Kathrine Frich
The two pilots were ultimately forced to eject from the jet.
The two pilots were ultimately forced to eject from the jet.
Another Russian Su-34 Bomber Crashes During Training
A Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber has crashed during a training flight in the Nizhny Novgorod region, east of Moscow.
The incident, reported on Tuesday, adds to a growing list of accidents involving one of Russia’s most used warplanes.
Mechanical Failure Forces Mid-Flight Ejection
According to Russian media, the crash was caused by a mechanical failure in the aircraft’s landing gear.
The two pilots attempted to address the issue while still airborne but were ultimately forced to eject from the jet.
Pilots Survive – No Ground Damage Reported
Both pilots reportedly survived the crash, which occurred around 1:00 p.m. local time in an unpopulated area.
There was no damage to structures or people on the ground, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
$15 Million Warplane Downed
The Su-34 is one of the Russian military’s most advanced and expensive aircraft, with an estimated cost of $15 million per unit.
It’s been widely used in air missions over Ukraine since the war began.
Crash Occurred East of Moscow
The crash site lies roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Moscow.
The location was confirmed by Baza, a Telegram channel closely linked to Russian security services and frequently cited by independent media.
Rescue Operation Finds One Pilot
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that a rescue team quickly arrived at the crash site and evacuated the crew.
However, according to Baza, only one pilot had been found and recovered by Tuesday afternoon.
Pattern of Su-34 Crashes Raises Concerns
This is the third known Su-34 crash in just over a year. In June last year, a fatal accident occurred during training in North Ossetia.
A month later, another bomber went down in the Volgograd region, with both pilots managing to eject safely.
NATO Designation: “Fullback”
NATO designates the Su-34 as “Fullback.”
The aircraft is known for its dual role as a fighter and bomber, equipped to deliver precision strikes while carrying out air combat missions.
