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4 clusters · 18 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Russian military aviation production and deployment

Overview

Russia has significantly increased the production and deployment of its military aviation assets. Reports indicate that the United Aircraft Corporation has accelerated Su-34 tactical bomber manufacturing at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant, with Rostec stating that production has more than doubled over a two-year period. In addition to manufacturing surges, Russian aircraft are being actively utilized in the conflict in Ukraine. Recent operations include the use of Su-35 fighter jets to launch Kh-31PM anti-radiation missiles against Ukrainian Patriot air defense radar systems to suppress enemy air defenses.

By September 2026, the United Aircraft Corporation delivered a third batch of Su-35S multirole fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces. Total combat aircraft deliveries for 2026 include 14 units, comprising six Su-35S, four Su-57, two Su-34, and two Su-30SM2. This production rate reportedly outpaces aircraft losses documented by open-source intelligence, which include at least eight destroyed and two damaged aircraft. However, some analysts suggest current production rates for the Su-34 may be insufficient to offset attrition. While 212 Su-34 units had been delivered to the Russian Air Force by early 2026, visual verification from Oryx suggests at least 43 Su-34 aircraft have been lost since February 2022.

On September 7, 2026, two Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jets collided in midair over the Kursk region while performing airspace patrols and providing fire support for ground units. The collision resulted in the destruction of both aircraft and the death of one pilot; the second pilot survived by ejecting. With Su-35S airframes valued between $75 million and $85 million, the total loss is estimated at $150 million or more. A Russian Ministry of Defense committee is expected to investigate whether the crash was caused by technical failure, human error, or weather.

Entities

United Aircraft Corporation · Russian Aerospace Forces · Su-35S · Fighterbomber · Russian Ministry of Defense

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Russian Su-35S fighters collide over Kursk, killing one pilot

    Two Russian Su-35S fighter jets collided over the Kursk region on September 7, destroying both aircraft and killing one pilot. A Ministry of Defense investigation into the cause is expected.

  2. 4 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Russia maintains Su-34 production despite combat losses

    Russia continues steady production of Su-34 fighter-bombers at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant, but current output may not keep pace with combat losses reported in Ukraine.

  3. 9 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Russia receives third batch of Su-35S fighter jets in 2026

    Russia has received its third batch of Su-35S fighter jets in 2026, with total deliveries of 14 combat aircraft so far this year outpacing reported losses of eight destroyed and two damaged planes.

  4. 16 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia accelerates Su-34 production and deploys Su-35s against Patriot radars

    Russia is doubling Su-34 bomber production while deploying Su-35 fighters equipped with Kh-31PM anti-radiation missiles to target Ukrainian Patriot radar systems.

Sources

aereo.jor.br · businessam.be · cafef.vn · dagsavisen.no · dorzeczy.pl · dzienniknarodowy.pl · fakt.pl · fr.businessam.be · giaoducthoidai.vn · haber.aero · jameskennedymonash.wordpress.com · kienthuc.net.vn · neokohn.hu · politika.rs · polityka.co.pl · raillynews.com · sofx.com · soha.vn

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history