Russian Air Force News & Discussion

[Feanor]

Updates.

While blurred out and not officially in service, the VVS seems to have gotten its first fire and forget missile. Dubbed the LMUR (Лёгкая Многоцелевая Управляемая Ракета/Light Multipurpose Guided Missile) the name betrays a decent understanding of how far beyond anti-armor roles ATGMs have come.

По «танку» с нескольких километров: кадры первого применения ракеты для модернизированного «Ночного охотника»
Показаны кадры применения новейшей ЛМУР с борта Ми-28НМ

The PAK-DA project seems to be going strong, with the first prototype to start factory trials in 2023 and state trials in 2027. While this is rather optimistic, I strongly suspect we will see a first flight before the end of the decade. It's unclear what the intended force structure for Long Range Aviation will look like. All 16 currently serving Tu-160s are slated to be upgraded, and 10 new Tu-160s have been ordered, with plans announced for up to 50. On the other hand if the Tu-22s are also planned for retirement, they're going to need a lot more.

Контрактные сроки создания перспективного бомбардировщика ПАК ДА

The first S-350 is going into service in Leningrad region. It's still unclear whether its going to be a separate unit or linked with the S-400s at the regimental level. It will be interesting if air defense regiments go to a structure of say 1-2 S-400 btlns, 2 S-350 btlns and a separate Pantsyr battery for each bigger SAM btln.

Wall

A new air defense brigade using S-300V4s has been formed in East MD.

Новая зенитно-ракетная бригада ВВО

Contracts have been signed for the delivery of 10 Forpost-R systems over 3 years, and the first heavy Altius UAV. The Forpost-R deliveries seem likely to succeed it's a domesticated Searcher Mk2, and from the rumors, the Israelis helped with localization. The Altius is another story. The project has been beset with problems, and cost overruns. Interestingly enough a follow-on contract for 18 more Forpost-R systems is planned, and for reference currently a single Forpost "system" is 3 UAVs with control and support assets.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3925235.html

The first upgraded Tu-160M has flown. This is not to be confused with the new-built Tu-160M2 currently preparing for trials.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3925616.html

A Russian company is developing a target done to simulate swarm-style drone attacks. This is likely driven by recent experiences in Syria, as well as continued development of more and more advanced and cheap UAV tech.

https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5957115

The VKS have taken delivery of two more Yak-130s. It's important to note that the type suffers from serious post-sale support problems, with nearly half of the fleet not flying. Deliveries have recently slowed down, rumors have circulated that the manufacturer has focused on producing and providing more spare parts.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3932200.html

The first new Be-200 for the AVMF is undergoing trials. Their exact purpose is unclear, search and rescue is being cited but they're a very large and expensive aircraft for that mission, and it would make far more financial sense to invest in a bigger fleet of Ka-32 helos then in a tiny fleet of expensive large amphibious planes. The type also has Ukrainian engines which appear to have been delivered despite the sanctions.

https://vk.com/milinfolive?w=wall-123538639_1333448
https://vk.com/milinfolive?w=wall-123538639_1333300
https://vk.com/milinfolive?w=wall-123538639_1333248
https://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/1577660.html

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

The big question is of course, how definitive are those artist impression images designs? Will the PAK-DA really be like that?

Russia greenlights production of PAK-DA stealth bomber

The PAK-DA is expected to replace all current strategic bombers in the Russian Air Force by the next decade.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

 

[Feanor]

Updates.

Two upgraded Tu-160 strategic bombers have been handed over to the VVS. So to clear things up, and summarize from the link, the VVS now has 3 Tu-160 upgrade programs in place.

Tu-160M1 - A low-budget program, with no public name for the new type, sometimes referred to in the media as Tu-160M1. 6 aircraft were upgraded under this program, and two Soviet-era craft whose parts were at the factory were completed as new builds in the configuration. 1 of these is being used as the prototype for the Tu-160M program.
Tu-160M - A high budget upgrade for existing Tu-160 bombers, the first aircraft under this program is undergoing trials. 15 current Tu-160s are to be upgraded to this standard.
Tu-160M2 - This is a program for new-built Tu-160s. How many exactly we can expect remains murky, 10 are currently contracted. It's possible the program is just a stop-gap for the PAK-DA, but it's also possible that between cost issues, technical delays, and inertia, the Tu-160M2 will become the real replacement for the Tu-95 fleet while the PAK-DA is produced slower, later, and in smaller quantities. The first aircraft of the type is currently being assembled.

