Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bomber Crashes in North Ossetia, Killing Both Pilots

World Defense

Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bomber Crashes in North Ossetia, Killing Both Pilots

A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber crashed in North Ossetia during a training flight, resulting in the deaths of both crew members. Preliminary investigations point to a technical malfunction.


On June 11, a Russian Air Force Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber crashed in the mountainous region of North Ossetia-Alania, resulting in the deaths of both crew members. The incident was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense and reported by the TASS news agency.


The Ministry of Defense stated, "An Su-34 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed in a mountainous area of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania during a routine training flight. The aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area, causing no ground damage. Both pilots on board were killed."


Preliminary investigations suggest that a technical malfunction was the likely cause of the crash. A commission from the Aerospace Forces has been dispatched to the crash site to conduct a thorough investigation.


Ilya Tumanov, a well-known figure in the Russian military aviation community and administrator of the 'Fighterbomber' channel, added that the Su-34 was on a transfer flight to another airbase when it crashed.


The Su-34, known by its NATO reporting name "Fullback," is a twin-seat, twin-engine fighter-bomber designed for tactical bombing and ground attack missions. It is a derivative of the Su-27 Flanker, optimized for strike missions while retaining some air-to-air capabilities. The aircraft is known for its versatility, capable of carrying a wide array of weaponry, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as anti-ship and anti-radiation missiles.


The Su-34 is equipped with a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon with 180 rounds and has ten underwing and under-fuselage hardpoints that can carry a diverse range of weapons. These include guided and free-fall bombs and various missiles such as the R-77, R-73, Kh-55, Kh-59, Kh-59M, Kh-25, Kh-29, Kh-31, Kh-35, Kh-41 Moskit, and P-800 Oniks.


Despite its robust capabilities, the Su-34 is not immune to technical failures. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with military aviation, even during routine training flights.


The crash of the Su-34 in North Ossetia is a significant loss for the Russian Aerospace Forces, and the investigation will aim to identify the precise cause to prevent future occurrences. The loss of the two pilots is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by military personnel in the course of their duties.

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