Sukhoi Su-24: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia


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{{Short description|Family of Soviet strike aircraft}}

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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin

|name= Su-24

|image= Sukhoi Su-24 inflight Mishin-2.jpg

|caption= Su-24M of the [[Russian Air Force]], May 2009

}}{{Infobox aircraft type

|type= [[Night fighter|All-weather]] [[tactical bomber]]/[[interdictor]]

|national originnational_origin= Soviet Union / Russia

|manufacturer= [[Sukhoi]]

|designer=

|first flightfirst_flight= T-6: {{Start date and age|1967|07|02|df=yes}} <br />T-6-2I: {{Start date and age|1970|01|17|df=yes}}

|introducedintroduction= 1974

|retired=

|status= In service

|primary userprimary_user= [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on numbers in service. -->

|more usersmore_users= [[Ukrainian Air Force]] <br />[[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]<br />[[Algerian Air Force]]<!-- Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field, four (4) total users with primary user. See Operators section below for others. Please separate with <br />. -->

|produced= 1967–1993<ref name="sukhoi.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su24mk/history/|title=Airplanes - Military Aircraft - Su-24 - Historical background|work=Sukhoi Company (JSC)|access-date=14 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219023949/http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su24mk/history/|archive-date=19 December 2014}}</ref>

|number builtnumber_built= Approximately 1,400

|developed_from=

|developed from=

|variants with their own articles=

|developed_into=

|developed into=

}}

|}

The '''Sukhoi Su-24''' ([[NATO reporting name]]: '''Fencer''') is a [[supersonic]], [[night fighter|all-weather]] [[tactical bomber]] developed in the [[Soviet Union]]. The aircraft has a [[variable-sweep wing]], [[Twinjet|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 [[Nav/attack system|navigation/attack system]].<ref name="sukhoi.org" />

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

==Development==

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====2015 Russian military operation in Syria====

{{Main|2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown|Russian-led military intervention in Syria}}

[[File:Прибытие экипажей фронтовых бомбардировщиков Су-24М с авиабазы Хмеймим в Сирии на аэродром Центрального военного округа (5).jpg|thumb|A couple of Russian Su-24M arriving in [[Khmeimim Air Base]].]]

The long-range striking power of the Russian aerospace forces in the region comes from the twelve Su-24M2 bombers that Russia sent to its base in [[Khmeimim Air Base|Latakia]], Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://theaviationist.com/2015/09/22/latest-imagery-unveils-12-su24s/|title = Latest imagery shows 28 Russian aircraft (12 Su-24s, 12 Su-25s and 4 Su-30s) on the ground at airbase in Syria|date = 22 September 2015|access-date = 7 November 2021|archive-date = 7 November 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211107093823/https://theaviationist.com/2015/09/22/latest-imagery-unveils-12-su24s/|url-status = live}}</ref> On 24 November 2015, a Russian Su-24M [[2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown|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>{{cite news|title=Russia says jet shot down in Turkish border near Syria|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/24/turkey-shoots-down-jet-near-border-with-syria|access-date=24 November 2015|first1=Kareem|last1=Shaheen|first2=Shaun|last2=Walker|first3=Julian|last3=Borger|work=The Guardian|agency=[[Reuters]]|date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124081342/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/24/turkey-shoots-down-jet-near-border-with-syria|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Downed jet was warned 10 times in 5 min, says Turkish military|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2015/11/24/downed-jet-was-warned-10-times-in-5-min-says-turkish-military|access-date=24 November 2015|work=Daily Sabah|agency=[[Reuters]]|date=24 November 2015}}</ref>

