Article Posted on : - Dec 17, 2009

The Su-24MK fighter bombers. Su-24M2 is an upgraded version of the frontline bomber. Image credit: Sukhoi

MOSCOW (BNS): Russian Air Force has received the final batch of overhauled Su-24M2 frontline bombers from the Sukhoi Company.

The aircraft were retrofitted at the VP Chkalov Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) in southern Russian city of Novosibirsk, Sukhoi said in a statement.

Fitted with new equipment and systems, the modernised planes now have enhanced capabilities and improved combat efficiency. The aircraft have been sent to their respective air force bases.

The Sukhoi Su-24 (NATO name: Fencer) is an all-weather interdiction and attack aircraft built by the former Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s. The two-seater, twin-engine aircraft carried the USSR's first integrated digital nav/attack system.

Su-24M2 is an upgraded version of Su-24’s other variants – Su-24M and Su-24MK fighter bombers. With improved avionics, including GPS and the Russian equivalent, GLONASS, Head Up Display (HUD) and visor, and fitted with more sophisticated weapons, the Su-24M2 is an all-weather version for day and night use.

Meanwhile, NAPO has started production of modern Su-34 frontline bombers for the Russian Air Force under a contract signed in 2008 to supply 32 such planes.