Su22

The Su-22 is a Soviet-designed ground-attack aircraft developed by Sukhoi as the export version of the Su-17 Fitter. It features a variable-geometry wing and was designed for low-level strike missions in addition to conventional bombing tasks. Development began in the 1960s, with production and export variants entering service across several air forces from the late 1960s onward. The Su-22 was widely exported to Soviet allies and other customers, with multiple single-seat and tandem two-seat trainer variants produced to meet different operational requirements.

In combat use, the Su-22 saw action in several regional conflicts during the late Cold War and beyond, including the Soviet–Afghan War and various Middle Eastern and African engagements. The platform’s versatility allowed for a wide range of stores, including conventional bombs, rocket pods, and precision-guided munitions, depending on the operator and upgrade level. Avionics and navigation suites were progressively modernized in later export models to improve all-weather and day/night capability.

Operational records vary by operator, but many air forces retired the Su-22 during the 1990s and 2000s, often replaced by more modern strike aircraft. Some operators continued to operate upgraded or locally produced variants into the 2010s, and a number of airframes remained in storage or civilian use in later years.

See also Sukhoi Su-17, Fitter, List of Sukhoi aircraft.