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The [[Ukrainian Air Force]] inherited all of its Su-24s from the Soviet Union when the latter dissolved in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/07/21/where-is-ukraine-getting-its-bombers/|title=Where Is Ukraine Getting Its Bombers?|first=David|last=Axe|website=Forbes|access-date=2023-03-03|archive-date=2023-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303022536/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/07/21/where-is-ukraine-getting-its-bombers/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, amid [[2009 Russia–Ukraine gas dispute|declining relations with Russia]], Ukraine began to have difficulty obtaining spare parts from Sukhoi.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Russian Jet That Fights for Both Sides |url=https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/fighter-jet-fights-both-sides-180975834/ |magazine=[[Air & Space]] |first=Valeriy |last=Romanenko |date=October 2020 |others=Translation by Dan Zamansky |access-date=3 March 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411062127/https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/fighter-jet-fights-both-sides-180975834/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 August 2019, the {{interlanguage link|Миколаївський авіаремонтний завод|uk|lt=Mykolaiv Aircraft Repair Plant}} announced a modernization and [[Maintenance, repair and overhaul|MRO]] program for Ukraine's Su-24M bombers and Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-08-08/ukraine-launches-su-24-and-il-76-mro-update-program|title=Ukraine Launches Su-24 and Il-76 MRO/Update Program|first=Peter|last=Dunai|website=Aviation International News|access-date=2023-03-03|archive-date=2023-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303060603/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-08-08/ukraine-launches-su-24-and-il-76-mro-update-program|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|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>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=167738|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 167738|work=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101005728/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=167738|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</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>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-airplane-idUSKBN0GK1Z020140820|title=Separatists shoot down Ukrainian SU-25 fighter plane - military|date=20 August 2014|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129064947/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/20/us-ukraine-crisis-airplane-idUSKBN0GK1Z020140820|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=168931|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 168931|work=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101005518/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=168931|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 21 August 2014, the downed plane was identified as a Su-24M.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ukraine-crisis-refugees-idUKKBN0GL11520140821|title=Three refugees killed as they flee Ukrainian conflict - military|date=21 August 2014|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129060428/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/08/21/uk-ukraine-crisis-refugees-idUKKBN0GL11520140821|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=livedead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==== Russian invasion of Ukraine ====

