An undisclosed number of Su-34 aircraft have been upgraded with new targeting pods. (Photo: Sukhoi)
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) has finally received Su-34 bombers equipped with new multipurpose targeting pods under the Sych programme, following a lengthy and occasionally delayed process.
According to aerospace industry sources cited by Russian state-run news agency TASS, several aircraft are now equipped with reconnaissance pods to enhance the ability of the Su-34 to detect ground targets of all types.
These pods include UKR-OE for EO reconnaissance, UKR-RL for radar reconnaissance and UKR-RT for electronic reconnaissance.
They are arguably years overdue, as new Sych pods for the Su-34 were mentioned as long ago as November 2011 by NPO Mashinostroeniya,
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