New Su-34 Deliveries to Russian Forces Struggle to Offset Heavy Losses in 2024

 

The United Aviation Corporation (UAC) recently announced via Telegram on June 17 that they have delivered new Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS or RuAF). Although the exact number was not specified, images suggest that two aircraft were delivered. 

This delivery is part of a scheduled state order, as stated by Vladimir Artyakov, first deputy general director of Rostec. He emphasized that Rostec aviation enterprises are maintaining consistent aircraft deliveries according to the year's production plan. Yuriy Slyusar, General Director of UAC, highlighted the company's efforts to enhance production, including recruiting over 600 new employees in Novosibirsk this year.

This marks the second delivery of Su-34s in 2024, with the first in April, where UAC showcased two planes taking off. Since January, only four Su-34s have been delivered. However, reports suggest Russia is struggling to offset significant losses, with at least five Su-34s reportedly destroyed in a Ukrainian drone attack on June 14 and claims of ten more shot down earlier in the year. Visual confirmations indicate Russia has lost 26 Su-34s since the invasion began in February 2022.

The Su-34 has become a key asset for the Russian VKS in Ukraine, capable of carrying FAB-500M62 homing bombs. Despite a decrease in air-to-surface missile attacks, the use of cruise bombs has increased. These bombs, equipped with flight control surfaces, allow for launches from a distance, reducing vulnerability to enemy defenses.

The Su-34 Fullback, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, is a twin-engine, all-weather supersonic medium-range fighter-bomber designed for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets and reconnaissance missions. It replaces the older Su-24 Fencer in the Russian Air Force.

The Su-34 measures approximately 23.34 meters in length, with a wingspan of 14.7 meters and a height of 6.09 meters, providing substantial payload capacity and versatility. It is powered by two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, each providing 123 kN of thrust, allowing for a maximum speed of Mach 1.8.

Equipped with advanced avionics, including the Leninets V004 radar and the Khibiny ECM suite, the Su-34 offers enhanced combat capabilities. Its digital fly-by-wire control system and modern glass cockpit with multifunctional displays improve maneuverability and pilot efficiency. The Su-34 carries a wide array of air-to-ground munitions and air-to-air missiles, along with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon.

With a combat radius of approximately 1,100 kilometers and a ferry range of up to 4,000 kilometers with external tanks, the Su-34 can also be refueled in flight, extending its operational range and mission endurance.

Despite its advanced capabilities, the Su-34's production struggles to keep pace with battlefield losses, highlighting the challenges facing the Russian Aerospace Forces in the ongoing conflict.

Putin's Historic Visit to North Korea: Strengthening Military Ties Amidst Global Tensions

 

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the reclusive nation in over twenty years. This visit underscores the growing partnership between the two countries. Following his North Korean visit, Putin will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, for another two-day visit.

Evidence from Ukraine reveals that Russia's military actions are bolstered by more than just its own arsenal. A recent report from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has unveiled North Korea’s covert role in supporting Moscow's campaign by supplying ballistic missiles.

Since November 2023, North Korea has been discreetly sending artillery rounds and ballistic missiles to Russia, aiding its conflict in Ukraine. The DIA's declassified report highlights North Korea's involvement, showing missile debris in Ukraine that matches North Korean designs.

The DIA report indicates that since November 2023, North Korea has been providing ballistic missiles to Russia, strengthening their alliance. This relationship has grown with increased diplomatic exchanges and visits between the two countries’ leaders. Notably, North Korea was one of the few nations to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the UN.

In September 2023, Kim Jong-un visited Russia, touring military facilities and meeting Putin, which led to Putin planning this reciprocal visit to North Korea.

North Korea’s support for Russia includes supplying at least three million artillery rounds and numerous ballistic missiles. These weapons have been used by Russia in Ukraine, targeting civilian areas and causing significant casualties.

For North Korea, this collaboration offers practical benefits, allowing it to test its missile technology in real-world conditions against advanced missile defenses. This partnership also provides mutual diplomatic support as both nations face heavy Western sanctions.

North Korea has developed advanced missile systems, demonstrated in numerous tests since 2019. The DIA’s analysis compares images of missile debris from Ukraine with North Korean missile designs, confirming their origin.

Historically, North Korea has been a significant player in the global arms trade, selling ballistic missile technology to various countries. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has prioritized missile development, creating systems capable of regional and intercontinental strikes, posing a substantial threat to international security.

