It Has Been Revealed How Many Su-34 Fighter Jets Russia Has Lost Since The Start Of The Invasion
- 29.10.2026, 17:40
The information was disclosed by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
The Su-34 fighter-bombers are one of the key components of the Russian Federation’s strike aviation in the war against Ukraine. Despite significant combat losses, the Russian Federation continues to produce and modernize them.
This was reported by the press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
As of October 22, 2026, the Russian Federation’s Aerospace Forces have approximately 140 Su-34 fighter-bombers of various modifications in service, including the upgraded Su-34M. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has lost 43 aircraft of this type to destruction, and another seven have been damaged.
Such losses are quite significant for the aircraft fleet, the replenishment of which requires a lengthy production cycle, substantial financial resources, and specialized industrial cooperation. For comparison: the number of Su-34s destroyed is equivalent to approximately 2.5–3 years of their production, based on an estimated production capacity of 14–18 aircraft per year.
Where Are Su-34s Manufactured?
Serial production of the Su-34 is concentrated at the V. Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Plant, which is part of the “United Aircraft Corporation of the Russian Federation.” The plant’s production capacity allows it to manufacture approximately 14–18 aircraft of this type per year.
The Russian Federation’s priority is the production of modernized Su-34Ms, which feature upgraded avionics and expanded capabilities for the use of airborne weapons. The modernization is intended to increase the aircraft’s effectiveness.
It is known that from October 22, 2025, to October 22, 2026, 22 new Su-34s were delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces. This figure exceeds the estimated annual production volume by 14–18 aircraft.
Combat Missions of the Su-34
During the Russian Federation’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the role of the Su-34 in the aggressor’s strike aviation underwent a significant transformation.
In the initial stage of the invasion, these aircraft were primarily used to bomb ground targets with unguided bombs, specifically the FAB-250, FAB-500 M-62, and the concrete-piercing BetAB-500. The use of such weapons required the aircraft to fly close to their targets, which increased their vulnerability to Ukrainian air defense systems.
At the same time, the Su-34 began to be used as a platform for guided air-to-air missiles such as the Kh-31 and Kh-59, as well as, in some cases, the anti-ship Kh-35U for striking ground targets.
Fundamental changes in Russian air force tactics occurred with the widespread introduction of air-to-ground bombs equipped with a standardized guidance and correction module. The combination of the Su-34 with relatively inexpensive UMPK kits was one of the key factors in the expansion of Russia’s strike aviation capabilities.