4th generation Su-34 bombers have begun to be equipped with a low-orbit satellite communication terminal. Military expert Evgeny Damantsev explained the advantages of the system.
According to him, the equipment was placed on the gargrot — a streamlined protrusion on the upper part of the fuselage.
Here is the conformal phased array antenna of the low-orbit satellite communication terminal. The system allows maintaining stable data exchange with command posts when operating at an operational depth of more than 500-700 km, where standard communication channels may be ineffective without retransmission.
Damantsev emphasized that the upgrade will turn the "duckling" into a network-centric node capable of receiving targeting from satellite constellations and external means.
In total, by early 2026, the total number of Su-34 bombers built for the Russian Aerospace Forces amounted to about 212 units. Against this background, the Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Plant switched to three work shifts.
Former military pilot and author of the Fighterbomber Telegram channel explained why the Su-34's coloring became the most successful among combat aircraft in Russia.