Are Su-34 fighters not showing their full potential? Their role has been reduced to dropping FABs with UMPC

The machine is capable of patrolling and gaining air superiority

The role of the Su-34NVO multirole fighters has currently been mainly reduced to delivering strikes with FAB-500M-54/62 and ODAB-500 aerial bombs in a guided gliding modification with universal planning and correction modules (UMPC) at an operational depth of 35-45 km. However, the characteristics of the combat vehicle allow it to perform a much wider range of tasks, said military expert Evgeny Damantsev.

He specified that air bomb strikes account for about 95% of Su-34NVO operations, and another 5% for the use of subsonic long-range tactical missiles Kh-59MK and multipurpose 2.2-Mach tactical missiles Kh-38ML/MT/MA.

Meanwhile, it is well known that Su-34s of all modifications are excellent multirole platforms that are capable of performing not only strike operations, but also successfully gaining air superiority.
Evgeny Damantsev, military expert

He recalled that the Su-34 is equipped with modern onboard radar stations (radars) based on passive phased antenna arrays Sh-141 (V004) «Predator» with a peak power of 14 kW.

They allow detecting targets such as Su-27 and MiG-29A aircraft at a distance of about 170-200 km. Interception can be performed by long-range air combat missiles R-77-1 and R-27ER at a distance of up to 120 km. At the same time, at distances up to 35-50 km, the Sh-141 radars are capable of detecting Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG cruise missiles.

Patrol, interception and air superiority tasks can also be performed by Su-34NVO crews.
Evgeny Damantsev, military expert

Earlier, footage went viral on the Web with one of the assault units, which mainly moves on motorcycles. Support to the fighters is provided by heavy trucks, the cab of which is sheathed with metal sheets to protect the crew from drones.

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