Putin’s upcoming visit to North Korea follows Kim Jong-un’s rare trip to Russia last year, aiming to solidify their alliance. As both nations face extensive Western sanctions, their relationship has grown closer since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The upcoming summit between Putin and Kim Jong-un is a pivotal moment in global geopolitics, with both leaders known for their authoritarian regimes and nuclear capabilities. Their meeting signifies a crucial point in international relations, as the world watches their next strategic moves.

India to Reconsider Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter to Counter China's J-20

 The Indian Air Force (IAF), recognized as the fourth largest air force globally, is currently without a fifth-generation fighter jet. Despite previous involvement in the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, which was based on Russia's Sukhoi Su-57, India withdrew from the program in 2018. However, the possibility of revisiting this decision remains open.

Globally, 19 countries operate fifth-generation fighters. China uses its Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon,’ while Russia employs the Sukhoi Su-57 ‘Felon.’ Seventeen other nations have adopted the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, with the U.S. exclusively operating the F-22 Raptor. Only the U.S., China, and Russia have developed original fifth-generation fighters, though many nations participate in F-35 development.

The FGFA project aimed to integrate 43 enhancements proposed by India into the Su-57, including advanced sensors and avionics. The Indian variant was planned to be a two-seater, featuring a pilot and a weapon systems operator (WSO). Since stepping away from FGFA, India has focused on developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, the Su-57 remains an option, especially given the F-35's unavailability due to India's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine, stealth multirole fighter first developed in 1999 and introduced to the Russian military in 2020. Known for its air superiority and ability to engage surface and maritime targets, the Su-57 boasts stealth features, super-maneuverability, and a large payload capacity. Despite its advanced capabilities, the Su-57 has faced technological and financial hurdles, including issues with structural integrity during early tests.

The Su-57 features a blended wing body fuselage, extensive use of composites, and advanced stealth technologies aimed at reducing radar and infrared signatures. It is equipped with sophisticated avionics, including a modular avionics system and various radar systems for enhanced situational awareness. The aircraft can deploy various countermeasures and is being tested for advanced AI and unmanned teaming technologies.

Russia's production of the Su-57 has been slow, with plans for significant expansion. Initial operational use included deployments in Syria and Ukraine, demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities in combat situations. Future developments include an upgraded Su-57M variant, a potential carrier-based version, and integration with the Okhotnik UCAV for uncrewed operations.

In contrast, China’s Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ has seen rapid production, with nearly 250 units built. Designed for air superiority and precision strikes, the J-20 features advanced stealth design, powerful radar systems, and high maneuverability. The J-20’s production and deployment have outpaced the Su-57, reflecting China's growing military capabilities.

India, once a partner in the FGFA project, remains cautious about fully committing to the Su-57. Given the challenges and delays in developing the AMCA, India might reconsider the Su-57 or explore other options like the Su-75 Checkmate. However, with China's expanding J-20 fleet and potential threats from neighboring countries, India must act swiftly to ensure its air force remains competitive.

The Su-57 and J-20 will likely compete for market share in regions like Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. Despite their differences, both aircraft offer cost-competitive solutions for countries seeking advanced air combat capabilities. As the global landscape of fifth-generation fighters evolves, India’s decisions will significantly impact its strategic military position.

Why the U.S. Navy Avoided Building Titanium Submarines While Russia Embraced Them

 

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union ventured into using titanium for submarine hulls, beginning with the Project 705 Lira. Titanium's low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance allowed the Lira to achieve high speeds and deep dives. Despite these advantages, titanium posed significant challenges in sourcing and welding, making it a difficult material to work with.

The Cold War era saw rapid advancements in military technology, with both superpowers heavily investing in weapons development. This period of innovation extended to materials science, leading to the development of advanced materials like radar-absorbent coatings and sophisticated tank armor. The Soviet Union's use of titanium for submarine hulls was part of this trend.

Before the 1960s, titanium had never been used for submarine hulls due to its difficulty in sourcing and welding. Steel was the standard material, being easier to obtain and work with. However, titanium's properties—low density, high strength, and resistance to corrosion—were appealing for creating fast and durable submarines.

The Soviets began using titanium for their submarines with the Project 705 Lira. The Lira was designed to be fast, stealthy, and maneuverable, with minimal displacement and crew. Titanium was crucial in meeting these demanding specifications. The original Lira prototype, weighing just 1,500 tons, could achieve speeds over 40 knots, making it one of the fastest submarines of its time.

The Lira featured a titanium hull and a new lead-cooled reactor, allowing it to dive and turn quickly. However, the Soviets soon discovered the drawbacks of working with titanium. Welding titanium was complex, with a small margin for error; any mistake could make the material brittle and weak.

