Sukhoi Su-24

The Sukhoi Su-24 (NATO reporting name: Fencer) is a supersonic, all-weather tactical bomber developed in the Soviet Union. The aircraft has a variable-sweep wing, twin engines and a side-by-side seating arrangement for its crew of two. It was the first of the USSR's aircraft to carry an integrated digital navigation/attack system.<ref name="sukhoi.org" />

The Su-24 started development in the early 1960s and first flew in 1967. It entered service in 1974 and production ceased in 1993. It remains in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, Iranian Air Force, Ukrainian Air Force, Algerian Air Force and various other air forces to which it was exported.

Development

Background

One of the conditions for accepting the Sukhoi Su-7B into service in 1961 was the requirement for Sukhoi to develop an all-weather variant capable of precision air strikes. Preliminary investigations with S-28 and S-32 aircraft revealed that the basic Su-7 design was too small to contain all the avionics required for the mission.<ref name="sukhoi">Template:Cite web</ref> OKB-794 (later known as Leninets)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was tasked with developing an advanced nav/attack system, codenamed Puma, which would be at the core of the new aircraft.<ref name="sukhoi.org" /> That same year, the United States proposal for their new all-weather strike fighter would be the TFX. The resulting F-111 would introduce a variable-geometry wing for greatly increased payload, range, and low-level penetration capabilities.

In 1962–1963, Sukhoi initially set out to build an aircraft without the complexity of moving wings like the F-111. It designed and built a mockup of S-6, a delta wing aircraft powered by two Tumansky R-21 turbojet engines and with a crew of two in a tandem arrangement. The mockup was inspected but no further work was ordered due to lack of progress on the Puma hardware.<ref name="sukhoi" />

In 1964, Sukhoi started work on S-58M. The aircraft was supposed to represent a modification of the Sukhoi Su-15 interceptor (factory designation S-58). In the meantime, revised Soviet Air Force requirements called for a low-altitude strike aircraft with STOL capability. A key feature was the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds at low altitude for extended periods of time in order to traverse enemy air defenses.<ref name="sukhoi" /> To achieve this, the design included two Tumansky R-27 afterburning turbojets for cruise and four Rybinsk RD-36-35 turbojets for STOL performance. Side-by-side seating for the crew was implemented since the large Orion radar antennas required a large frontal cross-section.<ref name="sukhoi" /> To test the six-engine scheme, the first Su-15 prototype was converted into S-58VD flying laboratory which operated in 1966–1969.<ref name="sukhoi" />

Design phase

T-6-1

The aircraft was officially sanctioned on 24 August 1965 under the internal codename T-6. The first prototype, T-6-1, was completed in May 1967 and flew on 2 July with Vladimir Ilyushin at the controls.<ref name="sukhoi" /> The initial flights were performed without the four lift jets, which were installed in October 1967. At the same time, R-27s were replaced with Lyulka AL-21Fs. STOL tests confirmed the data from S-58VD that short-field performance was achieved at the cost of significant loss of flight distance as the lift engines occupied space normally reserved for fuel, loss of under-fuselage hardpoints, and instability during transition from STOL to conventional flight.<ref name="sukhoi" /> So the six-engine approach was abandoned.

By 1967, the F-111 had entered service and demonstrated the practical advantages and solutions to the technical problems of a swing-wing design. On 7 August 1968, the OKB was officially tasked with investigating a variable geometry wing for the T-6. The resulting T-6-2I first flew on 17 January 1970 with Ilyushin at the controls. The subsequent government trials lasted until 1974, dictated by the complexity of the onboard systems.<ref name="sukhoi" /> The day or night and all-weather capability was achieved – for the first time<ref name="sukhoi" /> in Soviet tactical attack aircraft – thanks to the Puma nav/attack system consisting of two Orion-A superimposed radar scanners for nav/attack, a dedicated Relyef terrain clearance radar to provide automatic control of flights at low and extremely low altitudes, and an Orbita-10-58 onboard computer.<ref name="sukhoi.org" /> The crew was equipped with Zvezda K-36D ejection seats, allowing them to bail out at any altitude and flight speed, including during takeoff and landing.<ref name="sukhoi.org" /><ref name="sukhoi" /> The resulting design with a range of Template:Convert and payload of Template:Convert was slightly smaller and shorter ranged than the F-111.

