Russian Su-34M Bomber May Soon Enable Algeria’s Strategic Strike Capability
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An export-configured Su-34M, featuring an unusual desert-tone camouflage, has been spotted at Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow. These images, notably shared on X by @OsintWarfare, have fueled the view that Russia is preparing to deliver its first examples of this new-generation tactical bomber to Algeria. The paint scheme observed does not match any standard used by the Russian Aerospace Forces, suggesting it is intended for a foreign customer. This is not an isolated occurrence: in May, a similar aircraft was photographed near the Novosibirsk plant where Su-34s are assembled.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Su-34, derived from the Su-27IB, is designed for long-range precision strike missions while retaining air-to-air capability. (Picture source: X Channel OSINTWarfare)
This development revives a case dating back nearly ten years. In 2016, Sergei Smirnov, then Director General of the NAPO plant, a Sukhoi subsidiary, stated that Algeria was considering the purchase of fourteen Su-34 “Fullback” aircraft and the modernization of part of its Su-24 “Fencer” fleet. The Algerian authorities did not confirm this, just as they refrained from commenting on reports, circulated three years later, of a contract for fourteen Su-35 “Flanker E” multirole fighters. That order was eventually fulfilled in 2025, when an Algerian Su-35 was spotted over the Oum El Bouaghi region.
At the same time, indications suggest that Algiers intends to further expand their air capabilities. For several months, the specialist press has reported Algeria’s interest in the fifth-generation Su-57E “Felon” fighter. These reports gained momentum after Rosoboronexport announced a first export sale to a “mystery client”, followed by a visit to Algiers by a high-level Russian delegation. Algerian state television even mentioned a contract for six Su-57s, with two scheduled for delivery in 2025 and an option for eight more.
The Su-34, derived from the Su-27IB, is designed for long-range precision strike missions while retaining air-to-air capability. Its titanium-armored cockpit, seating two crew members side by side, and its in-flight survival systems make it suitable for operations in high-threat environments. With a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a 4,000-kilometer range, and more than 8 tons of payload distributed over 12 hardpoints, it can carry a wide range of weapons: air-to-surface missiles (Kh-31, Kh-59, Kh-29, S-25LD), KAB-500 and KAB-1500 guided bombs, air-to-air missiles (R-27, RVV-AE, R-73), as well as the supersonic 3M-80EA anti-ship missile capable of engaging large vessels at 250 km.
Technologically, it is equipped with the B-004 passive-array multimode radar, optimized for detecting ground and maritime targets, the Platan electro-optical targeting system, a navigation suite combining inertial and GNSS systems, and advanced countermeasures including the SPO-32/L150 radar warning receiver and the wingtip-mounted Sorbtsiya-S jammer. The latter is designed to disrupt monopulse radars, enhancing survivability during deep-strike missions. These features, combined with its range and payload, have earned it the nickname “flying tank” among its crews.
If the presence of this Su-34M at Zhukovsky signals an imminent delivery to Algeria, it would represent a major step in modernizing the country’s combat aviation. The aircraft would extend the Algerian Air Force’s operational reach and strengthen its ability to strike both land and maritime targets at long range, including in heavily defended environments. Such an acquisition would further consolidate military cooperation between Algiers and Moscow, already reflected in the Su-30 and Su-35 programs.
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An export-configured Su-34M, featuring an unusual desert-tone camouflage, has been spotted at Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow. These images, notably shared on X by @OsintWarfare, have fueled the view that Russia is preparing to deliver its first examples of this new-generation tactical bomber to Algeria. The paint scheme observed does not match any standard used by the Russian Aerospace Forces, suggesting it is intended for a foreign customer. This is not an isolated occurrence: in May, a similar aircraft was photographed near the Novosibirsk plant where Su-34s are assembled.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Su-34, derived from the Su-27IB, is designed for long-range precision strike missions while retaining air-to-air capability. (Picture source: X Channel OSINTWarfare)
This development revives a case dating back nearly ten years. In 2016, Sergei Smirnov, then Director General of the NAPO plant, a Sukhoi subsidiary, stated that Algeria was considering the purchase of fourteen Su-34 “Fullback” aircraft and the modernization of part of its Su-24 “Fencer” fleet. The Algerian authorities did not confirm this, just as they refrained from commenting on reports, circulated three years later, of a contract for fourteen Su-35 “Flanker E” multirole fighters. That order was eventually fulfilled in 2025, when an Algerian Su-35 was spotted over the Oum El Bouaghi region.
At the same time, indications suggest that Algiers intends to further expand their air capabilities. For several months, the specialist press has reported Algeria’s interest in the fifth-generation Su-57E “Felon” fighter. These reports gained momentum after Rosoboronexport announced a first export sale to a “mystery client”, followed by a visit to Algiers by a high-level Russian delegation. Algerian state television even mentioned a contract for six Su-57s, with two scheduled for delivery in 2025 and an option for eight more.
The Su-34, derived from the Su-27IB, is designed for long-range precision strike missions while retaining air-to-air capability. Its titanium-armored cockpit, seating two crew members side by side, and its in-flight survival systems make it suitable for operations in high-threat environments. With a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a 4,000-kilometer range, and more than 8 tons of payload distributed over 12 hardpoints, it can carry a wide range of weapons: air-to-surface missiles (Kh-31, Kh-59, Kh-29, S-25LD), KAB-500 and KAB-1500 guided bombs, air-to-air missiles (R-27, RVV-AE, R-73), as well as the supersonic 3M-80EA anti-ship missile capable of engaging large vessels at 250 km.
Technologically, it is equipped with the B-004 passive-array multimode radar, optimized for detecting ground and maritime targets, the Platan electro-optical targeting system, a navigation suite combining inertial and GNSS systems, and advanced countermeasures including the SPO-32/L150 radar warning receiver and the wingtip-mounted Sorbtsiya-S jammer. The latter is designed to disrupt monopulse radars, enhancing survivability during deep-strike missions. These features, combined with its range and payload, have earned it the nickname “flying tank” among its crews.
If the presence of this Su-34M at Zhukovsky signals an imminent delivery to Algeria, it would represent a major step in modernizing the country’s combat aviation. The aircraft would extend the Algerian Air Force’s operational reach and strengthen its ability to strike both land and maritime targets at long range, including in heavily defended environments. Such an acquisition would further consolidate military cooperation between Algiers and Moscow, already reflected in the Su-30 and Su-35 programs.
