United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered a fresh batch of Su-34 fighter-bomber aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces following the completion of factory trials, as Russia pushes ahead with Su-34 production despite at least 41 visually confirmed losses recorded by Oryx during the war in Ukraine.
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of Russia’s state-owned Rostec group, has delivered a new batch of Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), the company announced. The aircraft successfully completed all required ground and flight factory trials before being handed over to the military.
Rostec described the Su-34 as one of the VKS’s most in-demand combat aircraft, highlighting its versatility and wide range of strike weapons. According to the company, lessons learned from Russia’s “Special Military Operation” have led to upgrades that improve the aircraft’s strike accuracy and destructive power at long ranges. Rostec claims the Su-34 ranks among the world’s leading aircraft in terms of flight performance and combat capability.
The Su-34 is a twin-seat, twin-engine fighter-bomber designed to engage ground and naval targets, heavily protected infrastructure, and aerial threats at extended ranges. It is also capable of conducting tactical aerial reconnaissance missions under a wide range of weather conditions.
A Russian Aerospace Forces Su-34 pilot stated that the aircraft was accepted as part of priority deliveries mandated by the Russian Ministry of Defense, emphasizing its ability to conduct combat operations in both simple and challenging conditions using guided munitions across air-to-air, air-to-surface, and radar-guided roles.
UAC General Director Vadim Badekha said the company is completing its 2025 production plan on schedule while already beginning work on next year’s aircraft. He added that UAC facilities are sustaining a high production tempo and that 2025 has been one of the most productive years in terms of operational-tactical combat aircraft deliveries.
However, despite continued production, the Su-34 fleet has suffered significant attrition. Open-source intelligence group Oryx reports that at least 41 Su-34 aircraft have been visually confirmed lost during Russia’s war in Ukraine, based on photo and video evidence. The true number of losses may be higher, as not all incidents can be independently verified, underscoring the aircraft’s heavy operational use and exposure in the ongoing conflict.
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