Research: Russia has deployed about 70 Su-34 bombers for war with Ukraine
14 December, 2024 A Su-34 fighter-bomber with R-27 missiles under its wing, Kh-31P missiles under its air intakes, and Kh-59 missiles under its fuselage. Photo from open sources As of August-September 2024, Russia has deployed about 70 Su-34 bombers to the war with Ukraine.
This is stated in the first chapter of the Truth Hounds investigation. According to the investigators, during 2023-24, Russian aviation used Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft armed with Kh-59 guided missiles and guided bombs to strike at Ukrainian rear targets. At the same time, Su-35s provide escort and cover for Su-34 fighter-bombers during strikes, and are also used to protect other aircraft.
For this purpose, Su-35s are equipped with Kh-31 anti-radar missiles to destroy Ukrainian air defense systems and R-77/37 air-to-air missiles to destroy Ukrainian aircraft.
The Su-35 is armed with an Kh-31 anti-radar missile and R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles. Photo from open sources
At the same time, the Su-34 is mainly used to launch Kh-59 guided missiles, as well as D-30 UMPB guided bombs and bombs equipped with the UMPC universal planning and correction module. To analyze the use of Su-34s in the war against Ukraine, the researchers began by determining the total number of Su-34s at the time of the invasion.
As of February 2022, the aircraft were distributed among 4 regiments and 2 training centers:
- 2nd Mixed Aviation Regiment (ZAP) ?
24 Su-34s;
- 47th Bomber Aviation Regiment (BAP) ?
24 Su-34;
- 277th Bomber Aviation Regiment (BAP) ?
24 Su-34;
- 559th Bomber Aviation Regiment (BAP) ?
36 Su-34.
- The 968th Research-Instructor Mixed Aviation Regiment (DIZAP) ?
12 Su-34;
- 929th State Flight Test Center (DLVTs) ?
4 Su-34
Thus, the total number of aircraft was 124, however, 4 Su-34s were permanently based at the Hmeymim air base in Syria. As of September 2024, 33 Su-34s were confirmed lost in action. Among them are eight from the 47th BAP, five from the 277th BAP, four from the 2nd ZAP, four from the 559th BAP, and one from the 968th DIZAP.
Researchers were unable to identify 11 more losses by regiment. However, these losses were partially offset by the transfer of 23 new Su-34 bombers.
A destroyed Su-34 at the Marinovka airfield in the Russian Federation. August 22, 2024.
Photo: x.com/MT_Anderson/"CyberBoroshno"
Taking into account the acquisitions, the total number of Su-34s as of September 2024 is about 110 units. However, not all of them are combat-ready and are actively used in combat operations.
Russian airfields where Su-34s are based, as of May 2024. Photo credits: Truth Hounds
To determine the number of aircraft actually involved, the analysts analyzed 30 satellite images of 11 airfields where Su-34s are based.
Based on this analysis, the investigators concluded that as of May-June 2024, Russia used at least 68 Su-34s against Ukraine, and until August-September, this number remained stable, hovering around 70 aircraft. The same airfields were found to be used for the flights by different groups of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The airfields are not tied to specific groups and serve aircraft for operations across the entire front.
Also, it was found that Su-34s could be used for combat missions in different areas of responsibility regardless of their basing.
In addition, analysts note that due to Ukrainian drone attacks and the risk of long-range Western missiles, some airfields, including Baltimore, Buturlinovka, and Morozovsk, are operating in a limited capacity.