Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Passwords do not match

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Home>
News>
Digital Battlespace>
Su-34 bomber is getting new targeting pods

Su-34 bomber is getting new targeting pods

10th May 2021 - 11:28 GMT | by Leonid Nersisyan in Moscow

RSS

An undisclosed number of Su-34 aircraft have been upgraded with new targeting pods. (Photo: Sukhoi)

Delays in testing the UKR-RL reconnaissance targeting pod for the Su-34 appear to have been overcome.

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,

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

👁 Leonid Nersisyan

Author

Leonid Nersisyan

Leonid Nersisyan is a defence analyst and research fellow at APRI Armenia. He is a …

Read full bio

Share to

Facebook X Linkedin

More from Digital Battlespace

World Defense Show 2026: Northrop Grumman to present improved C2 management system

The Northrop Grumman Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Poland and the US Army with another 20 countries believed to have expressed an interest.
Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials

The Thales DigitalCrew package, first unveiled at last year’s Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference, is designed to merge imaging and apply a layer of decision-making and observation algorithms to support crew and other personnel.
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool

Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems

Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster

The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end

Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

URL: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/digital-battlespace/su-34-bomber-getting-new-targeting-pods/