Ukraine reportedly had 10 to 20 operational Su-24s prior to the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion by Russia]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukrainian-su-24-back-in-the-fight-and-armed-with-a-laser-guided-missile |title=Ukrainian Su-24 Back In The Fight And Armed With A Laser-Guided Missile |publisher=Thedrive.com |date=10 August 2022 |access-date=2022-08-11 |quote=Western sources reported a total fully operational fleet of only 12 of these aircraft before the current conflict. It’s likely that this last number is an underestimation, although only one tactical aviation brigade flew Fencers, both Su-24Ms for strike, and Su-24MR reconnaissance versions, based at Starokostyantyniv. Typically, a pre-war brigade had two squadrons with 10–12 aircraft each, although some brigades had only a single squadron. |archive-date=2022-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810215644/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukrainian-su-24-back-in-the-fight-and-armed-with-a-laser-guided-missile |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/03/02/ukraine-jets-hit-russian-column-russia-has-used-thermobarics-ukraine-military-says/ Ukraine jets hit Russian column; Russia has used thermobarics, Ukraine military says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305233155/https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/03/02/ukraine-jets-hit-russian-column-russia-has-used-thermobarics-ukraine-military-says/ |date=2022-03-05 }}. ''[[Military Times]]''. 2 March 2022.</ref> Lack of [[standoff missile]]s meant that Ukrainian crews had to fly into range of Russian [[Anti-aircraft warfare|air defences]] to strike their targets. The [[7th Tactical Aviation Brigade (Ukraine)|7th Tactical Aviation Brigade]] suffered many losses in the first few months of the invasion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-07 |title=How Ukraine's venerable Su-24 fleet continues to be a thorn in Russia's side |url=https://www.key.aero/article/how-ukraines-venerable-su-24-fleet-continues-be-thorn-russias-side |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=www.key.aero |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003003346/https://www.key.aero/article/how-ukraines-venerable-su-24-fleet-continues-be-thorn-russias-side |url-status=live }}</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>{{Cite news |last=Marson |first=James |date=2022-03-03 |title=Putin Thought Ukraine Would Fall Quickly. An Airport Battle Proved Him Wrong. |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-thought-ukraine-would-fall-quickly-an-airport-battle-proved-him-wrong-11646343121 |access-date=2022-03-06 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=2022-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307230009/https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-thought-ukraine-would-fall-quickly-an-airport-battle-proved-him-wrong-11646343121 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 February, one Ukrainian Su-24 was lost near Bucha, Kyiv Oblast. The pilots, CommanderMajor Ruslan AleksandrovichOleksandrovich BelousBilous and CommanderCaptain Roman AleksandrovichOleksandrovich Dovhalyuk, were killed and were posthumously awarded with the [[Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/275864|title=ASN Occurrence # 275864|work=Aviation Safety Network|date=18 April 2022|access-date=19 April 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225212625/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/275864|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/1312022-41685|title=УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА УКРАЇНИ №131/2022|date=14 March 2022|language=uk|access-date=19 April 2022|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319045515/https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/1312022-41685|url-status=live}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/04/07/where-are-ukraines-bombers/?ss=aerospace-defense&sh=389814576e7e|title=Where Are Ukraine's Bombers?|date=7 April 2022|work=Forbes|first=David|last=Axe|quote="There however is evidence the Ukrainians have lost at least one Su-24. On March 30, a video circulated on social media apparently depicting a Ukrainian bomber trailing smoke over Rivne in western Ukraine, purportedly after a Russian fighter intercepted it. At least one of those claimed kills appears to be valid. On or before April 3, someone shot a video depicting the crash site of a Ukrainian Su-24. Its blue camouflage pattern is visible, as are the remains of one of its AL-21 engines"|access-date=10 April 2022|archive-date=9 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409230849/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/04/07/where-are-ukraines-bombers/?ss=aerospace-defense&sh=389814576e7e|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1022 AprilMarch, another Ukrainian Su-2424M was destroyedshot down by Russian forces in [[Izyum]]. The navigator ejected successfully, but the pilot, Major Oleksiy Oleksandrovich Kovalenko, was killed.<ref>{{citeCite web |url=https://aviation-safetystarkon.netcity/wikibasearticles/277408250042/nezlamni-ekipazhi-i-ya-na-nebi-bo-vse-svoye-zhittya-viddav-sluzhinnyu-vilnomu-ukrainskomu-narodu |title=ASNНезламні Occurrenceекіпажі: #"І 277408|work=Aviationя Safetyна Network|date=10небі... Aprilбо 2022|access-date=19все Aprilсвоє життя віддав служіню вільному українському народу!" 2022|archive-date=19 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419004440/https://aviation11-safety.net/wikibase/27740817 |url-statuswebsite=liveStarkon.City}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://news.obozrevatel.com/ukr/vojna-v-ukraine/u-vinnitsi-poproschalisya-z-lotchikami-yaki-viddali-zhittya-za-ukrainu-na-ihnyu-chest-u-nebo-pidnyalisya-vinischuvachi.htm|title=У Вінниці попрощалися з льотчиками, які віддали життя за Україну: на їхню честь у небо піднялися винищувачі|work=Oboz Revatel|language=uk|date=23 May 2022|access-date=24 May 2022|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526145054/https://news.obozrevatel.com/ukr/vojna-v-ukraine/u-vinnitsi-poproschalisya-z-lotchikami-yaki-viddali-zhittya-za-ukrainu-na-ihnyu-chest-u-nebo-pidnyalisya-vinischuvachi.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://vinbazar.com/news/suspilstvo/u-vinnitsii-z-pochestyami-proveli-ekipaj-bombarduvalnika-su-24m-foto|title=У Вінниці з почестями провели екіпаж бомбардувальника Су-24М (Фото)|language=uk|date=23 May 2022|access-date=24 May 2022|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526152514/https://vinbazar.com/news/suspilstvo/u-vinnitsii-z-pochestyami-proveli-ekipaj-bombarduvalnika-su-24m-foto|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 August, [[2022 Novofedorivka explosions|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>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/widespread-destruction-seen-after-blasts-at-russian-base-in-crimea|title=Widespread Destruction Seen After Blasts At Russian Base In Crimea|work=The Drive - The War Zone|date=10 August 2022|quote="..and three more Su-24 Fencers sitting inside revetments were very likely destroyed. Another Su-24 and adjacent structure, along with an additional separate structure, all in this same portion of the base were obliterated, as well. A fifth Su-24 looks to be damaged, too."|access-date=26 September 2022|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811091429/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/widespread-destruction-seen-after-blasts-at-russian-base-in-crimea|url-status=live}}</ref> Russia denied the loss of any aircraft, though this was rebutted by [[satellite imagery]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62500560 |title=Ukraine war: Crimea airbase badly damaged, satellite images show |work=[[BBC News]] |date= |access-date=2022-08-11 |archive-date=2022-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811093144/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62500560 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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On 9 October 2022, a Russian Su-24 crashed during landing in the Rostov region in Russia due to technical malfunction.