This week brought two significant updates regarding russia’s Su-34 aircraft within the russian Aerospace Forces. Firstly, the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense responded to ArmyInform’s inquiry, revealing that russia possesses over 100 Su-34 aircraft alongside roughly 100 Su-35 fighters and only four A-50U radar surveillance aircraft currently active.
Secondly, russian sources reported that Novosibirsk’s aircraft factory has dispatched the initial batch of new Su-34 aircraft for russian tactical aviation in 2024. This development prompts questions about russia’s production rate for Su-34 aircraft, drawing attention to contrasting assessments from Western sources.
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At the start of 2024, Defence24 suggested that russia’s Su-34M production decreased from 10 in 2022 to just six in the past year. In February 2024, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) stated that russia produced “no fewer than six” Su-34 aircraft last year. This disparity in estimates extends to broader production capacities; Defence24 claimed 27 new aircraft and 8 helicopters in the first two years of the full-scale invasion, while IISS indicated at least 18 new combat aircraft in 2023, excluding Su-57 aircraft deliveries.
Adding depth, the British Royal United Services Institute provided insight into russian army equipment, noting 310 strike aircraft and 290 helicopters with 110 designated for strike roles among russia forces. The Military Balance 2023 reported around 112 Su-34 aircraft in the russian Aerospace Forces at the start of last year, with current 2024 figures awaiting publication.
Read more: Satellite Shows How Many russian Mi-28, Ka-52 Helicopters, Su-25 Jets are at Dzhankoi Airfield (Photo)
