Russia Unveils Latest Batch of the World’s Longest Ranged Fighters: Su-34 Fleet Expansion Accelerates

Footage from Russia has provided a first look at a new production batch of Su-34 strike fighters, with the aircraft still in yellow factory primer and expected to be delivered to the Aerospace Forces in September. Russia has significantly accelerated production and delivery of Su-34s, with the aircraft being ordered in greater numbers than any of the country’s other fighter types since the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The pace of deliveries has increased substantially since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, reflecting both the importance of the platform to Russian operational doctrine and Moscow’s efforts to replenish and expand its tactical aviation fleet. 

The Su-34 is manufactured by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association, part of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), under Russia’s state defence procurement program. The aircraft is the heaviest and longest ranged in service anywhere in the world, and is approximately 50 percent larger than the Soviet Su-27 Flanker on which its design is loosely based. The aircraft can achieve intercontinental ranges if using external fuel tanks, and has a combat radius of over 2,500 kilometres if operating on internal fuel with a large combat load. 

State defence conglomerate Rostec stated in April 2025 that Su-34 production had “more than doubled over the two years,” with the importance attributed to the fighter program reflected in official descriptions of its role within the Aerospace Forces. When a new batch was delivered in February 2025, UAC General Director Vadim Badekha stated that the aircraft “form the basis of frontline air striking power” and had demonstrated effectiveness in combat. The aircraft have been particularly heavily relied on to launch glide bomb strikes on Ukrainian targets, with the improving ranges of these bombs having significantly contributed to survivability. 

The extensive use of Su-34s over Ukraine has provided substantial operational experience, with Rostec having revealed in December 2025 that the aircraft had received improvements based on experience obtained during the conflict, particularly in relation to precision strike capabilities. According to the company, these modifications enable the aircraft to conduct “more precise and powerful strikes at distances of hundreds of kilometres from its home airfield.” Likely more significantly than updates to the Su-34, the Aerospace Forces’ doctrine for employing them has been modernised considerably, after the aircraft took heavy losses in initial engagements with Ukrainian forces.