30-1 gun.
