After conducting independent research, Key.Aero can confirm that the Russian Aerospace Forces (RuASF) has now lost more than 10% of its Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber fleet in combat operations over Ukraine.
As of October 10, there have been 16 confirmed Su-34 combat losses during the conflict, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine’s sovereign territory on February 24, 2022. This figure includes 15 baseline Su-34s and an example which is claimed to be an upgraded Su-34M, but the latter is more likely to be a baseline Fullback that has received limited upgrades – allowing it to carry a recce pod, for example – as the M-standard variant is believed to still be in the early stages of development and testing. Adding to this, it remains unconfirmed whether Russia has lost a 17th Fullback in the conflict, as an aircraft resembling a Su-30/Su-34/Su-35 was confirmed to be shot down, but not successfully identified, on July 19.
