In a significant blow to Russia's dwindling air fleet, Ukrainian forces have successfully downed another Su-34 tactical bomber.
Shot in Combat
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that the Russian aircraft was shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems while on a combat mission in the Kursk region of Russia.
Accoridng to Tech the incident was confirmed through a statement from the Ukrainian military, which noted the destruction of the Su-34 in Russian territory. Footage shared on social media purportedly shows the aftermath, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site.
This loss is particularly troubling for the Russian military, which is facing a steady decline in its Su-34 fleet. Recent estimates suggest that Russia now has only around 80 of these aircraft remaining, down from a significantly larger force before the war.
Struggles to keep pace
Since the conflict began, over 30 Su-34 bombers have been confirmed destroyed.
The Russian defense industry has been struggling to keep pace with these losses. While 20 Su-34s were produced in 2022, output dropped to 12 in 2023. As of 2024, only four new units have been added to Russia's air fleet.
The Su-34, though often referred to as a fighter, is a versatile tactical bomber capable of carrying up to 8 tons of additional weaponry, including bombs and missiles. It has been a key asset in Russia's air operations, but the continued depletion of these aircraft adds to the growing challenges facing the Russian military.
