A Su-34 aircraft crashed in Russia’s North Ossetia on Tuesday, with the Russian Defense Ministry attributing the incident to a likely technical malfunction.
The crash occurred in an uninhabited area, and unfortunately, the crew did not survive.
The ministry stated that the aircraft was on a routine training flight when it went down in a mountainous region within the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.
The Su-34, also known as the Fullback, is a Russian twin-engine, twin-seat, all-weather supersonic medium-range fighter-bomber/strike aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
It was designed primarily for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets (including small and mobile targets) on solo and group missions in conditions of visual and instrument weather, day and night, as well as against aerial targets.
The Su-34 has been in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces since the mid-2000s, and it has been used in various combat operations, including in Syria.
Despite its advanced technology and robust design, like any complex machinery, it is susceptible to technical malfunctions and accidents.
This crash highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining and operating advanced military aircraft.
Last March, a Mi-8 helicopter crash resulted in the death of two individuals and injuries to two others.
Local media sources reported the unfortunate event, noting that the helicopter was on a mission, transporting 20 mine workers in the area when it came down.
Emergency services sources indicated that the helicopter encountered difficulties during an emergency landing about 75 kilometres away from Evensk, situated in Russia’s Far East.