Ten fatal accidents occurred during Su-24 development, killing thirteen Sukhoi and Soviet Air Force test pilots, and more than 5 crashes per year were occurring at average after that <ref>Wings of Russia documentary, episode "Attack Aircraft - The Jet Strike"; Wings TV, 2008.</ref>

File:Pair Sukhoi Su-24M in flight (stabilized).ogg

The first production aircraft flew on 31 December 1971 with V.T. Vylomov at the controls, and on 4 February 1975, T-6 was formally accepted into service as the Su-24.<ref name="sukhoi" /> About 1,400 Su-24s were produced.

Upgrades

Surviving Su-24M models have gone through a life-extension and updating program, with GLONASS, upgraded cockpit with multi-function displays (MFDs), HUD, digital moving-map generator, Shchel helmet-mounted sights, and provision for the latest guided weapons, including R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') air-to-air missiles. The upgraded aircraft are designated Su-24M2.Template:Citation needed

Design

Su-24M in flight, 2009

The Su-24 has a shoulder-mounted variable geometry wing outboard of a relatively small fixed wing glove, swept at 69°. The wing has four sweep settings: 16° for takeoff and landing, 35° and 45° for cruise at different altitudes, and 69° for minimum aspect ratio and wing area in low-level dashes. The variable geometry wing provides excellent STOL performance, allowing a landing speed of Template:Convert, even lower than the Sukhoi Su-17 despite substantially greater takeoff weight. Its high wing loading provides a stable low-level ride and minimal gust response.

The Su-24 has two Saturn/Lyulka AL-21F-3A afterburning turbojet engines with 109.8 kN (24,700 lbf) thrust each, fed with air from two rectangular side-mounted intakes with splitter plates/boundary-layer diverters.

In early Su-24 ("Fencer A" according to NATO) aircraft these intakes had variable ramps, allowing a maximum speed of Template:Convert, Mach 2.18, at altitude and a ceiling of Template:Convert. Because the Su-24 is used almost exclusively for low-level missions, the actuators for the variable intakes were removed to reduce weight and maintenance. This has no effect on low-level performance, but absolute maximum speed and altitude are cut to Mach 1.35 and Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Unreliable source? The earliest Su-24 had a box-like rear fuselage, which was soon changed in production to a rear exhaust shroud more closely shaped around the engines to reduce drag. The revised aircraft also gained three side-by-side antenna fairings in the nose, a repositioned braking chute, and a new ram-air inlet at the base of the tail fin. The revised aircraft were dubbed "Fencer-B" by NATO, but did not merit a new Soviet designation.

Armament

A Su-24 in flight (2009)

The Su-24's fixed armament is a single fast-firing GSh-6-23 cannon with 500 rounds of ammunition, mounted in the fuselage underside. The gun is covered with an eyelid shutter when not in use.Template:Citation needed Two or four R-60 (NATO AA-8 'Aphid') infrared missiles are usually carried for self-defence by the Su-24M/24MK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Initial Su-24s had basic electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment, with many Su-24s limited to the old Sirena radar-warning receiver with no integral jamming system. Later-production Su-24s had more comprehensive radar warning, missile-launch warning, and active ECM equipment, with triangular antennas on the sides of the intakes and the tip of the vertical fin. This earned the NATO designation "Fencer-C", although again it did not have a separate Soviet designation. Some "Fencer-C" and later Su-24M (NATO "Fencer-D") have large wing fence/pylons on the wing glove portion with integral chaff/flare dispensers; others have such launchers scabbed onto either side of the tail fin.

