OVERVIEW: The Su-34 Fullback is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4.5 generation supersonic strike fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. Derived from the Su-27IB, the 2022 variant introduced the UMPK guidance kit, enabling conventional bombs to be converted into precision-guided glide weapons.

DETAILS: The Su-34 is based on the Su-27 airframe with a redesigned forward fuselage housing a side-by-side cockpit, armored crew compartment, and refueling probe, powered by two AL-31F-M1 turbofan engines capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8. It has 12 hardpoints and is equipped with the Leninets B-004 radar, internal Khibiny-M ECM suite, L-150 RWR, and electro-optical targeting sensors. The 2022 configuration integrated UMPK (Universal Glide Bomb Kit), fitted to standard FAB-250/500 bombs, giving them stand-off precision strike capability up to 50 km. It retains compatibility with Kh-31, Kh-59, Kh-35, KAB-series bombs, R-73, and R-77 missiles. Fullback is the NATO reporting name assigned to the Su-34.

“Su” designates Sukhoi, and “34” indicates its evolution from the Su-27IB strike fighter program. The 2022 variant emphasized expanded use of UMPK kits to enable low-cost, GPS-guided glide bombing capability, enhancing strike efficiency in Ukraine without relying solely on more expensive PGMs.

Type: Fighter-bomber / strike aircraft

FUNCTION: The Su-34 is used for deep-strike, tactical bombing, and standoff attack. The addition of UMPK kits in 2022 allowed it to conduct low-risk, high-volume precision attacks using legacy unguided munitions with improved accuracy.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27 (1985 Russia), Su-34 (2014 Russia)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Conflict used in: Ukraine War (2022–present)

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; TASS: https://tass.com/defense ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2023 ; U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Russia Military Power Report