Article Posted on : - May 23, 2017

The Su-34 frontline bomber. A Sukhoi photo

MOSCOW (BNS): The Sukhoi Company has delivered the first batch of Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defence Ministry as part of the 2017 state defence order, it announced on Monday.

"The planes took off from the airfield of the Chkalov Aircraft Plant in Novosibirsk (in West Siberia) and headed for their home station," the company said in a statement.

The Itar-Tass news agency, quoting a source in the Russian Armed Forces, said that the batch delivered to the Aerospace Force comprised four Su-34 frontline bombers designed for the Eastern Military District air units.

Delivery of the advanced aircraft to the Western Military District had been completed in 2016, the news report said.

The Russian Aerospace Force is slated to receive a total of 16 Su-34 frontline bombers in 2017, it said.

The Russian Defence Ministry has placed an order for around 200 Su-34s which are to be delivered to the Air Force by 2020.

The 4+ generation Su-34s will replace the Su-24 frontline bombers and Su-25 attack aircraft which are presently in service with the Russian Air Force.

The multi-role, two-seat Su-34 is designed to attack land-based, sea- and airborne targets by day and night in all weather conditions.

The strike plane is armed with highly effective long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air guided weapons such as missiles, rockets and air bombs, enabling it for multi-channel operational employment.

It also features a smart anti-radar defence system, an armed cockpit and latest computers that provide extra capabilities for the pilot and navigator to perform aimed bombing and to manoeuver under enemy fire.

The Su-34 also features an air refueling system for mid-air refueling.