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/867039 |title="Бомбардировщик Су-24 разбился в Ростовской области" (Russian; "Su-24 bomber crashed in the Rostov region") |work=[[Interfax]] |date=9 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-09 |archive-date=2022-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009142158/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/867039 |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 30 March 2023, the [[Oryx (website)|Oryx]] open-source intelligence website has visually confirmed ten Russian Su-24 losses.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html|title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine|access-date=2022-11-24|archive-date=2022-06-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604015103/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2023, the United Kingdom supplied Ukraine with [[Storm Shadow]] [[air-launched cruise missile]]s,<ref>[https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraines-specially-modified-warplane-under-cover-of-mig-29/ Ukraine’s ‘Specially Modified’ Warplane Under Cover Of MiG-29 & Su-27 Pounds Russia With Storm Shadow Missiles; UK Confirms Its Use] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605163115/https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraines-specially-modified-warplane-under-cover-of-mig-29/ |date=2023-06-05 }}. ''The EurAsian Times''. 19 May 2023.</ref> allowing Su-24s to launch [[surgical strike]]sstrikes from a safer distance.<ref name="Can UK’s Storm Shadow missiles change Ukraine fight against Russia?">{{citation|title = Can UK’sUK's Storm Shadow missiles change Ukraine fight against Russia?|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65813770|publisher = BBC News|author = Thomas Spencer|date = 6 June 2023|accessdate = 11 May 2024}}</ref> On 24 May, Ukrainian Defense Minister [[Oleksii Reznikov]] tweeted a [[Compositing|composite]] image of ana 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. Given this is the reconnaissance version of the Su-24, which only carries R-60 (missile) for defence.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/su-24-fencer-is-ukraines-storm-shadow-missile-carrier |title= Su-24 Fencer Is Ukraine's Storm Shadow Missile Carrier |first= THOMAS |last= NEWDICK |website= Forbes |date= 24 May 2023 |access-date= 25 May 2023 |archive-date= 3 June 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230603073554/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/su-24-fencer-is-ukraines-storm-shadow-missile-carrier |url-status= live }}</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 firelaunch the Storm Shadow missile. The aircraft can carry at least two Storm Shadows at once. It appears that the coordinates have to be entered while the aircraft is on the ground.<ref>{{cite web |title=US-Supplied JDAM-ER Glide Bombs Appear On Ukrainian Jets For The First |author=STEFANO D'URSO |url=https://theaviationist.com/2023/07/05/jdam-er-on-ukrainian-jets/ |website=theaviationist |date=5 July 2023 |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705222256/https://theaviationist.com/2023/07/05/jdam-er-on-ukrainian-jets/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ukrainian Su-24s are using Tornado weapon pylons |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-su-24s-are-using-tornado-weapon-pylons/ |website=Militarnyi |access-date=2 July 2023 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702090740/https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-su-24s-are-using-tornado-weapon-pylons/ |url-status=live }}</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 [[Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast|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>{{cite news |last1=Gregory |first1=James |title=Ukraine: Russian general reported killed in attack on Berdyansk hotel |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66171638 |access-date=15 July 2023 |work=BBC News |date=12 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719061437/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66171638 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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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; three of the boats were sunk using [[RBK-500]] bombs, according to Russian milbloggers.<ref>{{cite news |author=Boyko Nikolov |title=Russian Su-24 bomber sank three out of six Ukrainian boats – Rybar |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/09/10/russian-su-24-bomber-sank-three-out-of-six-ukrainian-boats-rybar/ |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=bulgarianmilitary |date=10 September 2023 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926091754/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/09/10/russian-su-24-bomber-sank-three-out-of-six-ukrainian-boats-rybar/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 13 September 2023, an attack on [[Sevastopol Shipyard]] resulted in damage to port facilities, the [[Russian submarine B-237|submarine ''Rostov-na-Donu'']] and the [[Russian landing ship Minsk|landing ship ''Minsk'']], both of which were in drydockdry dock. In a Telegram post, Ukrainian Air Force commander [[Mykola Oleshchuk]] strongly implied the use of either UKBritish Storm Shadow or French SCALP missiles launched by Ukrainian Su-24s.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-13 |title=Ukraine launches missile attack on Crimea |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66793900 |access-date=2023-10-20 |archive-date=2023-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913044106/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66793900 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Ukrainian Bombers Firing Western Cruise Missiles Have Knocked Out A Russian Submarine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/13/ukrainian-bombers-firing-western-cruise-missiles-have-destroyed-a-russian-submarine/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013134308/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/13/ukrainian-bombers-firing-western-cruise-missiles-have-destroyed-a-russian-submarine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/kpszsu/videos/1374879979733479/?__tn__=%2CO-R |title=Archived copy |website=[[Facebook]] |access-date=2023-09-16 |archive-date=2023-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928201349/https://www.facebook.com/kpszsu/videos/1374879979733479/?__tn__=,O-R |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 September, Ukrainian Su-24s firing Storm Shadow missiles [[2023 missile strike on the Sevastopol Naval Base|struck the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet]] in Sevastopol.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=To Blow Up Warships And Headquarters In Crimea, Ukraine First Had To Roll Back Russia's Air-Defenses |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/22/to-blow-up-warships-and-headquarters-in-crimea-ukraine-first-had-to-roll-back-russias-air-defenses/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009225612/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/22/to-blow-up-warships-and-headquarters-in-crimea-ukraine-first-had-to-roll-back-russias-air-defenses/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-22 |title=Ukraine hits HQ of Russia's symbolic Black Sea navy |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66887524 |access-date=2023-10-20 |archive-date=2023-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011020235/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66887524 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ukrainian military alleged that the strike was timed to coincide with a meeting of naval officials and there were casualties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-23 |title=Ukraine claims Sevastopol strike hit navy commanders |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66901227 |access-date=2023-10-20 |archive-date=2023-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924001429/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66901227 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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As of 6 December 2023, Oryx equipment loss tracker reported Russian losses as 1 Su-24M strike aircraft, 1 Su-24MR tactical reconnaissance aircraft, and 10 Su-24M/MR strike/tactical reconnaissance aircraft; and Ukrainian losses as 18 Su-24M strike aircraft, 1 Su-24MR tactical reconnaissance aircraft, and 1 unspecified Su-24 type.<ref>accessed 6 December 2023, https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423012430/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html |date=2022-04-23 }}</ref>

