Algeria's desert-camouflaged Su‑34s stir aviation intrigue
Even though Su-34 planes are associated with Russia, they are not their only users. A video has surfaced online showing a desert-camouflaged unit likely belonging to Algeria. Here’s what this machine can achieve.
An account connected to Russian military aviation, Fighterbomber, on Telegram shared footage and a photograph of the Su-34 tactical bomber in an unusual desert camouflage. This is believed to be an export version for an undisclosed client, possibly Algeria.
Algeria first decided to acquire Su-34 planes in 2016, but negotiations extended to 2021. The ordered 14 planes were expected to be delivered between late 2022 and 2023, but there could 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. In this instance, it has been adapted for attacking ground targets and providing direct support for ground troops.
For this purpose, the two pilots are seated in a unique side-by-side configuration in a titanium "tub," designed to offer protection from gunfire from barrel-based systems like the Gepard, as well as shrapnel from anti-aircraft missiles. Russians claim this arrangement improves communication between the pilots.
Moreover, some of the systems are duplicated, the radar has automatic flight correction capabilities at low altitudes, and the Chibiny electronic warfare system is standard on these machines.
This ensures maximum safety for the aircraft, which is capable of carrying up to 14,000 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
However, in reality, frontline air attacks in Ukraine often ended in losses and, as a result, Su-34s are currently used by Russians mainly for dropping guided bombs from high altitudes, collectively referred to as KAB. Some of these include unguided FAB bombs enhanced with a UMPK conversion kit.
These bombs, especially in large calibres like the FAB-1500 or FAB-3000, containing approximately 700 kilograms and 1,500 kilograms of TNT respectively, are extremely dangerous even if they miss by a few dozen metres.