During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union often mirrored each other's innovations. If one superpower developed a new technology, the other would rush to create a counterpart. However, the U.S. Navy chose not to follow the Soviet Union's lead in building titanium submarines.

Despite recognizing the power, speed, and stealth of the Lira-class submarines, the U.S. Navy decided that the effort and cost of using titanium were not justified. Titanium is rare, costly, and difficult to shape. Mistakes in welding could compromise the submarine's safety during deep dives. Ultimately, the U.S. determined that the challenges outweighed the benefits, showcasing a rare instance of restraint in Cold War-era weapons development. 

While the Soviet Union embraced titanium for its submarine hulls, the U.S. Navy opted out due to the material's complexities and high costs. This decision highlights a strategic choice to prioritize practicality and safety over potential advantages, marking a notable moment of caution in the otherwise competitive landscape of Cold War military innovation.

US Security Agencies Still Favor Chinese DJI Drones Despite Federal Bans

 The introduction of the Countering CCP Drones Act and the Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act has ignited debate in the United States over national security and local safety.

Despite federal restrictions, local police, firefighters, and rescue workers continue to favor Chinese drones due to their advanced technology and cost-effectiveness.

Banning Chinese Drones

In 2017, the U.S. Army banned DJI drones due to cybersecurity concerns. In April 2023, Florida prohibited public safety agencies from using unapproved drones, including those from China, citing espionage risks. This move faced backlash from first responders and some lawmakers.

Connecticut tried to implement a similar ban but did not succeed.

Legislation Against Chinese Drones

U.S. lawmakers are advancing legislation to block Chinese-made drones. The Countering CCP Drones Act, included in the draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, aims to prevent new DJI products from entering the U.S. market by adding DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ‘Covered List.’ This would stop the FCC from approving new DJI equipment in the U.S. Existing DJI drone users wouldn’t be immediately affected, but the federal government could ban their use in the future.

The Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act seeks to enhance national security while supporting U.S. drone manufacturing. It proposes tariffs on Chinese drones, starting at 30% and increasing annually by 5%, to make U.S.-produced drones more competitive. Revenue from these tariffs would fund American drone purchases for public safety departments.

China’s Drone Dominance

Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) dominates about 70% of the global commercial drone market and 80% of the U.S. market. DJI is reportedly collaborating with U.S.-based Anzu Robotics to license its technology for American sales. Hong Kong-based Cogito Tech Company Limited, which registered with the FCC in August 2023, also markets drones similar to DJI products in the U.S.

Even American company Skydio uses Chinese-manufactured parts in its drones.

Popularity of Chinese Drones in the US

Chinese drones remain popular among U.S. law enforcement agencies, despite federal restrictions. Agencies in states like Kentucky, New Jersey, and Connecticut use their budgets to purchase these drones due to their cost-effectiveness. Higher tariffs have not deterred these agencies from buying Chinese drones.

Affordability vs. Security

The main appeal of Chinese drones is their affordability and advanced technology. U.S.-made drones are three to four times more expensive and lack the same technological sophistication. Labor costs, production scale, and custom chipset expenses are major barriers to reducing prices for U.S. manufacturers.

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) attributes the price disparity to DJI's dominance and Chinese government subsidies. AUVSI points out that U.S. manufacturers struggle to secure funding to expand production as demand favors cheaper Chinese drones.

While U.S. manufacturers focus on cost and technology, the federal government is primarily concerned with security.

Security Concerns

Defense experts warn about the potential data collection risks of DJI drones. Although various U.S. government agencies continue to buy Chinese drones, there are ongoing warnings about the security risks.

Market Dominance

Chinese drones hold 92% of the first responder market in the U.S. DJI, without revealing exact U.S. revenue figures, confirmed that the U.S. remains one of its largest markets outside China. The company denies allegations of data backdoors for the Chinese government and claims its drones can operate offline without internet connectivity.

DJI criticized the DFR Act's higher taxes and potential bans on Chinese drones as ‘xenophobia’ disguised as national security concerns.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Su-34s: Drone Attack on Morozovsk Airfield 250km Behind Frontlines

 

On June 14, satellite images confirmed a successful drone strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Morozovsk Airfield in Russia’s Rostov region, about 250 kilometers from the frontlines. The attack, which occurred on June 13, highlights the airfield's crucial role in supporting Russian Air Force operations in Ukraine, particularly as a base for Su-34 strike fighters.

