Su‑34 bombers: Algeria's new addition to their air fleet
Even though Su-34 planes are usually associated with Russia, they are not their only operators. A video has surfaced online showing a desert-camouflaged unit likely belonging to Algeria. Here’s what this aircraft can do.
An account related to Russian military aviation, Fighterbomber, on Telegram, published footage and a photo of the Su-34 tactical bomber in an unusual desert camouflage. It's believed to be an export version for an undisclosed client, possibly Algeria.
Algeria decided to purchase Su-34 planes in 2016, but negotiations extended to 2021. The order of 14 planes was expected to be delivered between late 2022 and 2023, but there might be delays due to the war in Ukraine.
Su-34 - frontline bomber made in Russia
The Su-34, like other new Russian aircraft, is a significant evolution of the Su-27 air superiority fighter. It has been adapted for attacking ground targets and providing direct support to ground troops.
The two pilots, seated rather uniquely side by side, are protected in a titanium "tub," designed to guard against gunfire from barrel-based systems such as the Gepard, as well as shrapnel from anti-aircraft missiles. Russians claim this arrangement improves communication between the pilots.
In addition, some of the systems are duplicated, the radar can perform automatic flight correction at low altitudes, and the Chibiny electronic warfare system is standard on these aircraft.
This setup ensures maximum safety for the aircraft, which can carry up to 14,061 kilograms of ordnance on 12 pylons, including pods with unguided S-8 rockets, Kh-25 missiles, KAB glide bombs, and Raduga Kh-59 missiles with a range of over 200 kilometres. It can simultaneously carry six FAB-500 bombs, three FAB-1500 bombs, or one FAB-3000 bomb.
Su-34 - frontline realities turned it into a taxi for KABs
In practice, frontline air attacks in Ukraine often resulted in losses, leading to Su-34s now being used mainly for dropping guided bombs from high altitudes, collectively known as KAB. Some of these include unguided FAB bombs enhanced with a UMPK conversion kit.
These bombs, especially in large sizes like the FAB-1500 or FAB-3000 containing approximately 703 kilograms and 1,496 kilograms of TNT respectively, are very destructive even if they miss by several dozen metres.
