Russian Air Force to get new Su-34 fighter-bombers

Russia's Air Force will receive a regiment of new Su-34 fighter-bombers by 2010, its head said Tuesday.

"Under a three-year state contract, the Chkalov Aircraft Production Association [in Novosibirsk] ...will manufacture and deliver a regiment of Su-34 [NATO designation Fullback] fighter-bombers to the Russian Air Force," Air Force Commander Vladimir Mikhailov said.

Mikhailov said the Su-34 would replace the outdated Su-24 (NATO designation Fencer) frontline bomber.

"Test flights of Su-34 fighter-bombers started at the beginning of 2006," Mikhailov said. "We have about 10 [Su-34s] in the Air Force at present."