Operational history

Substantial numbers of ex-Soviet Su-24s remain in service with Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. In 2008, roughly 415 were in service with Russian forces, with 321 in the Russian Air Force and 94 in the Russian Navy.<ref name="FI_AirForces_2008">Template:Cite web</ref> The Russian Aerospace Forces will eventually replace the Su-24 with the Sukhoi Su-34.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Soviet–Afghan War

A Soviet Su-24 in 1986

The Soviet Union used some Su-24s in the Soviet–Afghan War, with an initial round of strikes in 1984 and a second intervention at the end of the war in 1988. No Su-24 was lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Lebanese Civil War

On October 13, 1990, Syrian Air Force jets entered Lebanese airspace in order to strike General Michel Aoun's military forces. Seven Su-24s were used in this operation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Operation Desert Storm

During Operation Desert Storm, the Iraqi Air Force evacuated 24 of its 30 Su-24MKs to Iran. Another five were destroyed on the ground, while the sole survivor remained in service after the war.Template:Citation needed

Tajik and Afghan civil wars

Fencers were used by the Uzbek Air Force (UzAF) against United Tajik Opposition operating from Afghanistan (which also had a civil war of its own going on), as part of a wider air campaign in support of the embattled government of Tajikistan during the 1992–97 civil war. A Su-24M was shot down on 3 May 1993 with an FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS fired by fundamentalists. Both Russian crew members were rescued.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

In August 1999 Tajikistan protested over an alleged strike involving four UzAF Su-24s against Islamist militants in areas close to two mountain villages in the Jirgatol District that, despite not producing human casualties, killed some 100 head of livestock and set ablaze several crop fields. Tashkent denied the accusations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In the final stages of the 1996-2001 phase of the Afghan civil war, Uzbekistan launched airstrikes against Taliban positions in support of the Northern Alliance. During a mission to attack a Taliban armoured infantry unit near Heiratan, a UzAF Su-24 was shot down on 6 June 2001, killing both crew members.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

First Chechen War

Template:Main On 3 February 1995, during operations over Chechnya, a Russian Su-24M hit the ground in bad weather killing both crew members.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Second Chechen War

Su-24s were used in combat during the Second Chechen War performing bombing and reconnaissance missions. Up to four were lost, one due to hostile fire: on 4 October 1999, a Su-24 was shot down by a SAM while searching for the crash site of a downed Su-25. The pilot was killed while the navigator was taken prisoner.

2008 Russo-Georgian War

In August 2008, a low intensity conflict in the breakaway Georgian regions of Samachablo and Abkhazia, escalated into the 2008 South Ossetia war.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Russian Su-24s flew bombing and reconnaissance sorties over Georgia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Russia admitted that three of its Su-25 strike aircraft and one Tu-22M3 long-range bomber were lost. Moscow Defence Brief provided a higher estimate, saying that Russian Air Force total losses during the war were one Tu-22M3 long-range bomber, one Su-24M Fencer tactical bomber, one Su-24MR Fencer E reconnaissance plane and four Su-25 attack planes. Anton Lavrov listed one Su-25SM, two Su-25BM, two Su-24M and one Tu-22M3 lost.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Libyan Air Force

Libya received five Su-24MK and one Su-24MR from the Soviet Union in 1989.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was one of the last deliveries by the USSR to Libya before the end of the Cold War. One Su-24MK and one Su-24MR may have been transferred to the Syrian Arab Air Force.Template:Citation needed At the beginning of 2011, the Libyan Air Force was ordered to attack rebel positions and opposition rallies. The Libyan Air Force was limited to a composite force of some MiG-23 (due to be retired, according to plans) and Su-22 and few units of flyable MiG-21, Su-24 and Mirage F1ED fighter-bombers, supported by Soko G-2 Galeb and Aero L-39 Albatros armed trainers. The largest part of the former fleet was in disrepair or stored in not flyable condition. On 5 March 2011, at the beginning of the 2011 Libyan civil war, rebels shot down a Libyan Air Force Su-24MK during fighting around Ra's Lanuf with a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun. Both crew members died. A BBC reporter was on the scene soon after the event and filmed an aircraft part at the crash site showing the emblem of the 1124 Squadron, flying the Su-24MK.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Syrian Civil War

