Stealth Bomber
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback
The Su-34 Fullback is a two-seat supersonic fighter-bomber made by Sukhoi in Russia, in service since 2014. It replaces the Su-24 and has become the Russian Air Force’s main platform for glide bombs in the war in Ukraine.
Russia|Sukhoi (Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant)What Is the Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback? Overview, History and Development
The Su-34 was developed from the Su-27IB, and its prototype first flew on 13 April 1990. After a long gap in the 1990s, the Russian Air Force formally accepted it in March 2014. Production is at the Novosibirsk plant. Crew sit side by side in a titanium armoured cockpit with room to stand and even a galley. Two AL-31FM1 engines of about 137 kN give a top speed near Mach 1.8, and about 8,000 kg of weapons fit on 12 hardpoints.
Open-source tracking counts about 212 built by early 2026, an estimate, with about 150 estimated in service after losses. At least about 40 have been lost in Ukraine according to open-source counts, which Russia does not confirm. The Su-34M adds new avionics and electronic warfare, with improved batches since 2023. Russia is the only operator, and Algeria has been reported as interested but no deal is confirmed. Estimated unit cost is about 36–50 million dollars.
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback Variants and Versions Compared
The base fighter-bomber with armoured cockpit, passive phased-array radar and 12 weapon stations.
A modernised version with improved avionics, navigation and electronic warfare, delivered in batches since 2023.
A proposed export concept of the same design, which has not found a confirmed customer.
Which Countries Use the Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback? Operators and Users
RussiaSukhoi Su-34 Fullback FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does a Su-34 cost?
A Su-34 costs an estimated 36–50 million US dollars per aircraft, according to outside estimates. The Russian Ministry of Defence does not publish the figure.
How fast is the Su-34 Fullback?
The Su-34 Fullback has a top speed of about Mach 1.8. Combat radius is estimated at about 1,100 km, and ferry range is about 4,000 km.
How many Su-34s does Russia have?
Russia has an estimated 150 Su-34s in service after losses, out of about 212 built by early 2026 according to open-source tracking. Russia has averaged roughly 10–20 deliveries per year, and official numbers are not published.
Su-34 vs F-15E: which is better?
The Su-34 carries a larger payload than the F-15E but has a shorter combat radius. The F-15E has the APG-82 AESA radar, while the Su-34 uses a passive electronically scanned radar.
Is the Su-34 stealth?
The Su-34 is not a stealth aircraft. Shaping, canards and radar-absorbing material reduce its radar signature slightly, but it remains a conventional fourth-generation design.
Does any country besides Russia use the Su-34?
Russia is the only confirmed Su-34 operator. Algeria has been reported as an interested buyer, but no contract is confirmed. Algeria and Egypt have been mentioned in rumours, but none of this has been confirmed.