Title: Russia’s Aerospace Industry: Booming Fighter and Helicopter Production in 2024
In 2024, Russia’s combat aviation industry continues to soar, producing both fighter aircraft and helicopters for domestic use and export. Amidst wartime conditions prevailing since 2022, the industry has witnessed a surge in domestic demand, with the Russian Air Force aiming to replenish losses in Ukraine and expand its fleet. In a significant development, the production of the Su-30SM and Su-35 fighter jets is expected to conclude around 2030, further increasing calls for augmented deliveries to enable a shift towards more advanced aircraft models in the future.
Presently, Russia has four distinct production facilities for new fighters, two of which are capable of manufacturing two separate classes of aircraft simultaneously. However, only three of these facilities have received orders from the Russian Ministry of Defense for new fighters. Meanwhile, the Sokol Aircraft Plant continues to produce and export MiG-29M and MiG-35 fighters, as well as modernize and update MiG-31BМ and MiG-31D attack interceptors for domestic use.
News in Brief:
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Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter: Russia has reportedly delivered three batches of Su-57 fifth-generation fighters in 2024, on September 12, November 11, and December 23. However, the size of these batches remains unknown, and the ambitious 67-percent increase in Su-57 production targeted for 2024 is still unconfirmed by official Russian sources.
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Su-35 Supermaneuverable Fighter: Four batches of Su-35 fighters have been delivered to the Russian Air Force this year, on April 12, May 8, September 12, and November 11. The production of Su-35s continues to play a central role in Russia’s aerial operations in Ukraine, serving in various capacities from air-to-air combat to air defense suppression. A potential second production line for Su-57s at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant may emerge in the future, as discussions about the fighter’s export prospects intensify.
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Su-34 Strike Fighter: Six batches of Su-34 fighters have been delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2024, on April 5, June 17, September 2, October 9, November 25, and December 23. The Su-34 has played an outsized role in the Ukraine conflict and has consequently sustained significant losses. To replenish these losses and expand its fleet, the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered an increase in Su-34 production in October 2023.
- Su-30SM2 Multirole Fighter: One batch of Su-30SM2 fighters was delivered to the Russian Air Force on August 10, 2024. A cost-effective and less specialized alternative to the Su-35, the Su-30SM2 benefits from improved engines that enhance its performance and extend its service life. Production of the Su-30SM2 variant at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant primarily caters to export demand, with recent contracts secured from Kazakhstan and Belarus.
As the Russian combat aviation industry continues to thrive in 2024, its production of advanced fighter aircraft and helicopters for both domestic use and export remains a critical factor in global aerospace dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in Russia’s defense industry, and follow us on Google News Showcase for the most comprehensive coverage.
