New Batch of Su-34M Strike Fighters Enters Service: Russia Rapidly Expanding Long Range Fleet

The Russian Aerospace Forces have received a new batch of Su-34M strike fighters, as the service has continued to procure these aircraft at much higher rates than other classes of tactical combat jet to replenish wartime losses and further expand its fleet. Commenting on the delivery, a spokesman for the state defence conglomerate Rostec observed; “The Su-34 has proven to be a reliable and effective platform. Its characteristics have been confirmed repeatedly in real combat situations… This frontline bomber is capable of striking ground, naval, and air targets, operating under difficult countermeasures. Pilots appreciate its manoeuvrability, survivability, and other attributes.” Although being classified as a bomber, and despite its very long range and high weapons carrying capacity which are uncharacteristic for fighter sized aircraft, the Su-34’s attributes more closely resemble those of a fighter due to its advanced air-to-air capabilities and high flight performance.

The Su-34 has served as a direct successor to the Su-24M strike fighter, which was previously by far the most widely fielded fighter class in the Russian fleet. It was also intended to replace Russia’s primary close air support aircraft the Su-25, an analogue to the American A-10, while also potentially replacing the much larger Tu-22M3 bomber in service. Developed as a derivative of the Su-27 air superiority fighter, the Su-34 is approximately 50 percent heavier, and has the longest range of any fighter class in the world, well over double that of frontline Western fighters such as the F-35 and F-16. Production in 2020 transitioned to the enhanced Su-34M variant, which has significantly superior air-to-air and reconnaissance capabilities alongside its greater performance for strike missions. In July 2025 it was revealed that three variants of the Sych universal reconnaissance pod system allowed the aircraft to operate in a much wider range of roles, and collect real-time intelligence while still remaining armed for strike operations, which is expected to further increase demand for the aircraft to serve as tactical reconnaissance platforms.

The Su-34 has been procured by the Russian Defence Ministry in much greater numbers than any fighter class since the disintegration of the USSR, with the already substantial scale of production having more than doubled since early 2022 to an estimated 30 per year. Previous batches were delivered in early August and early July, while the appearance of a small number of fighters in a desert colour scheme has fuelled speculation that an export deal has also been reached, most likely with Algeria. Commenting on the latest delivery, a Russian Aerospace Forces pilot speaking to state media observed: “As part of the implementation of the targets set by the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation for the supply of weapons and equipment to the troops, VKS crews have accepted the Su-34 aircraft,” said in a statement. “This aircraft performs multifunctional tasks at any time — day or night, in any weather conditions, using various weapons. The crew feels confident and calm in it.”

Commenting on the significant expansion of the Su-34’s production scale, CEO of the state run United Aircraft Corporate Vadim Badekha commented: “UAC enterprises consistently maintain a high rate of combat equipment production, fulfilling their obligations to the Russian Aerospace Forces on time. This month has set a record for the number of aircraft delivered.” “Our employees at the plants, understanding the importance of delivering aviation equipment to the troops, are not only meeting production targets but are also continuously improving processes to support greater output — both for the Ministry of Defense and other programs,” he added. This was corroborated by a statement by Rostec’s spokesman that: “Our aviation factories have significantly increased production of these aircraft and are conducting rhythmic serial deliveries to the troops.” As deliveries continue at a much increased rate, the fleet is expected to reach over 400 fighters by the early 2030s.