Министерство обороны России получило два бомбардировщика Ту-160 после модернизации

Как сообщило 23 апреля 2020 года АО Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация (ОАК), Казанский авиационный завод имени С.П.Горбунова (филиал ПАО Туполев ) передал Министерству обороны России после модернизации два стратегических ракетоносца Ту-160 Иван…

bmpd.livejournal.com

The second Tu-22M3M has conducted it's first flight. Currently 30 bombers are planned for upgrade under this program.

Первый полет второго опытного образца модернизированного бомбардировщика Ту-22М3М

Как сообщило 20 марта 2020 года информационное агенство ТАСС , второй опытный глубокомодернизированный ракетоносец Ту-22М3М совершил сегодня первый полет. Об этом ТАСС сообщил источник в оборонно-промышленном комплексе. Как сообщил собеседник, это произошло на аэродроме Казанского авиазавода.…

bmpd.livejournal.com

It appears that the R-37M missile has been selected as Russia's new long-range missile for fighter jets. Initially there was some speculation about what exactly would take the role of the RVV-BD (the RVV-SD is an R-77 upgrade, the RVV-MD is an R-73M). MiG-31BMs and Su-35S appear to be the first candidates for the type, with the Su-57 likely to follow.

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The first Orion UAV complex has been accepted into service. Note a complex is 3 UAVs, and a ground control station. It's unclear how this will go given that Forpost-M and M2 UAVs are also under development.

Министерство обороны России получило первый беспилотный комплекс "Орион"

Как сообщило 20 апреля 2020 года информационное агентство ТАСС, Группа Кронштадт и Министерство обороны России подписали акт приемки первого беспилотного комплекса большой продолжительности полета Орион в составе трех машин. Об этом ТАСС сообщил генеральный конструктор…

bmpd.livejournal.com

Минобороны подписало акт приемки первого беспилотного комплекса "Орион"

МОСКВА, 20 апреля. /ТАСС/. Группа "Кронштадт" и Минобороны России подписали акт приемки первого беспилотного комплекса большой продолжительности полета "Орион" в составе трех машин. Об этом в понедельник ТАСС сообщил генеральный конструктор "Кронштадта" Николай Долженков. "Акт технической приемки и…

altyn73.livejournal.com

An interesting photo of an Su-34 carrying 6 Kh-31 missiles.

VK.com | VK

vk.com

Another Il-76MD-90A (Il-476) has been built. This is the 5th, under the current contract for 39 such transports. The production tempo has been downright awful, but realistically the VVS don't need the type all that badly, their existing Il-76 fleet is quite large, airframes are in storage, and there is a current upgrade program for vintage Il-76s. The program has more to do with maintaining industry competency, as well as providing airframes for specialized AEW variants.

Построен первый в 2020 году самолет Ил-76МД-90А

Как сообщают, 17 марта 2020 года на заводском аэродромном комплексе Ульяновск-Восточный совершил первый полет построенный на ульяновском АО Авиастар-СП (входит в Дивизион транспортной авиации АО Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация) военно-транспортный самолет…

bmpd.livejournal.com

A newly formed air defense regiment has entered service in the Russian Arctic featuring S-300PS SAMs. Russia seems to be retiring about 2/3rds of S-300s, as they are replaced by S-400s, but keeping the rest around and forming new air defense units out of them.

Вновь сформированный 414-й зенитный ракетный полк заступил на боевое дежурство.

Подразделения нового (414-й гвардейского Брестского Краснознамённого) зенитного ракетного полка (3-й дивизии ПВО 45-й армии ВВС и) ПВО Северного флота, дислоцированные (в поселке Тикси-3) на севере Республики Саха (Якутия), заступили на боевое дежурство по охране воздушного пространства российской…

altyn73.livejournal.com

 

[Boagrius]

It appears that the R-37M missile has been selected as Russia's new long-range missile for fighter jets. Initially there was some speculation about what exactly would take the role of the RVV-BD (the RVV-SD is an R-77 upgrade, the RVV-MD is an R-73M). MiG-31BMs and Su-35S appear to be the first candidates for the type, with the Su-57 likely to follow.

