Russia Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback Is About to Get Even Deadlier

Mark Episkopos

Security,

Here's how. 

The Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback, Russia’s staple strike aircraft, is slated to undergo its first major modernization update since the fighter’s introduction in 2014.

A Russian defense industry source has told Russian news outlet Interfaks that “the [Russian] Defense Ministry and Sukhoi have signed a contract for development work on a modernized version of the Su-34. The company has already begun drawing blueprints for designing a modernized version of the plane.”

The timeframe and scope of the modernization contract remains unclear, as do any prospective plans to refit Russia’s current 100+ strong Su-34 fleet with the latest upgrade package. The modernization program was scheduled to begin in 2018, which raises a pointed logistical question: why is the Su-34 being updated so soon after its release? A four-year aircraft modernization cycle is, after all, well outside the norm for Russia’s military aircraft industry.

There are several factors play. First, the Su-34 concept is significantly older than it seems. development work began back in the early 1980’s, and the tactical bomber likely would have flown by the end of the 20st century were it not for the Soviet collapse. The project stalled from a lack of funding until 2005, when the VKS opted to revitalize it with a modern avionics package similar to one found on the Tu-22M3M and upcoming Tu-160M2: digitized controls, improved electronic countermeasure (ECM) tools, and navigation system improvements. But there is yet more work to be done; the VKS is interested in ECM-specialized Su-34 variants, which-- when outfitted with the L700 “Tarantul” electronic warfare (EW)  system-- can reportedly provide radar cover for an entire fighter strike group.