Su34

The Sukhoi Su-34, NATO reporting name Fullback, is a Russian twin-engine, two-seat strike fighter designed for long-range, all-weather ground-attack missions. It is developed from the Su-27 airframe and is intended to provide high survivability, precision strike capability, and the ability to operate from prepared or rough airfields.

Development and design features are centered on extending the Su-27 lineage into a dedicated strike aircraft. The Su-34 features a redesigned, longer fuselage and a two-seat cockpit arranged for cooperative operation by a pilot and a weapons systems officer. It incorporates advanced avionics, a modern cockpit with glass displays, enhanced navigation, and sensor suites, as well as data-link capabilities for networked warfare. The aircraft is equipped for long-range missions, with in-flight refueling and rugged construction to improve survivability in contested environments. A distinctive feature is its reinforced airframe and landing gear suited to rough-field operations.

Armament and capabilities include a built-in cannon and a flexible payload system. The Su-34 can carry a wide range of air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided bombs, and unguided munitions on external hardpoints, with an internal or semi-internal weapons bay to reduce drag. It is designed to conduct interdiction, close air support, and deep strike missions, often at extended ranges from its home bases.

Operational history centers on its service with the Russian Air Force, including use in various combat theaters since entering service in the mid-2000s. The Su-34 has undergone upgrades to improve avionics, targeting, and weapon compatibility, with the later Su-34 SM variant introducing further electronic and sensor enhancements. No confirmed foreign operators have been widely reported.