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diana-mihailova.livejournal.com

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vk.com

Interesting, so what happens with R-77M and its new AESA seeker? I had expected that to become the mainstay Russian BVR weapon with R37M to supplement it chiefly as an anti-ISR/tanker/HVA type weapon. Seems like a rather large and expensive missile to use en masse ala R27/77.

 

[Feanor]

Interesting, so what happens with R-77M and its new AESA seeker? I had expected that to become the mainstay Russian BVR weapon with R37M to supplement it chiefly as an anti-ISR/tanker/HVA type weapon. Seems like a rather large and expensive missile to use en masse ala R27/77.

Sorry for any confusion, the R-37M is not replacing the R-77. The VVS perspective missile strategy had 3 missiles planned, the RVV-MD, RVV-SD, RVV-BD. The RVV-MD requirement is being filled by the R-73M, the RVV-SD is an upgraded R-77, and this was known for some time. The RVV-BD was in question, they were looking at various options. It looks like they've settled on the R-37M, a more conservative, cheaper, option. It's less technologically ambitious, then proposed projects like a whole new missile, or adapting the Buk missile to air-launch. It's also a tad disappointing.

 

[Boagrius]

Sorry for any confusion, the R-37M is not replacing the R-77. The VVS perspective missile strategy had 3 missiles planned, the RVV-MD, RVV-SD, RVV-BD. The RVV-MD requirement is being filled by the R-73M, the RVV-SD is an upgraded R-77, and this was known for some time. The RVV-BD was in question, they were looking at various options. It looks like they've settled on the R-37M, a more conservative, cheaper, option. It's less technologically ambitious, then proposed projects like a whole new missile, or adapting the Buk missile to air-launch. It's also a tad disappointing.

Not a problem - actually I think the fault is mine, I probably misread your post! Ok that makes sense. I do find the Russian equipment fascinating - often a very different design philosophy to what is found in the West. I can see how an evolved KS-172 or something similar might have been attractive from a technological standpoint, but alas it is what it is - the R37M strikes me as a very capable missile all the same.

If you don't mind me asking - can you provide any clarification on what the R73M actually is? I have heard a wide variety of different labels thrown about for different iterations of the venerable R73 (R73, R73M, R74, R74M2). It was my understanding that the R74M2 was to be the next major evolution of the missile, one designed to be compatible with internal carriage in the Su57. It's also interesting to note that, AFAIK, Russia has yet to install an imaging IR seeker in any Archer variant, which should theoretically provide better IRCCM capability over older designs. The trend in comparable weapons like ASRAAM, AIM9X, MICA-IR and PL10 seems to have been in the direction of IIR, so it will be interesting to see if this is reflected in the new Archer missile too.

 

[Feanor]

Not a problem - actually I think the fault is mine, I probably misread your post! Ok that makes sense. I do find the Russian equipment fascinating - often a very different design philosophy to what is found in the West. I can see how an evolved KS-172 or something similar might have been attractive from a technological standpoint, but alas it is what it is - the R37M strikes me as a very capable missile all the same.

If you don't mind me asking - can you provide any clarification on what the R73M actually is? I have heard a wide variety of different labels thrown about for different iterations of the venerable R73 (R73, R73M, R74, R74M2). It was my understanding that the R74M2 was to be the next major evolution of the missile, one designed to be compatible with internal carriage in the Su57. It's also interesting to note that, AFAIK, Russia has yet to install an imaging IR seeker in any Archer variant, which should theoretically provide better IRCCM capability over older designs. The trend in comparable weapons like ASRAAM, AIM9X, MICA-IR and PL10 seems to have been in the direction of IIR, so it will be interesting to see if this is reflected in the new Archer missile too.

It's a long range missile with an active radar seeker. Check out the first link, the article is in Russian but the photos are pretty illuminating, though they are a bit older. Technically the R-37M went into serial production in 2014, but only now do we have definite confirmation that the R-37M is the RVV-BD for the VVS. The missile is sometimes called hypersonic because allegedly it reaches M6 during the terminal stages of its flight. It's a little bit shorter and lighter then it's predecessor, the R-37.

