In an effort to fulfill state orders and replace aircraft lost in Ukraine, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) completed the delivery of the first batch of new Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers of 2025 to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The announcement was made on April 19, by the state conglomerate Rostec.
Over more than three years of conflict, the VKS has reportedly lost around thirty Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, depending on the source. As of today, these aircraft remain the main platform used for strike and close air support missions in combat and tactical bombing operations.
Given this situation, as with other platforms, the Russian defense industry has doubled its efforts to fulfill the orders issued by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
A review of the previous year, 2024, shows that Su-34 deliveries were registered in April, June, September, October, November, and December. During this period, the Aerospace Forces are estimated to have received between 12 and 14 fighter-bombers. This figure is based on reports and images released by the UAC, which showed batches of two aircraft in most cases and three in a few.
Following this trend, the delivery reported on April 19—based on widely circulated images—would also consist of two Su-34s, which were provided to the Russian Ministry of Defense for assignment to VKS units. It was noted that: “The aircraft completed the full cycle of factory tests, were verified under various operational conditions, and carried out the transfer to their deployment airfield.”
Finally, according to the First Deputy Director General of the Rostec State Corporation, Vladimir Artyakov, “The Su-34 is the foundation of Russia’s tactical aviation offensive power. The ‘combat duck’ is the best aircraft in its class. Today, it carries out crucial missions in the special military operation zone and demonstrates high effectiveness along with excellent maneuverability and combat characteristics. It is an aircraft in high demand by the troops, and our aircraft manufacturing plants are ramping up its production pace.”
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