Russia equips Su-34 fighter jets with cruise missiles to prevent conflict with NATO
(Baonghean.vn) - As part of Russia's special campaign in Ukraine, the Su-34 fighter jet is not only used as a Kinzhal hypersonic missile launcher, but is also equipped with long-range cruise missiles.
A source familiar with the situation told Ria Novosti that Russia’s Su-34 frontline bombers are capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles, which were used in an attack in Ukraine.
“It was part of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine. The type of missile used on the Su-34 aircraft has been tested. Like the Su-34, this missile is not new, it has been used in a complex attack. This combination is considered a new solution that increases the possibility of using missiles and aircraft,” Ria Novosti said.
The source also said that the Russian army may need the Su-34 bomber as a ballistic missile launcher, especially in the event of a conflict with NATO countries, to carry out strategic missions.
The Su-34 fighter-bomber is one of the mainstays of the Russian Air Force in the campaign in Ukraine. One of the most notable advantages of the Su-34 is that it can perform both air defense and bombing missions in one sortie, without needing other fighter aircraft to fly as escort.
Earlier, on September 4, TASS news agency quoted a source in the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that the country's military used the Su-34 multirole fighter to launch the Kinzhal hypersonic missile in a special military operation in Ukraine. The first crew of pilots to control the Su-34 to fire the Kinzhal hypersonic missile in the operation in Ukraine was awarded a state award.
The use of the Su-34 as a Kinzhal launcher is a surprising and notable move by the Russian Aerospace Forces.
