Advancing in the fulfillment of state orders, the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant has recently completed the delivery of a new batch of Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces. According to the state corporation Rostec, prior to their handover to aviation regiments, the combat aircraft successfully completed all required tests and evaluations.
According to announcements made by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and specifically regarding the Su-34, this new delivery marks the second batch provided to the VKS so far this year. The previous delivery was recorded in April. However, as is typical with this type of announcement, the number of aircraft included in the batch was not disclosed.
The production and delivery of new Su-34 aircraft—as well as Su-35S air superiority fighters—is of no minor significance. More than three years into the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Aerospace Forces require a steady supply of aircraft to replenish combat losses or to increase the operational availability of their respective fleets.
This situation has been acknowledged by representatives of UAC itself, including its Director General, Vadim Badekha, who stated: “One of the most important tasks of the United Aircraft Corporation is the delivery of military products to meet the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense. We maintain a high pace of aircraft production and this year we plan to further increase the output of combat aircraft.”
Lastly, while Su-34 production remains focused on fulfilling the requirements of the Ministry of Defense and the Russian Aerospace Forces, the flight of a particular aircraft bearing a distinctive desert camouflage scheme was observed. Although no official announcements have been made, this event—spotted last May—has been interpreted as a possible sign that the first international sale of the Fullback may have taken place.
Speculation suggests that this mysterious aircraft, which conducted a series of test flights at the Novosibirsk facility, could be destined for the Algerian Air Force, considering the strong ties between Moscow and Algiers and the fact that the North African country is a significant operator of Russian military equipment.
The possible delivery of Su-34s to Algeria adds to other reports indicating that the country’s air force is undergoing a comprehensive modernization of its combat fleet, which currently includes models such as the Su-30MKA and MiG-29S/M/M2, supported by Su-24MK2 strike/reconnaissance aircraft and Yak-130 advanced trainers. In addition to the Fullback, reports have also mentioned the potential transfer of Su-35S fighters and even the export version of the stealth Su-57 fighter, officially designated Su-57E.
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