On June 11, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the crash of a Su-34 bomber. The incident occurred in the mountainous region of North Ossetia-Alania during a routine training mission, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board.
Preliminary assessments, as reported by Tass, suggest the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction.
The Su-34 is a two-seat bomber capable of striking ground targets with high-precision bombs and missiles. It has been extensively used in combat missions in Syria and Ukraine. Nicknamed the “flying tank,” the Su-34 is one of Russia’s premier combat bombers. Its versatility allows it to carry a wide range of modern Russian weapons, from unguided bombs to satellite-guided missiles.
Additionally, the Su-34 is equipped with the Hibiny electronic warfare system on its wingtips, which conducts electronic countermeasures against radars, air defense systems, and early warning aircraft, enhancing the Su-34’s “stealth” capabilities.
Designed as a fighter-bomber, the Su-34 can carry up to 8 tons of bombs and precision-guided missiles over a range of 4,000 kilometers. It is one of the world’s leading ground attack aircraft and the most modern fighter-bomber in the Russian military. The Su-34 also possesses considerable air combat capabilities.
According to Ria Novosti, Russian Su-34s have been upgraded with new protections against enemy electronic warfare (EW) systems, including defenses against foreign EW equipment. Since July 2022, newly delivered Su-34s have been built to an enhanced standard, designated as the Su-34M. There are also specialized Su-34M variants designed for electronic warfare or reconnaissance missions.
The Su-34 is estimated to be worth millions of dollars. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat has estimated the cost of a Su-34 at “at least $50 million.”
In the Ukraine conflict, Su-34s have been tasked with delivering guided bomb strikes on Ukrainian targets. This role makes the “flying tank” vulnerable at low altitudes to Ukrainian air defenses, particularly to missile launchers that do not emit radar signals and cannot be jammed.
The recent Su-34 crash follows a similar incident two months ago when a long-range Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in southern Russia. The Tu-22M3 was returning from a bombing raid in Ukraine when it crashed, killing two of the four crew members.
In October 2022, a Russian Su-34 experienced an engine failure and crashed into a residential area in the southern city of Yeysk, resulting in 16 fatalities. Both pilots survived that incident.