Р-37 (РВВ-БД)

Р-37 (РВВ-БД). НОЗС и интернет-портал DFNC.RU посвящены проблемам глобальной безопасности. Мы анализируем процессы в стратегических областях, ВТС, экономике и политике, науке и технологиях.

dfnc.ru

Су-57 получит гиперзвуковую ракету ВВ БД Р-37М

Истребитель пятого поколения Су-57 получит на вооружение сверхдальнюю гиперзвуковую ракету Р-37М, сообщает "Интерфакс" со ссылкой на гендиректора корпорации "Тактическое ракетное вооружение" Бориса Обносова. Ракета Р-37 "воздух-воздух" большой дальности Отвечая на

topwar.ru

 

[Boagrius]

It's a long range missile with an active radar seeker. Check out the first link, the article is in Russian but the photos are pretty illuminating, though they are a bit older. Technically the R-37M went into serial production in 2014, but only now do we have definite confirmation that the R-37M is the RVV-BD for the VVS. The missile is sometimes called hypersonic because allegedly it reaches M6 during the terminal stages of its flight. It's a little bit shorter and lighter then it's predecessor, the R-37.

Р-37 (РВВ-БД)

Р-37 (РВВ-БД). НОЗС и интернет-портал DFNC.RU посвящены проблемам глобальной безопасности. Мы анализируем процессы в стратегических областях, ВТС, экономике и политике, науке и технологиях.

dfnc.ru

Су-57 получит гиперзвуковую ракету ВВ БД Р-37М

Истребитель пятого поколения Су-57 получит на вооружение сверхдальнюю гиперзвуковую ракету Р-37М, сообщает "Интерфакс" со ссылкой на гендиректора корпорации "Тактическое ракетное вооружение" Бориса Обносова. Ракета Р-37 "воздух-воздух" большой дальности Отвечая на

topwar.ru

Yes, that first source is excellent, thanks. I was actually asking about the R73M but it's all good as I think I found my answer at the same website:

Р-73 (РВВ-МД)

Р-73 (РВВ-МД). НОЗС и интернет-портал DFNC.RU посвящены проблемам глобальной безопасности. Мы анализируем процессы в стратегических областях, ВТС, экономике и политике, науке и технологиях.

dfnc.ru

There are clearly numerous derivatives of the R73 but it isn't immediately obvious which ones have been adopted by the VVS or exported to foreign customers. Rosboronexport lists the RVV-MD (aka R73M+?) as presently the most modern version of the Archer with an improved 60deg seeker FOV (vs 45deg in the original R73) and a two band (non-imaging) IR seeker:

Air-to-air guided missile RVV-MD | Catalog Rosoboronexport

The RVV-MD air-to-air guided missile is designed to destroy air targets (fighters, attack aircraft, bombers, helicopters and military transport aircraft) from any direction, day or night, against the ...

roe.ru

My guess is this represents the state of the art for in-service R73 variants at the moment, with a successor likely to equip the Su57 down the track.

 

[Feanor]

Yes, that first source is excellent, thanks. I was actually asking about the R73M but it's all good as I think I found my answer at the same website:

Р-73 (РВВ-МД)

Р-73 (РВВ-МД). НОЗС и интернет-портал DFNC.RU посвящены проблемам глобальной безопасности. Мы анализируем процессы в стратегических областях, ВТС, экономике и политике, науке и технологиях.

dfnc.ru

There are clearly numerous derivatives of the R73 but it isn't immediately obvious which ones have been adopted by the VVS or exported to foreign customers. Rosboronexport lists the RVV-MD (aka R73M+?) as presently the most modern version of the Archer with an improved 60deg seeker FOV (vs 45deg in the original R73) and a two band (non-imaging) IR seeker:

Air-to-air guided missile RVV-MD | Catalog Rosoboronexport

The RVV-MD air-to-air guided missile is designed to destroy air targets (fighters, attack aircraft, bombers, helicopters and military transport aircraft) from any direction, day or night, against the ...

roe.ru

My guess is this represents the state of the art for in-service R73 variants at the moment, with a successor likely to equip the Su57 down the track.

