Front-line Su-34 bombers have begun to use unusual tactics in the area of the contact line: the aircraft perform approaches at short distances, simulate dropping guided aerial bombs, and check the enemy's reaction without actually using weapons.
This scheme differs from the usual tactics of using the Su-34, when aircraft use guided munitions from a long distance, remaining outside the engagement zone of most air defense systems.
Unusual maneuvers may be related to checking the operation of the enemy's air defense system. When an aircraft appears in the potential attack zone, air defense crews are forced to activate radar stations, communication equipment, and other infrastructure elements. This allows detecting the operating parameters of defensive systems and clarifying their location.
In addition, such flights can be used to assess the activity of electronic intelligence assets. Any reaction to the appearance of an aircraft can reveal the operation of electronic surveillance and data transmission complexes.
Another possible task is to check the activity of fighter aircraft. In such a scenario, the Su-34 can act as a decoy, forcing the enemy to reveal the location of their aircraft and control systems.