Su-34 goes hypersonic, quintuples the number of Russian ‘Kinzhal’ launch platforms
By VT - Info Brics - September 6, 2023
Although the exact number of modified MIG-31K/I jets in the VKS is a state secret, various military sources estimate there were approximately 30 such platforms before the start of the SMO. This gives a pretty good idea of why the “Kinzhal” wasn’t used more extensively, although this is of little comfort for Moscow’s enemies. On the other hand, as if that wasn’t frightening enough for them already, there are up to 150 Su-34s in the VKS, meaning that the number of aircraft that can carry the “Kinzhal” just quintupled.
by Drago Bosnic, an independent geopolitical and military analyst for InfoBrics.org
There are up to 150 Su-34s in the VKS. When talking about Russian air power, platforms such as the Su-35S and Su-57 usually take all the headlines, and rightfully so. The first one is perhaps the best all-rounded fighter jet of our age, while the second one is decades ahead of its time considering the sort of groundbreaking technologies it employs. These two aircraft are in many ways comparable to supercars, meaning their usage is not all too common, which is especially true for the Su-57.
However, Russia’s bread-and-butter strike platforms are not that headline-grabbing. Obviously, this doesn’t make them any less crucial to Moscow’s already extensive strike capabilities. One such platform is the Su-34 supersonic, medium to long-range, multirole fighter-bomber that has been one of the most heavily used aircraft in special military operations (SMO).
If we were to compare the Su-35S and Su-57 to supercars, then the Su-34 could be compared to an SUV. Although not many people would brag about having one, they’d still use it to “get the job done”. Well, it seems that the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) just installed a “supercar engine” in their “flying SUV”, making it deadlier than ever before. Namely, Russian military sources reported that the VKS recently fired a 9-A-7660 “Kinzhal” air-launched hypersonic missile, striking large Kyiv regime formations in the area of Kupyansk.
This would mark the very first non-MiG-31 usage of Moscow’s most extensively used hypersonic missile. Although there was speculation that other platforms could use it, this was mostly limited to theoretical assessments, particularly when the miniaturized version (in development for the Su-57) of the hypersonic missile came along.
However, with the VKS now being able to deploy “Kinzhals” on other more conventional platforms, this doesn’t bode very well for Russia’s adversaries, as it could forever transform the way the Su-34 is used. It also indicates that the reported surge in production of hypersonic missiles is true. The “Kinzhal’s” primary launch platform, the MIG-31K/I variant of the legendary interceptor, the world’s fastest and highest-flying combat aircraft, is relatively few in numbers, meaning that its usage was mostly limited to high-priority targets.
Although the exact number of modified MIG-31K/I jets in the VKS is a state secret, various military sources estimate there were approximately 30 such platforms before the start of the SMO. This gives a pretty good idea of why the “Kinzhal” wasn’t used more extensively, although this is of little comfort for Moscow’s enemies.
On the other hand, as if that wasn’t frightening enough for them already, there are up to 150 Su-34s in the VKS, meaning that the number of aircraft that can carry the “Kinzhal” just quintupled. This discrepancy in numbers was also exacerbated by the MIG-31’s higher maintenance and logistics requirements, both of which are significantly less strenuous on the Su-34, meaning that the jet has much higher availability rates and lower operational costs than the MiG-31.
The integration of the “Kinzhal” onto the Su-34 has significant implications not only in Ukraine but across multiple strategic directions, be it Europe, the Middle East, the Arctic, Asia-Pacific, potentially Africa and Latin America, etc. The Su-34 is the longest-ranged tactical combat aircraft in service anywhere in the world and second only to the MiG-31 in terms of size and payload capacity.
This makes it a logical candidate for becoming another “Kinzhal” carrier in the VKS. The Su-34’s already significant capabilities have been bolstered by the integration of MPK smart bomb modules, in addition to the plethora of missiles and other weapons it can carry. The VKS has been using the “Kinzhal” to a devastating effect with its relatively small MIG-31K/I fleet.
This includes significant achievements, such as the destruction of the much-touted US-made “Patriot” SAM (surface-to-air missile) system that was obliterated back in May, the successful targeting of an underground bunker packed with high-ranking personnel that reportedly included NATO officers as well. The “Kinzhal’s” blistering speed (up to Mach 12), high maneuverability, and long-range make it one of the deadliest strike weapons ever devised by anyone.
And although the Neo-Nazi junta and the mainstream propaganda machine keep insisting that six of these have been shot down by the aforementioned “Patriot” SAM system, there’s zero evidence to support such claims. The hypersonic missile’s sheer speed and maneuverability make it exceedingly difficult to detect and track, while it’s virtually impossible to shoot it down.
It can carry numerous types of warheads, including those designed for the 9M723 ground-based hypersonic missiles used by the no less legendary “Iskander” system. As both missiles use the same manufacturing lines, the Russian military has been able to exponentially ramp up production for them, particularly since the SMO started. When coupled with the greater availability of the Su-34, “Kinzhal’s” capabilities become a far deadlier menace, not only to the Kyiv regime but also to NATO.
SOURCE - InfoBrics.org
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Alexandra is an editor at InfoBrics.org.
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