Welcome to the discussion about the Su-34E / Su-34ME!
Recently, photos and clips have appeared showing a Su-34 in desert camouflage flying inside Russia. Some outlets are calling it the Su-34E (or Su-34ME), which lines up with the “E” usually meaning Export. Since this is the first time we’ve really seen this variant in the open, I figured it was worth starting a thread where we can collect info, share sources, and speculate together!
What is the Su-34E?
Many, if not the majority, obviously know on this forum full of aviation enthusiasts what the Su-34 is, but let’s get started just in case.
The Su-34 “Fullback” is Russia’s twin-seat strike fighter designed to replace the Su-24. It combines range and payload with modern avionics and better crew survivability (side-by-side cockpit, armored tub, etc.). The “E” tag is widely read as Export, though no official customer version has been confirmed yet. Historically, export Flankers get adjusted avionics and weapon packages depending on who’s buying.
Why the desert camouflage?
This is where things got interesting. Russian Su-34s are almost always painted blue or grey for temperate/northern regions. A desert scheme is unusual, and it could mean:
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It’s a demo/marketing scheme to appeal to foreign buyers.
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Russia is actually preparing aircraft for export delivery (Middle East or North Africa are the obvious suspects).
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It could even tie back to overseas operations like Syria, though nothing official has been said, and the aircraft is generally referred to by the media and plane spotters as SU-34E.
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IMPORTANT NOTE! - It should also be noted that on closer look, the desert camo Su-34E seems to feature strange, unknown sensor fairings not present on the Rosoboronexport showcase model shown on their official Su-34E page. These differences haven’t been explained yet and could point to customer-specific equipment or a test fit of new systems. It should be noted that according to sources in the Russian Air Force, the Su-34E “differs from the latest Su-34 modifications supplied to the Aerospace Forces by an improved electronic warfare system. The main systems remain unchanged.” and that “A large batch of aircraft is being prepared for delivery to one of the African countries.”
Who might be interested?
The big name that keeps coming up is Algeria, they still operate Su-24s and have long been rumored to want Su-34s. Other possible candidates are in the Middle East or Africa, but at this point it’s speculation. That’s why I’m going to make a chronological list of events related to the Su-34E.
Timeline/sightings (concise)
- 2015-2019: Periodic media/industry reporting of interest from Algeria and other buyers; no firm public deliveries.
- 2024 (public remarks): Rosoboronexport commented that plans to prepare Su-34E exports were being executed (Army-2024/Interfax).
- May-Aug 2025 (OSINT surge): Photos and short clips of desert-camo Su-34s surfaced on X/Telegram and then picked up by defense media sites (MilitaerAktuell, Defense Express, DefenseMirror, RuAviation, Army Recognition etc.). Tactical markings/numbers (reports mention one with number “704”, the other with “703”) and images from Novosibirsk/Zhukovsky were circulated. Most outlets and plane spotters suggested Algeria as the most likely end user in their coverage.
Photos and Sources
Now we can move on to the discussion! Below are the images and sources. Let’s go!
sources
- Su-34E
- Plans to prepare for Su-34 bomber exports being implemented - Russia's Rosoboronexport - Агентство военных новостей || Интерфакс Россия
- В сети появилось видео испытательного полета истребителя-бомбардировщика Су-34Э
- https://x.com/OSINTWarfare/status/1953424003432927325
- Telegram channels such as Spotting Tema and Fighterbomber.