Starting in November 2012, 18 months after the start of the Syrian Civil War and four months after the beginning of air raids by fixed-wing SyAAF aircraft, Su-24 bombers were filmed attacking rebel positions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The SAF suffered its first Su-24 loss, an upgraded MK2 version, to an Igla surface-to-air missile on 28 November 2012 near the town of Darat Izza in the Aleppo Governorate. One of the crew members, Col. Ziad Daud Ali, was injured and filmed being taken to a rebel field hospital.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

Syrian Su-24s were reportedly involved in near-encounters with NATO warplanes. One such incident occurred in early September 2013, when Syrian Su-24s of the 819th Squadron (launched from Tiyas Military Airbase) flew low over the Mediterranean and approached the 14-mile air exclusion zone surrounding the British airbase in Akrotiri, Cyprus, then turned back before reaching the area after two RAF Eurofighter Typhoons were scrambled to intercept them along with two Turkish F-16s. The Su-24s were possibly testing the base's air defenses (and their reaction time) in preparation for a possible military strike by the U.S., the United Kingdom and France in the aftermath of the chemical weapons attack in Ghouta, Damascus allegedly committed by the Syrian government.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 23 September 2014, a Syrian Su-24 was shot down by an Israeli Air Defense Command MIM-104D Patriot missile near Quneitra, after it had flown Template:Convert into Israeli controlled airspace over the occupied Golan Heights.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The missile hit the aircraft after it had already re-entered Syrian air space.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Both crew members ejected safely and landed in Syrian territory.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 18 March 2018, a SyAAF Su-24 was shot down by rebels in East Qalamoun, East of Damascus province; it fell into territory controlled by Syrian government forces.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 1 March 2020, two SyAAF Su-24MK2s were shot down by Turkish Air Force F-16s using air-to-air missiles over the Idlib province. All four pilots ejected safely.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2015 Russian military operation in Syria

A couple of Russian Su-24M on the return from Khmeimim Air Base in 2016.

While the Russian Air Force (VVS) aviation group deployed at Khmeimim base in Latakia included modern types such as the Su-30SM, Su-34, and the Su-35, the vast majority of airstrikes (over 80%) were conducted by Su-24Ms.Template:Sfn According to The Aviationist, at least twelve Su-24M2 bombers were deployed in September 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Regardless of type used, the VVS fighter-bombers used old unguided bombs stockpiled during the Soviet era against the insurgents.Template:Sfn On 24 November 2015, a Russian Su-24M was shot down by a flight of two Turkish F-16s near the Turkey–Syrian border. The two crew ejected before the plane crashed in Syrian territory. Russia claimed that the jet had not left Syrian airspace while Turkey claimed that the jet entered their airspace and was warned 10–12 times before being shot down.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

A deputy commander in a Syrian Turkmen brigade claimed that his personnel shot and killed the crew while they were descending in their parachutes, while some Turkish officials subsequently stated that the crew was still alive.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The weapon systems officer was rescued by Russian forces but the pilot was killed by rebels, along with a Russian marine involved in a helicopter rescue attempt. Russian president Vladimir Putin warned Turkey of serious consequences. To increase safety during aerial operations in the region, Russian fighter jets would escort bombers, S-400 SAM systems were deployed in Syria and a Russian cruiser was stationed off the coast to protect Russian aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following the incident, Russia announced that Su-24s in Syria had been armed with air-to-air missiles on operational sorties.Template:Citation needed

Russian encounters with NATO forces

A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft flies over USS Donald Cook

In late May 2015, a pair of Russian Su-24s made a low pass over the Template:USS in the Black Sea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In April 2016, several Russian Su-24s flew within 30 metres of another American ship, the destroyer Template:USS in the Baltic Sea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The incidents occurred over two days, with the planes making passes by the Donald Cook while it was in international waters. In November 2018, two armed Russian Su-24s flew low over the Belgian auxiliary ship Godetia. At the time of the incident, the Godetia was in use as the command ship of NATO's northern mine-sweeping fleet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Saudi-led intervention in Yemen