On 26 December 2023, the [[Russian landing ship Novocherkassk|''Novocherkassk'']] was reportedly destroyedattacked by the [[Ukrainian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-air-force-destroys-russian-landing-ship-in-occupied-crimea/ |website=Kyivindependent.com |title=Ukrainian Air Force destroys Russian landing ship in occupied Crimea |date=2023-12-26 |access-date=2023-12-26 |archive-date=2024-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119052212/https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-air-force-destroys-russian-landing-ship-in-occupied-crimea/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/12/26/ukraine-destroys-russian-navys-novocherkassk-landing-craft-in-occupied-crimea |website=euromaidenpress |date=2023-12-26 |title=Ukraine destroys Russian Navy's Novocherkassk landing craft in occupied Crimea |access-date=2023-12-26 |archive-date=2023-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229095316/https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/12/26/ukraine-destroys-russian-navys-novocherkassk-landing-craft-in-occupied-crimea/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ship was destroyed in an air attack by two Ukrainian [[Su-24]]s24s using morecruise than one missile according to the Ukrainian Air Forcemissiles. Russian officials confirmed the attack. During which one person was killed and two injured. Six buildings were damaged. Russian officials also claimed that two Ukrainian [[Su-24]]s have beenwere shot down, although this was refuted by the Ukrainian Air Force's spokesperson.<ref>{{Cite news |date= 26 December 2023 |url= https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-says-it-hit-russian-landing-ship-in-feodosia/ |title= Ukraine says it hit Russian landing ship in Feodosia |work= Defence Blog |author= Dylan Malyasov |access-date= 26 December 2023 |archive-date= 26 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231226081605/https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-says-it-hit-russian-landing-ship-in-feodosia/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date= 26 December 2023|url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/massive-fireball-rises-over-crimean-port|title= Massive Fireball Rises Over Crimean Port|work= The War Zone|author= TYLERTyler ROGOWAYRogoway|access-date= 26 December 2023|archive-date= 26 December 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231226084208/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/massive-fireball-rises-over-crimean-port|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Variants==

