The Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback” is an all-weather supersonic medium-range fighter-bomber/strike aircraft developed for the Russian Air Force and Navy with the intent to replace the Su-24M “Fencer” and Tu-22MS long-range bomber. The Fullback is based on the Su-27 “Flanker” and has an armored cockpit that is occupied by two-crew seated side-by-side. The aircraft’s main role is deployment against ground and/or naval targets. As of April 2018 there have been 122 aircraft manufactured including 7 prototypes. The export designation of the Su-34 is Su-32.

Su-34 Red 24 was produced as T10V-30 RF-95808 in 2013 as the 30th Su-34 to be built and 3rd in a contract for 10 aircraft this year. Red 24 was assigned to the 2nd Guard Bomber Aviation Regiment, 21st Mixed Aviation Division (14th Air & Air Defense Army) based in the Central MD. On March 5, 2022 during the invasion of Ukraine this aircraft was shot down with Major Krasnoyartsev being captured while the other perished. This aircraft and the same crew had served in Syria. Russia suffered several losses this day.

Info:    Su-34 Fullback Fighter Bomber Red 24, Russian Air Force, Ukraine, March 2022