In March 2015, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir committed Sudan to join the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen against the Houthis. The Sudanese military effort included the commitment of up to four recently acquired Sudanese Air Force Su-24s to the Saudi King Khalid Air Base where they were photographed. Sudanese Armed Forces did not specify the type of mission the Su-24s conducted.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Integrating several Soviet-made combat jets with air forces using modern Western models (F-15s, F-16s, F/A-18s, Tornados, Typhoons) during an active military campaign would represent a historical first, requiring extensive communication integration or leaving the Soviet-made jets operating on a different mission plan. Air defense units, like Saudi MIM-104 Patriot batteries, would either need to stand down, taking the risk of not monitoring for incoming threats or some very specific orders to avoid shooting down friendlies.Template:Citation needed On 28 March 2015, during Operation Decisive Storm, Houthi forces claimed they shot down a Sudanese Air Force Su-24.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Houthis published photos of an allegedly captured Sudanese pilot and metal parts claiming it as the aircraft wreckage.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Russo-Ukrainian War

File:У небі Волині тренується авіація Повітряних Сил ЗС України (27034966022).jpg

Ukrainian Su-24MR 11 yellow in 2013

File:Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-24M at Starokonstantinov.jpg

Ukrainian Su-24M over Starokostiantyniv in 2015

The Ukrainian Air Force inherited all of its Su-24s from the Soviet Union when the latter dissolved in 1991.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2009, amid declining relations with Russia, Ukraine began to have difficulty obtaining spare parts from Sukhoi.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On 5 August 2019, the Template:Interlanguage link announced a modernization and MRO program for Ukraine's Su-24M bombers and Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During the war in Donbas, a Ukrainian Air Force Su-24 was damaged by a MANPADS fired by pro-Russian forces on 2 July 2014. One of the engines was damaged but the crew managed to return to base and land. During landing a new fire started but it was extinguished by the ground crew.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Initially identified as a Su-25, on 20 August 2014 a Ukrainian Su-24M was shot down by Russian proxy forces in the Luhansk Oblast and confirmed by Ukrainian authorities who reported that the crew members ejected safely and were recovered.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 21 August 2014, the downed plane was identified as a Su-24M.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Template:See also Ukraine reportedly had 10 to 20 operational Su-24s prior to the invasion by Russia in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Ukraine jets hit Russian column; Russia has used thermobarics, Ukraine military says Template:Webarchive. Military Times. 2 March 2022.</ref> Lack of standoff missiles meant that Ukrainian crews had to fly into range of Russian air defences to strike their targets. The 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade suffered many losses in the first few months of the invasion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the first hours of the invasion, the Ukrainian Air Force used at least two Su-24Ms during the Battle of Antonov Airport against Russian Airborne Forces that had flown in the airport in helicopters.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 27 February, one Ukrainian Su-24 was lost near Bucha, Kyiv Oblast. The pilots, Major Ruslan Oleksandrovich Bilous and Captain Roman Oleksandrovich Dovhalyuk, were killed and were posthumously awarded with the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Another bomber was reported lost on 3 April, when a video emerged showing the crash site with the remains of a blue-coloured AL-21 engine employed by the Su-24.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 22 March, another Ukrainian Su-24M was shot down by Russian forces in Izyum. The navigator ejected successfully, but the pilot, Major Oleksiy Oleksandrovich Kovalenko, was killed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 19 May, a Su-24 was lost near Pylove. The pilot, Lt. Colonel Igor Khamar and the navigator, Major Ilya Negar, were killed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 9 August, explosions at Saky Airport in Novofedorivka, Crimea, destroyed and damaged several aircraft on the ground, among them at least five Russian Naval Aviation Su-24s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Russia denied the loss of any aircraft, though this was rebutted by satellite imagery.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 9 October 2022, a Russian Su-24 crashed during landing in the Rostov region in Russia due to technical malfunction.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:Su-24M Storm Shadow.jpg

Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-24M carrying two Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles

