Ukrainian intelligence reveals Russia's Su-34 losses since start of war
Photo: Russia uses Su-34 aircraft to strike Ukraine (Russian media)
Russia’s Su-34 fighter-bombers are a key component of its strike aviation capabilities in the war against Ukraine. Despite significant combat losses, Russia continues to manufacture and upgrade these aircraft, according to the press service of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR).
As of October 22, 2026, Russia’s Aerospace Forces had approximately 140 Su-34 fighter-bombers of various variants in service, including upgraded Su-34Ms. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the country has lost 43 aircraft of this type that were destroyed, while another seven have been damaged.
These losses are substantial for an aircraft fleet that takes a long time to replenish and requires significant financial resources and specialized industrial cooperation. For comparison, the number of Su-34s destroyed is equivalent to approximately 2.5–3 years of production, based on an estimated annual output of 14–18 aircraft.
Where are Su-34s manufactured?
Serial production of the Su-34 is concentrated at the V. Chkalov Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant, which is part of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation. The plant’s production capacity allows it to manufacture approximately 14–18 aircraft of this type annually.
Russia’s priority is the production of upgraded Su-34M aircraft, which feature upgraded avionics and expanded weapons capabilities. The upgrade is designed to boost the aircraft's combat effectiveness.
Between October 22, 2025, and October 22, 2026, Russia’s Aerospace Forces received 22 new Su-34 aircraft. This figure exceeds the estimated annual production capacity of 14–18 aircraft.
Su-34 combat missions
During Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the role of the Su-34 in Russia’s strike aviation operations has undergone a significant transformation.
In the early stages of the invasion, these aircraft were primarily used to bomb ground targets with unguided aerial bombs, including the FAB-250, FAB-500 M-62 and BetAB-500 concrete-piercing bombs. Using these weapons required the aircraft to approach their targets, increasing their vulnerability to Ukrainian air defense systems.
At the same time, Su-34s began carrying Kh-31 and Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missiles, as well as, in some cases, Kh-35U anti-ship missiles used to strike ground targets.
A major shift in Russian aviation tactics came with the widespread deployment of aerial bombs equipped with Universal Gliding and Correction Modules. The combination of Su-34 aircraft with relatively inexpensive Universal Gliding and Correction Modules kits became one of the key factors behind the expansion of Russia’s strike aviation capabilities.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that overnight on October 15, the Ukrainian Navy struck a Russian airfield in the Voronezh region. Six Su-34M bombers were destroyed.
It was also reported that the Su-34 aircraft hit by Ukraine’s Defense Forces on October 15 had been preparing to launch new strikes against Ukraine.
