Article Posted on : - Sep 01, 2016

The Su-34 bombers of Russia. A Sukhoi photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russian aircraft major Sukhoi has delivered the first batch of Su-34 frontline bombers to the country's Defence Ministry under the State Defence Order for 2016.

The aircraft took off from the V P Chkalov Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant's airfield and headed to the place of their deployment, the company said in a statement on August 30.

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 first contract for the delivery of Su-34 bombers was signed with the Russian Defence Ministry in 2008, and the advanced fighter-bomber entered service with Russia's Aerospace Force in 2012.

In August 2016, the 100th Su-34 fighter-bomber was rolled out from the Chkalov aircraft-making enterprise in Novosibirsk in west Siberia, according to Itar-Tass news agency.

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.