In May 2023, the United Kingdom supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles,<ref>Ukraine's 'Specially Modified' Warplane Under Cover Of MiG-29 & Su-27 Pounds Russia With Storm Shadow Missiles; UK Confirms Its Use Template:Webarchive. The EurAsian Times. 19 May 2023.</ref> allowing Su-24s to launch strikes from a safer distance.<ref name="Can UK's Storm Shadow missiles change Ukraine fight against Russia?">Template:Cite news</ref> On 24 May, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov tweeted a composite image of a Su-24MR carrying a Storm Shadow missile on its right wing glove pylon. As a Storm Shadow weighs almost 2,900 pounds, only the Su-24 or Su-27 can carry it.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 2 July, it was reported that Ukrainian Su-24s were modified with pylons taken from decommissioned RAF Panavia Tornado GR4s in order to carry and launch at least two Storm Shadows at once. It appears that the coordinates have to be entered while the aircraft is on the ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 11 July 2023, Russian Lieutenant general Oleg Tsokov was killed in an airstrike on the command post of the 58th Combined Arms Army in occupied Berdiansk, during the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive; Russian state media alleged he was killed by a Storm Shadow missile launched from a Ukrainian Su-24.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 9 September 2023, Russian sources claimed that six boats of an attempted Ukrainian amphibious operation near Cape Tarkhankut were intercepted by a Russian Su-24M and that three of the boats were sunk using RBK-500 bombs.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 13 September 2023, an attack on Sevastopol Shipyard resulted in damage to port facilities, the submarine Rostov-na-Donu and the landing ship Minsk, both of which were in dry dock. Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk strongly implied the use of either British Storm Shadow or French SCALP missiles launched by Ukrainian Su-24s.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 22 September, Ukrainian Su-24s firing Storm Shadow missiles struck the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Ukrainian military alleged that the strike was timed to coincide with a meeting of naval officials and there were casualties.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 4 November 2023, at least three Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles launched by Ukrainian Su-24s struck the newly built Russian corvette Askold at the Zalyv Shipbuilding Yard in Kerch.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The ship, which was to enter service in the second half of 2023,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> suffered extensive damage to its port side.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 5 December 2023, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk stated that a Ukrainian RBS 70 MANPAD downed a Su-24 in Odesa Oblast.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Su-24MR Yellow 11 7th BrTA (1).jpg

Ukrainian Su-24MR 11 yellow in 2024

On 26 December 2023, the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk was destroyed by Ukrainian Su-24s using cruise missiles.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Russian officials claimed that two Ukrainian Su-24s were shot down, but this claim was refuted by a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Mali War

In June 2025 an Su-24M was seen in satellite images at Bamako Airport during the Mali War.<ref name=Maurice>Template:Cite news</ref>

Variants

Source: Sukhoi<ref name="sukhoi" />

S6<ref name="Antonov">Antonov et al. 1996.</ref>

An early project in the gestation of the Su-24, like a meld of the Su-7 and Su-15.<ref name="Antonov" />

T6-1

The initial prototype with cropped delta wings and 4 RD-36-35 lift engines in the fuselage.<ref name="Antonov" />

T6-2I / T6-3I / T6-4I

Prototypes for the variable geometry Su-24 production aircraft.<ref name="Antonov" />

Su-24

The first production version, the armaments include Kh-23 and Kh-28 type air-to-ground guided missiles, together with R-55 type air-to-air guided missiles.<ref name="sukhoi.org" /> Manufactured between 1971–1983, with around 500 units produced.

Su-24M ('Fencer-D')

