The latest Su-34NVO front-line bombers need to be equipped with Sych reconnaissance containers. After the installation of these systems, the aircraft will be able to perform tasks comparable to the capabilities of the American RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic drone, said military expert Evgeny Damantsev.
New opportunities
The complex includes three modules — radar (UKR-RL), optoelectronic (UKR-OE) and radio engineering (UKR-RT).
The Pika-M side-looking radar station installed in the UKR-RL is capable of detecting targets such as a mobile HIMARS launcher at a distance of up to 230 km.
Optoelectronic and radio engineering modules will provide deep reconnaissance of enemy positions, repeaters and command posts in all weather conditions.
Strike capabilities will remain
At the same time, the Su-34 retains its strike functions, Damantsev recalled. The aircraft is a universal platform that has not exhausted its possibilities for modernization and improvement.
Now the machines are equipped with the Sh-141 Predator radar, which is capable of detecting a tank company at a distance of up to 150 km, as well as using UFAB-500T guided bombs with a range of up to 200 km.
The West agrees with this point of view. Foreign analysts believe that thanks to such modernization, the Su-34M will fill the gap that formed after the decommissioning of the MiG-25RB reconnaissance aircraft in 2013. The fighter-bomber will radically change the tactical reconnaissance capabilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Second wind
As a result of the integration of the Sych complex, the bomber will turn into a multifunctional reconnaissance and strike platform, combining the capabilities of a tactical aircraft and a strategic-class reconnaissance drone.
The modernization opens a "second wind" for the Su-34NVO — it will be able to not only destroy targets, but also identify them independently, transmitting data in real time.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the latest Sarmat intercontinental missiles will go on combat duty in 2026.