Russian Aerospace Forces Receive New Su-35S Fighters and Su-34 Bombers

Moscow, August 2025 – The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are continuing to receive new combat aircraft as part of the state defense order, with fresh batches of Sukhoi Su-35S multirole fighters and Su-34 fighter-bombers handed over in recent weeks. The deliveries, confirmed by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and the state conglomerate Rostec, underscore Moscow’s ongoing push to reinforce its air power amidst the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.

Regular Deliveries to VKS

On August 12, the VKS confirmed receipt of a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers, marking the third handover of 2025, following earlier transfers in April and July. Less than two weeks later, on August 21, the fourth batch of Su-35S air superiority fighters was delivered, with previous batches received in March, May, and June.

While the exact number of aircraft remains undisclosed, consistent with Russia’s policy of withholding operational figures during wartime, industry officials confirmed that deliveries are being made ahead of schedule and will continue at a high pace through the remainder of the year.

Strategic Role of Su-35S and Su-34

• Su-35S Fighter: Often described as one of the most advanced fighters in Russia’s inventory, the Su-35S features state-of-the-art avionics, powerful AL-41F1S engines, advanced electronic warfare systems, and the ability to deploy a wide range of long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. Its thrust-vectoring nozzles grant it exceptional maneuverability, making it a formidable air superiority platform.

• Su-34 Fighter-Bomber: With a distinctive side-by-side cockpit, the Su-34 is designed for long-range strike missions, precision bombing, and close air support. It is equipped with advanced radar, electronic countermeasures, and can carry a large payload of guided and unguided munitions. The aircraft has been a key workhorse in strike operations across Ukraine.

Meeting Wartime Needs

According to Rostec’s Executive Director Oleg Yevtushenko, production rates remain “consistently high” under the state defense order, with aircraft moving from assembly lines to operational units on a monthly basis. This accelerated pace is part of a broader strategy to replenish battlefield losses, maintain high readiness, and expand the VKS’s combat capacity for border defense and strike missions.

Vadim Badekha, Director General of UAC, stressed that production volumes are increasing across nearly all categories of military aviation. He highlighted ongoing modernization of manufacturing facilities at plants in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and Novosibirsk, where Su-35S and Su-34 aircraft are produced. These upgrades are intended to ensure both higher output and the integration of incremental design improvements.

Expanding Beyond the VKS

While the majority of deliveries are earmarked for the Aerospace Forces, a smaller portion of the production backlog is directed toward Naval Aviation units of the Russian Navy. This reflects Moscow’s intention to boost not only its land-based strike and defense aviation but also its maritime patrol and fleet air cover capabilities.

Context of the Conflict

The deliveries come as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, with both sides sustaining significant losses in men and materiel. For Russia, the steady flow of modern aircraft like the Su-35S and Su-34 plays a critical role in sustaining air dominance, supporting ground operations, and projecting strength against NATO’s increased surveillance and deterrence posture along its western borders.

The continuing handovers of Su-35S fighters and Su-34 bombers highlight Russia’s determination to maintain airpower supremacy and replenish operational fleets despite the strains of protracted conflict. With UAC pledging increased production and Rostec affirming rapid deliveries, the VKS is set to expand and modernize its fleet further in the coming months, ensuring that these platforms remain central to Russia’s defense and offensive strategies.