Work on upgrading the Su-24 started in 1971, and included the addition of inflight refueling and expansion of attack capabilities with even more payload options. T-6M-8 prototype first flew on 29 June 1977, and the first production Su-24M flew on 20 June 1979. The aircraft was accepted into service in 1983. Su-24M has a 0.76 m (30 in) longer fuselage section forward of the cockpit, adding a retractable refueling probe, and a reshaped, shorter radome for the attack radar. It can be identified by the single nose probe in place of the three-part probe of earlier aircraft. A new PNS-24M inertial navigation system and digital computer were also added. A Kaira-24 laser designator/TV-optical quantum system (similar to the American Pave Tack) was fitted in a bulge in the port side of the lower fuselage, as well as Tekon track and search system (in pod), for compatibility with guided weapons, including 500 and 1,500kg laser-guided bombs and TV-guided bombs, and laser/TV-guided missiles Kh-25 and Kh-29L/T, anti-radar missiles Kh-58 and Kh-14 (AS-12 'Kegler') and Kh-59 (AS-13 'Kingbolt')/Kh-59M TV-target seeker guided missiles.<ref name="sukhoi.org" /> The new systems led to a reduction in internal fuel amounting to 85 L (22.4 US gal). Su-24M was manufactured between 1981–1993, with around 770 units produced.<ref name="sukhoi.org" />

Su-24M2 ('Fencer-D')

Next modernization of Su-24M introduced in 2000 with the "Sukhoi" program and in 1999 with the "Gefest" program. The modernized planes are equipped with new equipment and systems. As a result, they get new capabilities and improved combat efficiency, including new navigation system (SVP-24), new weapons control system, new HUD (ILS-31, like in Su-27SM or KAI-24) and expanding list of usable munitions (Kh-31A/P, Kh-59MK, KAB-500S). The last batch of the Sukhoi was delivered to the Russian VVS in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Modernization continues with the program "Gefest". All frontline bombers Su-24 in the Central Military District received new sighting and navigation systems SVP-24 in 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Su-24MK ('Fencer-D')

Export version of the Su-24M with downgraded avionics and weapons capabilities. First flight 30 May 1987 as T-6MK, 17 May 1988 as Su-24MK. Manufactured 1988–1992, sold to Algeria, Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Many Iraqi examples were evacuated to Iran.

Su-24MR ('Fencer-E')

Dedicated tactical reconnaissance variant. First flight 25 July 1980 as T-6MR-26, 13 April 1983 as Su-24MR. Entered service in 1983, with 130 units manufactured. Su-24MR retains much of the Su-24M's navigation suite, including the terrain-following radar, but deletes the Orion-A attack radar, the laser/TV system, and the cannon in favor of two panoramic camera installations, 'Aist-M' ('Stork') TV camera, RDS-BO 'Shtik' ('Bayonet') side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), and 'Zima' ('Winter') infrared reconnaissance system. Other sensors are carried in pod form. Manufactured 1983–1993.<ref name="sukhoi.org" /> It is also being modernized.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Su-24MP ('Fencer-F')

Dedicated electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) variant, intended to replace the Yak-28PP 'Brewer-E'. First flight 14 March 1980 as T-6MP-25, 7 April 1983 as Su-24MP. The Su-24MP has additional antennas for intelligence-gathering sensors and radar jamming, omitting the laser/TV fairing, but retaining the cannon and provision for up to four R-60 (AA-8) missiles for self-defense. Only 10 were built.<ref name="sukhoi.org" />

Operators

File:Operators of the Su-24.svg

Su-24 operators as of 2015 Template:Legend Template:Legend

Current

Template:ALG

• Algerian Air Force – 33 Su-24M/MKs and 3 Su-24MR as of 2024Template:Sfn

Template:IRN

• Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force – 29 Su-24MKs as of 2024Template:Sfn

Template:LBY

• Libyan National Army − Unknown number of aircraft were supplied by Russia to the LNA, these are operated by Russian mercenaries.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Some Su-24Ms remain airworthy as of 2024Template:Sfn

File:Sukhoi Su24M bn08 2021.jpg

Su-24M of the Russian Naval Aviation (2021)

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• Russian Aerospace Forces – 260 as of 2025<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">Template:Cite web</ref>
• Russian Naval Aviation – Up to 30 Su-24M and 10 Su-24MR as of 2024Template:Sfn

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• Eight ex-Belarusian Air Force Su-24s were transferred to the Sudanese Air Force starting in 2013.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Estimated to have 4 Su-24M/MR as of 2024Template:Sfn

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• Ukrainian Air Force − Estimated to have 5 Su-24M and 8 Su-24MR as of 2024Template:Sfn

