New bombers for Russian air force

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MOSCOW, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The Russian air force is being equipped with four Sukhoi Su-34 bombers and more are to come.

Sukhoi JSC said the bombers, which will replace Su-24 bombers now in service, are being based in Voronezh. Two more aircraft will be delivered to the air force in a matter of days.

Russia's Defense Ministry ordered 32 of the aircraft in 2008.

The Su-34 is a day/night, all-weather weapons platform. Sukhoi said the active safety system on the fourth-plus-generation bomber, along with the newest computers, provides extra capabilities for the pilot and navigator to perform precise bombing and to maneuver under enemy fire.

Other features include an armored cockpit, large capacity internal fuel tanks, fuel-efficient bypass engines with a digital control system, in-flight refueling capability and add-on fuel tanks.

Weaponry carried include long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air guided weapons and plans are in the works for the addition of more weapons systems.