Russia’s Dual-Threat Su-34 “Fighter-Bomber: Can the US Air Force Match or Counter?

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

(Washington DC) Russia’s Su-34 “fighter-bomber” mix presents unique and potentially unparalleled threats as the aircraft is both somewhat modern and aligned with cutting-edge 4th-generation fighter jet upgrades.

In terms of external appearance, the Su-34 very much resembles its similar fighter jet variants such as the Su-27 and Su-35.

However, it is massive size is, by comparison, capable of operating with eight tons of precision bombs and cruise missiles, according to an interesting 2017 write up on the aircraft from Russia Beyond.

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The aircraft has room for a kitchen, large enough crew space to sleep two airmen, and can travel as far as 7,000 km without needing to refuel. The Russia Beyond report identifies the Su-34 as a “duckbill” aircraft, as its nose is flattened into a horizontal, flat configuration.

Although a larger aircraft, the Su-34 does resemble the slightly stealthy 4th-generation Russian airframes such as the Su-27 and Su-35. However, the Su-34s empty weight is listed at nearly 50,000 pounds compared with the Su-27s 36,000-pound empty weight.