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'''Su-24'''

:The first production version, the armaments include [[Kh-23 Grom|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 bomb]]s and TV-guided bombs, and laser/TV-guided missiles [[Kh-25]] and [[Kh-29|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-31|Kh-31A/P]], [[Kh-59|Kh-59MK]], [[KAB-500S-E|KAB-500S]]). The last batch of the Sukhoi was delivered to the Russian VVS in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defencetalk.com/upgraded-su-24m2-bombers-to-russian-air-force-23393/|title=Upgraded Su-24M2 Bombers to Russian Air Force|date=17 December 2009|work=defencetalk.com|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128210156/http://www.defencetalk.com/upgraded-su-24m2-bombers-to-russian-air-force-23393/|archive-date=28 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://engineeringrussia.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/su-24-bombers-are-equipped-with-gefest-system/|title=Su-24 bombers are equipped with "Gefest" system|date=28 May 2013|work=engineeringrussia|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225042354/https://engineeringrussia.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/su-24-bombers-are-equipped-with-gefest-system/|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

'''Su-24MK ('Fencer-D')'''

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'''Su-24MP ('Fencer-F')'''

:Dedicated electronic signals intelligence ([[ELINT]]) variant, intended to replace the [[Yakovlev Yak-28|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 (missile)|R-60 (AA-8)]] missiles for self-defense. Only 10 were built.<ref name="sukhoi.org" />

==Operators==

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'''{{LBY}}'''

* [[Libyan Air Force]] - Six Su-24MKs were received in 1989.<ref>{{cite book |title=The North African Military Balance: Force Developments in the Maghreb |last1=Cordesman |first1=Anthony H. |last2=Nerguizian |first2=Aram |page=68 |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies |location=Washington, DC |date=2009 |isbn=978-0-89206-552-3 |volume=31 |number=2 |series=Significant issues series}}</ref> The few remaining airframes were withdrawn after the [[Libyan Civil War (2011)|First Libyan Civil War]], but forces loyal to [[Khalifa Haftar]] claim to have refurbished a number of the Su-24s.<ref>{{cite web | title = Libya Dawn apparently refurbishing MiG-25s | url = http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38794:libya-dawn-apparently-refurbishing-mig-25s-&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160907152512/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38794:libya-dawn-apparently-refurbishing-mig-25s-&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 | archive-date = 2016-09-07 | date = 2015-04-15 | publisher = ITWeb | work = defenceWeb}}</ref>

