In order to replenish the losses suffered in the Ukrainian conflict, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have received a new batch of Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers, manufactured by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant. This was recently reported by the Russian state consortium through an official statement published yesterday, September 2.
As evidenced by military operations, the Su-34 is the primary specialized attack platform used by the Russian Aerospace Forces. This status has led to significant attrition in the resources employed by the VKS in combat operations, as well as making them a primary target for the Ukrainian Armed Forces when attacking military airfields. This was demonstrated by the attack that occurred last June at Morosovsk Air Base, one of the main deployment units for the Fullback.
Although various sources and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) experts do not have an exact figure, which may vary, it is estimated that since the beginning of the invasion in late February 2022, the Aerospace Forces have suffered the loss of around 30 aircraft, in addition to those that sustained varying degrees of damage, reducing the availability of these attack planes.
In response to this situation, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is progressing in the provision of new batches of Su-34s to replace combat losses, but not in sufficient quantities to restore the pre-conflict numbers. This is evidenced by the most recent delivery to the Russian Ministry of Defense. This new batch, the third this year, was delivered in April and June and is said to consist of two or three units, according to photographs released yesterday.
Despite the small number of aircraft to replace those lost in the war, UAC officials stated: “The companies of the United Aircraft Corporation fulfill their obligations under the state defense order in full and on time,” said Yuri Slyusar, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation and Vice President of Soyuzmash of Russia. “We are constantly improving production processes at our factories to ensure an accelerated production pace and increase production volumes. It is a significant burden that requires the full commitment of the team. And the Novosibirsk plant, within the Corporation, is one of the leaders in terms of aircraft production.”
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