Russia has received the second batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers in 2026

Russia's Aerospace Forces have received the second batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers produced this year, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the state-owned Rostec conglomerate, announced. The number of aircraft was not officially specified, but military analyst Guy Plopsky estimates that the delivery could include up to four aircraft.

UAC says production is proceeding at a high pace and that there will be further deliveries by the end of the year. Russia could produce approximately 30 Su-34 aircraft in 2026, after production nearly doubled since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The aircraft are built at the Chkalov plant in Novosibirsk and are equipped with modernized avionics, electronic warfare equipment, and sensors for using glide bombs. Moscow presents the Su-34 as the main attack force of its frontline aviation.

Independent assessments are more critical, however. An analysis of wreckage recovered in Ukraine identified 221 foreign electronic components originating from 59 companies in eight countries. The aircraft have suffered significant losses in the war, and Western analysts have criticized their technical vulnerabilities and operational tactics. Ukraine has claimed several attacks on Su-34s, including one carried out in October against the Hanskaia airfield.