Probably not a successor but the R-73M itself, at least at first. The Su-57 is in serial production, so it's likely that current generations weapons have to be used on it at least for some time.

 

[Boagrius]

Probably not a successor but the R-73M itself, at least at first. The Su-57 is in serial production, so it's likely that current generations weapons have to be used on it at least for some time.

That makes sense. I would expect that a successor ought to materialise in the coming years as, while the R73 really set the bar for HOBS missiles on the 90s, it is starting to show its age now. Much of the competition now uses imaging seekers (better IRCCM) with wider FOVs, datalinks to allow lock on after launch and smokeless motors to reduce the likelihood of detection either visually or by IR based MAWS. Suffice it to say that Russia has a wealth of experience in AAM design so it will be interesting to see what comes next.

 

[Feanor]

That makes sense. I would expect that a successor ought to materialise in the coming years as, while the R73 really set the bar for HOBS missiles on the 90s, it is starting to show its age now. Much of the competition now uses imaging seekers (better IRCCM) with wider FOVs, datalinks to allow lock on after launch and smokeless motors to reduce the likelihood of detection either visually or by IR based MAWS. Suffice it to say that Russia has a wealth of experience in AAM design so it will be interesting to see what comes next.

There's a LOAL variant prototype based on the R-73M, and allegedly testing has been done on firing at targets behind the launch platform. There is even a claim, though I don't know how accurate, that the R-73M is indeed the variant with the ability to fire on targets in the rear hemisphere of the launch platform. Take a look;

"Головка самонаведения варианта ракеты РМД-2 обладает повышенной помехозащищённостью против ИК-противодействия и построена на цифровой элементной базе, что позволяет легко перепрограммировать алгоритмы слежения и перехвата. Улучшены возможности атаки низколетящих целей. Именно с ракетой Р-73 РМД-2 возможен маневр с пуском ракеты в заднюю полусферу носителя и имеется возможность атаковать ракеты "воздух-воздух" противника."

"The seeker head of the missile variant RMD-2 has increased resistance to IR counter-measures and is built on digital components that allow easy re-programming of the algorithms of interception and tracking. Performance against low altitude targets is also improved. Specifically the R-73 RMD-2 is capable of maneuvering to launch a missile against the rear hemisphere of the carrier, and has the ability to attack enemy air-to-air missiles."

Note the RMD-2 is the R-73M.

Р-73 / РВВ-МД - АA-11 ARCHER | MilitaryRussia.Ru — отечественная военная техника (после 1945г.)

Сборник справочной информации по отечественным системам вооружений выпуска после 1945 г., форум

militaryrussia.ru

 

[Boagrius]

There's a LOAL variant prototype based on the R-73M, and allegedly testing has been done on firing at targets behind the launch platform. There is even a claim, though I don't know how accurate, that the R-73M is indeed the variant with the ability to fire on targets in the rear hemisphere of the launch platform. Take a look;

"Головка самонаведения варианта ракеты РМД-2 обладает повышенной помехозащищённостью против ИК-противодействия и построена на цифровой элементной базе, что позволяет легко перепрограммировать алгоритмы слежения и перехвата. Улучшены возможности атаки низколетящих целей. Именно с ракетой Р-73 РМД-2 возможен маневр с пуском ракеты в заднюю полусферу носителя и имеется возможность атаковать ракеты "воздух-воздух" противника."

"The seeker head of the missile variant RMD-2 has increased resistance to IR counter-measures and is built on digital components that allow easy re-programming of the algorithms of interception and tracking. Performance against low altitude targets is also improved. Specifically the R-73 RMD-2 is capable of maneuvering to launch a missile against the rear hemisphere of the carrier, and has the ability to attack enemy air-to-air missiles."

Note the RMD-2 is the R-73M.

Р-73 / РВВ-МД - АA-11 ARCHER | MilitaryRussia.Ru — отечественная военная техника (после 1945г.)

