Russia's aircraft delivery struggles amid Su‑34M additions
5:57 PM EDT, October 9, 2024
Interfax reported the new delivery of Su-34M aircraft. Although the Russians present the transfer of more combat aircraft as a success of their industry, it actually highlights its struggles. Only a few units are being delivered, and the annual production does not compensate for the losses incurred.
The new batch of Su-34M planes, the fourth this year, was delivered to the Russian Air Force on October 9. According to Defence 24, this means the delivery of eight planes, as each previous delivery included two units.
Deliveries of other aircraft types are equally modest. In 2024, the Russian industry delivered a total of six Su-35S and Su-35SM2, as well as two or three Su-57 jets. Additionally, two modernized MiG-31s should be added to the sum of delivered aircraft, but these are refurbished, not new.
This totals 16-17 new combat aircraft annually, which does not cover Russia's combat losses. These losses—depending on the source—amount to 19-40 aircraft. The Ukrainian side provides an even higher number, but those figures are considered unreliable. Besides destroyed aircraft, those removed from service due to wear and tear must also be considered, but their number is unknown.
At the same time—according to Pentagon data—even after accounting for replenishments, Russian losses do not exceed 10% of pre-attack levels on Ukraine, and despite limited production of new machines, Russia has maintained the combat capability of its air force.
Su-34 - carrier of heavy FAB 3000 bombs
The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates that a key element is the Su-34 aircraft. These tactical bombers, based on the Su-27, retain—despite the enlarged cabin accommodating a two-person crew—the characteristic silhouette of the Russian fighter and air combat capability.
Simultaneously, they can carry a wide range of air-to-ground armaments, including FAB bombs with UMPK modules, which convert them into precision glide bombs. As a result, Russian aircraft can attack targets from outside Ukrainian air defense range, dropping heavy 3-ton FAB 3000 bombs, among other things.