'''{{RUS}}'''

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'''{{flag|Kazakhstan}}'''

* [[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>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/on-sale-117-mig-31-mig-29-heres-why/|title=117 MiG-31, MiG-29 & Other Russian-Origin Fighter Jets Put Up On Auction By Kazakhstan; Here’sHere's Why|date=28 October 2023|access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/kazakhstan-sells-over-100-military-aircraft/|title=Kazakhstan sells over 100 military aircraft|date=27 October 2023|access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/us-buys-81-soviet-era-145127753.html|title=US buys 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Russia's ally costing on average less than $20,000 each, report says|date=29 April 2024|access-date=29 April 2024}}</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>{{cite news |title=Did the US buy old aircraft from Kazakhstan? |url=https://censor.net/en/news/3486827/did_the_us_buy_old_aircraft_from_kazakhstan |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=Censor.NET |date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508033135/https://censor.net/en/news/3486827/did_the_us_buy_old_aircraft_from_kazakhstan |archive-date=8 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Spirlet |first1=Thibault |last2=Rommen |first2=Rebecca |title=Claims that the US bought 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from a close Russian ally are likely false, experts say |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/claims-us-buying-soviet-era-aircraft-from-kazakhstan-likely-false-2024-4 |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=Business Insider |date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430152115/https://www.businessinsider.com/claims-us-buying-soviet-era-aircraft-from-kazakhstan-likely-false-2024-4 |archive-date=30 April 2024}}</ref>

'''{{flag|Uzbekistan}}'''

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==Notable recent accidents and incidents==

* On 14 May 1975, a Russian Air Force Su-24 from the 63rd Bomber Regiment suffered an accidental ejection when the navigator's control stick snagged the ejection handle of his Zvezda K-36 ejection seat. Powering on the aircraft's hydraulics caused the control stick to move forward, pulling the handle and ejecting the navigator. This incident marks the first successful ejection from an aircraft in zero-zero conditions outside of a testing environment.<ref>

{{cite web |title=WATCH: The Ridiculous Design Flaw of the Sukhoi Su-24 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jklGQxAOoo8 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Paper Skies |language=en |format=video |date=April 29, 2024}}</ref>

* 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&nbsp;km east of Shiraz in the southern province of Fars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/aflosses/item.php?id=18464|title=Lostarmour ID: 18464|access-date=2020-10-28|archive-date=2020-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102081812/https://lostarmour.info/aflosses/item.php?id=18464|url-status=live}}</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 [[Chelyabinsk Shagol Airport|Shagol]] base.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.mail.ru/inregions/ural/74/incident/10772387/|title=Обломки Су-24 обнаружены в 3 км от деревни на Урале|language=ru|trans-title=The wreckage of the Su-24 found in 3 km from the village in the Urals|date=30 October 2012|work=Новости Mail.Ru|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105080005/http://news.mail.ru/inregions/ural/74/incident/10772387/|archive-date=5 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

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**** 4 × [[Kh-23]]M

**** 4 × [[Kh-25]]ML

**** 2 x [[Storm Shadow]] - Ukrainian service <ref>{{cite web |last1=Malyasov |first1=Dylan |title=Ukrainian Su-24 spotted flying with Storm Shadow cruise missiles |url=https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-24-spotted-flying-with-storm-shadow-cruise-missiles/ |website=Defence Blog |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603075454/https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-24-spotted-flying-with-storm-shadow-cruise-missiles/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

**** [[Kh-59]]ME

**** [[Kh-29]]L/T/D