Сборник справочной информации по отечественным системам вооружений выпуска после 1945 г., форум

militaryrussia.ru

That's interesting. I saw that mentioned and assumed it referred to the work that I believe was done on a rear-facing R73 for the Su34. I'm not sure how the missile would achieve the rear hemisphere/LOAL engagement from a forward facing rail when it doesn't have the necessary seeker FOV or a datalink to compensate and "tell" it where to find its target after launch(?). For example, I believe it was the addition of a datalink between AIM9X Block I and AIM9X Block II that gave it the rear hemisphere/LOAL capability.

 

[Feanor]

That's interesting. I saw that mentioned and assumed it referred to the work that I believe was done on a rear-facing R73 for the Su34. I'm not sure how the missile would achieve the rear hemisphere/LOAL engagement from a forward facing rail when it doesn't have the necessary seeker FOV or a datalink to compensate and "tell" it where to find its target after launch(?).

Maybe the current R-73M does have the necessary seeker and/or datalink? Note the part about ease of re-programming. I'm honestly speculating though, the information is kept tightly under wraps at least as far as I can tell.

 

[Boagrius]

Entirely possible. Thanks for the sources btw, difficult to find good information on these things as someone who is not a Russian speaker.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

So, looking to the text above, the Russian AF plans to use the modernized versions of existimg missiles (R-73M, R-77M and R-37M) for the coming decades.
That means production of the R-27 and development of the K-100/KS-172 will be stopped?

 

[Boagrius]

So, looking to the text above, the Russian AF plans to use the modernized versions of existimg missiles (R-73M, R-77M and R-37M) for the coming decades.
That means production of the R-27 and development of the K-100/KS-172 will be stopped?

Yes that is my understanding, with one caveat: AFAIK the R77M is still very much in a developmental state, with the R77-1 currently being pushed out to VVS units. I know the Su35 squadrons were the first to get it circa ~2015 and wouldn't be surprised to hear that it is now finding its way to other aircraft. Similarly, work appears to be underway on further modernisation of the R73 to include the kind of imaging IR seeker I referred to earlier. The following seems to be a decent summary of things:

...The United States’ AIM-120 AMRAAM, the missile that the R-77 was designed to counter, entered service in 1991, while the Chinese equivalent, the PL-12, entered service in about 2005. The R-77-1 was fielded on the Su-35S Flanker M multi-role fighters deployed as part of Russia’s intervention in Syria. This marked a notable performance improvement in the AAM armament carried by the Su-35.

Izd. 180 – also known as the K-77M – represents a further and almost certainly more significant upgrade to the missile family. Given that this version of the missile remains in development, it is most likely designated the ‘AA-X-12C’ in the West.

Russia's high-speed air-to-air missile upgrade

Upgrades to Russia’s active radar-guided medium-range missiles reflect a renewed emphasis on air-to-air weaponry on the part of the Russian defence ministry, write Piotr Butowski and Douglas Barrie after the Armiya 2019 defence exhibition.

www.iiss.org

 

[Feanor]

So, looking to the text above, the Russian AF plans to use the modernized versions of existimg missiles (R-73M, R-77M and R-37M) for the coming decades.
That means production of the R-27 and development of the K-100/KS-172 will be stopped?

India just contracted for some R-27s recently, from both Russia and Ukraine oddly enough. I strongly suspect that as long as export orders continue, the R-27 will remain in production. As for the KS-172 program, I don't know. I believe it was initially a contender in the RVV-BD role but apparently it did not go that way. It may continue to be in development as an R-37M follow-on.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

I just read this on the Scramblemagazine facebook page.

"Russian contract for 76 improved Su-34M frontline bombers

According to reports from the newspaper Izvestiya, the Russian Ministry of Defence will purchase the improved version of the Fullback, the Su-34M. In May 2020, the last Su-34 frontline bomber, built under a 2012 contract for 92 aircraft, rolled out at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant (PJSC Company Sukhoi). In the meantime, details of the contract for a follow-up batch of Su-34s have already been agreed tto, and due for signing in the upcoming weeks. Due to the long cycle of aircraft development, the Ministry of Defence allowed Sukhoi to start preparations for their series production even before the official signature of the state contract. In February 2020, Scramble Magazine already reported on a possible follow-up order for the Su-34 (*).