Former

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• Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force - 11 in service as of 2008.<ref name="FI_AirForces_2008" /> Not in service anymore as of December 2021.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref>

File:Belarus Air Force Sukhoi Su-24M Pichugin-1.jpg

A Su-24M of the Belarusian Air Force

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• Belarusian Air Force − 35 in service as of 2010Template:Sfn

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• Iraqi Air Force − 25 in 1991. Two were destroyed and fourteen fled to Iran during Operation Desert Storm.Template:Sfn 2 Su-24MK remained in service prior to the 2003 invasion of IraqTemplate:Sfn

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• Kazakhstan Air Defense Force - Operated 13 aircraft until retired in 2023 or earlier. The aircraft were put up for auction in October 2023, and reportedly purchased by the US in April 2024.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a later statement, the Kazakh state-owned weapons importer and exporter Kazspetexport denied such claims, saying that foreign companies were not allowed to bid.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Template:Flagicon Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

• Libyan Air Force − Received 15 Su-24s in early 1989. Only six Su-24MKs remained in service as of 2010.Template:Sfn Destroyed by NATO airstrikes during the First Libyan Civil War in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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• Syrian Arab Air Force – 22 received. 20 Su-24MKs from the Soviet Union starting in 1987, one Su-24MK and one Su-24MR from Libya.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> It was estimated that 10 Su-24MKs were in service prior to the fall of the Assad regime.Template:Sfn At least 10 were destroyed during Operation Bashan Arrow according to Israeli claims<ref name="Daoud">Template:Cite web</ref>

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• Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces − In storageTemplate:Sfn

Notable recent accidents and incidents

• On 10 April 2011 an Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Su-24MK crashed close to Khavaran village near the city of Sarvestan, about 80 km east of Shiraz in the southern province of Fars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• On 30 October 2012, a Russian Air Force Su-24M crashed in Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia. During the flight the nose cone fractured. After attempting an emergency landing, the crew of two flew to open territory and safely ejected. A regional government website stated that emergency was the result of aircraft control system failure. Flights of Su-24 were suspended at the Shagol base.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• On 21 March 2014, a Ukrainian Air Force Su-24M belonging to the 7th Brigade crashed during approach for landing near Starokonstantinov in the Khmelnitsky region, Ukraine. Both crew members ejected safely.Template:Cn
• On 23 September 2014, a Syrian Su-24 was shot down by the Israeli Air Defence Command after entering Israeli air space above the Golan Heights. The aircraft was intercepted by a MIM-104 Patriot SAM.
• On 13 October 2014, an Algerian Air Force Su-24 crashed during a training flight killing both crew members<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• On 6 July 2015, a Russian Air Force Su-24 crashed outside of Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East killing one out of two crew members.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• On 24 November 2015, a Russian Aerospace Forces Su-24 was shot down by a Turkish F-16 near the Turkey-Syria border. Both crew ejected, but the pilot was killed by Turkmen rebels as he parachuted to the ground, while the navigator was rescued.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• On 10 October 2017, a Russian Aerospace Forces Su-24 crashed during takeoff at Khmeimim Air Base, Latakia province, Syria. Both crew members died in the crash.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• On 9 August 2022, a series of explosions occurred at the Saki Air Base in Crimea. At least 1 Su-24 was destroyed, with satellite imagery taken hours before indicating there were at least two others in the vicinity. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated "there had been no attack and no aviation equipment had been damaged."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Specifications (Su-24MK)

File:Sukhoi Su-24 3-view line drawing.png

File:Sukhoi Su-24.jpg

Sukhoi Su-24MR at Kubinka airbase

References

Bibliography

• Antonov, Vladimir, et al. Okb Sukhoi: A History of the Design Bureau and Its Aircraft. Leicester, UK: Midland, 1996. Template:ISBN.
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• Wilson, Stewart. Combat Aircraft since 1945. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications, 2000. Template:ISBN.
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Further reading

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External links

• Su-24 page on Sukhoi's site
• Su-24 page on AerospaceWeb.org