MOSCOW, RUSSIA — Russia is testing in Ukraine the latest version of its Su-34 fighter bomber/strike aircraft. They are upgraded design version M and version M2. Delivery from the Novosibirsk plant, part of the UAC group on December 29 confirms the news.

Three Su-34M strike aircraft were delivered then. They were built in 2022. They are part of the third batch of delivery for 2022 and the fourth batch since 2020, since then the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with UAC for the delivery of a total of 76 version M and version M2. From 2020 to today, the Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS] operate with 14 fighters from the new update.

The second and third deliveries of Su-34M in 2022 were deployed to the 227th Bombardment Aviation Regiment of the 303rd Mixed Aviation Division of the 11th Red Banner Army of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Eastern Military District. This regiment took an active part in the war in Ukraine. For this reason, the Kremlin changed its status to a “guard regiment”.

It is noteworthy that the delivery of the second and third batches of strike aircraft have retouched hull numbers. This measure is taken because they participate in the hostilities in Ukraine. Sources claim that Su-34M2s were also delivered to the 227th Bombardment Aviation Regiment. Originally, the M2 version was intended for another aviation regiment [known by its codename Tatar Aviation Regiment], but after suffering losses…