The first contract for the supply of the Su-34 bombers was concluded in 2008, calling for an acquisition of 32 aircraft. With a larger agreement for another 92 aircraft signed in 2012, the Ministry of Defence expanded its arsenal with more than 120 series Su-34s. After the execution of the latest contract, the number of the aircraft will approach a number of 200.

According to the procurement statement, the 76 Su-34M bombers will be built between 2022 and 2027, with the planned annual output rate from 8 to 14 aircraft. The first nodes for their assemblies should reach the assembly plant in the second half of this year. The advanced version has previously been designated as Su-34 NVO; the official name for the series aircraft should be changed to Su-34M.

All Su-34s under the new contract will be a part of the Sich development programme. The modernisation includes updating the avionics, installing high-precision weapons and a set of three replaceable underwing pods with reconnaissance equipment – the UKR-RT variant for electronic reconnaissance, UKR-OE for opto-electronic sensors, and UKR-RL for radar sensors. These pods should significantly exceed the capabilities of today’s on-board equipment and provide the aircraft with qualitatively new capabilities to detect targets at night or through dense clouds, pinpointing radars and radio stations over a range of hundreds of kilometers, as well as to determine their coordinates.

(*) SFN 24 February 2020, Russia plans to sign a contract for the supply of several dozen new Su-34Ms

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazine/posts/3431075313585645

"

Is this correctly?
Ive never heard about Su-34 NVO or Su-34M.

 

[Feanor]

I just read this on the Scramblemagazine facebook page.

"Russian contract for 76 improved Su-34M frontline bombers

According to reports from the newspaper Izvestiya, the Russian Ministry of Defence will purchase the improved version of the Fullback, the Su-34M. In May 2020, the last Su-34 frontline bomber, built under a 2012 contract for 92 aircraft, rolled out at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant (PJSC Company Sukhoi). In the meantime, details of the contract for a follow-up batch of Su-34s have already been agreed tto, and due for signing in the upcoming weeks. Due to the long cycle of aircraft development, the Ministry of Defence allowed Sukhoi to start preparations for their series production even before the official signature of the state contract. In February 2020, Scramble Magazine already reported on a possible follow-up order for the Su-34 (*).

The first contract for the supply of the Su-34 bombers was concluded in 2008, calling for an acquisition of 32 aircraft. With a larger agreement for another 92 aircraft signed in 2012, the Ministry of Defence expanded its arsenal with more than 120 series Su-34s. After the execution of the latest contract, the number of the aircraft will approach a number of 200.

According to the procurement statement, the 76 Su-34M bombers will be built between 2022 and 2027, with the planned annual output rate from 8 to 14 aircraft. The first nodes for their assemblies should reach the assembly plant in the second half of this year. The advanced version has previously been designated as Su-34 NVO; the official name for the series aircraft should be changed to Su-34M.

All Su-34s under the new contract will be a part of the Sich development programme. The modernisation includes updating the avionics, installing high-precision weapons and a set of three replaceable underwing pods with reconnaissance equipment – the UKR-RT variant for electronic reconnaissance, UKR-OE for opto-electronic sensors, and UKR-RL for radar sensors. These pods should significantly exceed the capabilities of today’s on-board equipment and provide the aircraft with qualitatively new capabilities to detect targets at night or through dense clouds, pinpointing radars and radio stations over a range of hundreds of kilometers, as well as to determine their coordinates.

(*) SFN 24 February 2020, Russia plans to sign a contract for the supply of several dozen new Su-34Ms

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazine/posts/3431075313585645

"

Is this correctly?
Ive never heard about Su-34 NVO or Su-34M.

Yes, I was going to include it in my next update. It looks like the su-34m contract is about ready. There has been talk about upgrading the su-34 for a while now. The plane entered serial production in 2006. And the VVS has plenty of Syrian experience to draw upon. Its also clear that they need more Su-24 replacements. So an upgraded Su-34 is an obvious choice.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

So from which i undrrstand, the production of the 20 normal Su-34 from the contract of 8 june will be done before the production of the order of 76 Su-34M.

Russia’s top brass inks deal on 20 Su-34 frontline bombers

The contract involves standard Su-34 aircraft with certain alterations based on the experience of the operation of several dozen bombers of this type earlier purchased for the troops, according to a TASS source in the domestic defense industry

tass.com