Why Russia’s Su-34 “Fighter-Bomber” is so Dangerous in Ukraine

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.

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.

The largest difference is perhaps found in its payload capacity as the Su-34’s maximum take-off weight is just about 100,000 pounds, something which represents an ability to operate with a massive amount of weapons. 

The Su-27 max take-off weight, by comparison, is only 67,000 pounds. To add perspective, a max take-off weight of 99,000 pounds does give new mission options to the Su-34, it is still less than four times the 414,000-pound max takeoff weight of large Russian bombers such as the well-known Tupolev Tu-95.