Summary and Key Points You Need to Know: The Russian Su-34 "Fullback" continues to play a critical role as a versatile and durable platform for the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Ukraine war, despite Western criticism.

-Developed during the final days of the Soviet Union and entering service in 2013, the Su-34 serves as Russia's primary strategic bomber, inflicting heavy damage on Ukrainian targets.

-Its ability to operate with a variety of weapons systems makes it effective in close-range combat, although it has suffered losses due to Ukraine's air defenses.

-Despite these challenges, Russia continues to produce and deploy the Su-34, demonstrating the platform’s importance and resilience in the ongoing conflict.

Russia’s Su-34 continues proving it is the true workhorse of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Ukraine War. A recent report on the NATO-designated “Fullback” suggests another tranche of Su-34s were delivered to Russian frontline forces. Despite its caricature in the Western press, the Su-34 is being used to great effect against Ukrainian targets and has proven itself to be a durable contributor to the overall Russian war effort.

The Su-34 continues to serve as Russia’s primary strategic bomber, inflicting heavy damage on Ukrainian targets.

The Su-34’s development traces back to the final days of the Soviet Union. This bird made its initial flight in 1990. It did not enter service until 2013, 23 years after it was first flown. Over 100 units have been built thus far, according to Army Recognition.

Specs on Su-34 

This bird sports an internal 30 mm GSh-301 cannon. Its broad array of missiles can be used to attack other aircraft, ground targets, and sea-based targets. It is designed to strike targets over the horizon. 

The Russian Aerospace Forces have been using the Su-34 in a much closer-range capacity. This explains why the Su-34 has suffered so many losses to Ukraine’s layered air defense systems.

A Su-34 Fullback has a range of around 2,000 miles and can travel up 1,180 miles per hour. Two Lyulka AL-35F turbofan engines power this bird, delivering up to 122.6 kN of thrust. The Su-34 is produced by the United Aircraft Corporation at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant. The Fullback can operate at all hours – most recently a picket of Su-34s obliterated Ukrainian targets at night. These warbirds carry both unguided and guided bombs into combat. 

Don’t Believe the Hype

Contrary to Western media reports, the Su-34 is a highly effective platform. If it were not, then Moscow would not be continuing to order more of these units. They are relatively cheap to mass-produce and can be easily replaced when lost in combat.

Much to the Ukrainians’ credit, the Russians have been forced to alter the normal operations of the Su-34 to better comport with the tactical needs of the war. Namely, Ukrainian layered air defenses have forced the Russians to operate the Su-34 much closer to the ground than what Moscow would like. 

This explains the larger loss rate of the Su-34. Regardless, the Su-34 continues pummeling targets in Ukraine, meaning that this is the best Russian warplane in the Ukraine War.  

Further, Russia’s ability to field Su-34 replacements is a great example of how the Russian war machine has figured out how to maneuver around Western sanctions and deliver products that are both useful and affordable for the Russian military. 

Author Experience and Expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock.

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