Aircraft
MAKS 2011: Russian Air Force Chief Outlines Sukhoi Su-34 Procurement Plan
A total of 12 Sukhoi Su-34 interdiction aircraft are being procured this year, according to Russian air force commander General Alexander Zelin, speaking l
An Su-34 taxies at MAKS 2011. The strike aircraft is slowly replacing older aircraft in the Russian air force inventory. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
An Su-34 taxies at MAKS 2011. The strike aircraft is slowly replacing older aircraft in the Russian air force inventory. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

A total of 12 Sukhoi Su-34 interdiction aircraft are being procured this year, according to Russian air force commander General Alexander Zelin, speaking last week at the Moscow Air Show (MAKS 2011). The service is seeking a total of 120 Su-34s, Zelin said.

The Su-34 will replace aging Su-24 swing-wing aircraft that are currently the most numerous type in Russian air force’s combat aircraft inventory and the backbone of its frontal bomber units. To date, the Russian air force has accepted seven Su-34s into squadron service. In addition, a handful of such machines fly with Russian MoD weapons assessment units and the industry.

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