The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but initial reports suggest no aircraft were destroyed. The vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone strikes is a growing concern, indicating potential for more frequent attacks due to limited air defense capabilities.

Ukraine’s ability to target key Russian sites has been significantly bolstered by American ATACMS ballistic missiles and support from Western specialists, NATO satellite networks, and air surveillance data. In mid-May, ATACMS missiles were used to strike Russia’s Belbek Air Base in Crimea, destroying two MiG-31 interceptors. Additionally, a drone attack targeted a Voronezh-DM radar system in Armavir, a critical component of Russia’s defense against Western missile threats.

In response, the U.S. has eased restrictions on Ukrainian operations, allowing deeper strikes within Russia using American weaponry. Consequently, Russia deployed an S-500 system in June to enhance its missile defense capabilities.

Ukraine's increased focus on drone and missile strikes comes amid ground setbacks and heavy casualties, allowing the Russian Army to gain territory since late 2022. The drone strike on Morozovsk Airport, targeting Su-34s, seems to be retaliation for Russian airstrikes on June 12, which hit a Ukrainian command post in the Northern Military District zone using high-explosive aviation bombs with precision modules.

On June 13, Russian media shared images of a pontoon crossing over the Pecheneg Dam in Kharkiv Oblast, destroyed by a Su-34 strike using a Kh-38MLE missile. The attack submerged several sections of the crossing, with footage capturing two Ukrainian military trucks approaching just before the missile hit.

The bridge in Stari Saltov across the Seversky Donets has been a repeated target, initially destroyed early in the conflict and rebuilt by Ukrainian engineers. This continued targeting underscores the strategic importance of these crossings in the ongoing conflict.

On February 21, 2022, Russia claimed a border facility attack by Ukrainian forces, which Ukraine denied as false flags. That same day, Russia recognized the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR, and subsequently, Putin sent military forces into these regions. This action escalated on February 24, 2022, with Putin launching a full-scale assault on Ukraine, labeled as a "special military operation" by Russia.

Despite rumors, the U.S. may not provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles with a 300km range, maintaining the focus on current support measures.

Turkey Signs $23B Deal for Advanced F-16 Jets to Modernize Air Force and Boost NATO Ties

 

Turkey has officially signed an agreement to purchase new F-16 fighters from the United States, a major step in its efforts to modernize its air force. The deal, confirmed on June 13 by Turkey's defense ministry and the U.S. State Department, marks a significant development in the bilateral defense relationship.

In October 2021, Turkey requested to buy 40 F-16 Block 70/72 fighters to replace its aging F-4E Phantoms. This request also included 79 modernization kits to upgrade older F-16s to similar standards. Although the sale faced initial resistance in Washington, Turkey's support for Sweden's NATO membership and its strong stance against Russia have eased opposition. U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Jeffrey Flake, called the deal "beneficial for U.S. national security, Turkish national security, and NATO interoperability."

State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted in January that both President Biden and Secretary Blinken have consistently supported the modernization of Turkey’s F-16 fleet, viewing it as a critical investment in NATO interoperability. Currently, Turkey is the largest foreign operator of the F-16, a fighter jet first introduced in 1974. However, Turkey’s F-16 variants are outdated, relying on mechanically scanned array radars with limited electronic warfare and situational awareness capabilities.

Turkey has initiated avionics modernization for 35 of its F-16 Block 30 jets, but NATO’s Turkish fleet still lags behind the more advanced air forces in the region. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have more sophisticated F-16 variants, while Egypt and Syria use enhanced MiG-29s with phased array radars, and Iran is set to deploy advanced Su-35s.

Enhancing Turkey’s aerial capabilities is crucial for NATO’s broader strategic interests, especially as regional challenges to U.S. influence intensify. Turkey’s military actions against Syria and other Iranian-aligned entities, along with support for jihadist affiliates, have complicated the regional military landscape, impacting the efforts of groups like Hezbollah and factions in Syria from focusing on Israel and the United States.

The F-16 Block 70/72 is a ‘4+ generation’ fighter with advanced avionics comparable to those in the latest F-35 stealth fighters. This variant features the APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar, making it a formidable platform for electronic warfare and providing superior situational awareness. The new F-16 variant’s advanced sensors and weapons systems significantly surpass those of older models, which were equipped with less sophisticated technology from the Cold War era and early 2000s.

Initially designed as a cost-effective, lightweight alternative to the F-15, the F-16 continues to play a vital role in U.S. and allied air forces. Turkey’s $23 billion order for the new F-16s will significantly boost the program, particularly as global demand for the aging fighter jet has waned.