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Su-34s to replace Su-24 bombers by 2020 -- Russian Air Force Com

The Air Force will receive ten Su-34s in 2012, and in 2011, six such front-line bombers were taken

SINGAPORE, February 14 (Itar-Tass) —— Su-24 front-line bombers will be replaced with Su-34s according to schedule by 2020, Russian Air Force Commander in Chief Col.-Gen. Alexander Zelin told ARMS-TASS at the Singapore Air Show 2012 on Tuesday.

Commenting, at the ARMS-TASS request, on last Monday's Su-24 accident in the Kurgan Region, in which the crew survived as they were safely ejected, and on the aircraft replacement, the commander noted that the planes would be replaced according to schedule as Su-34s were placed in service.

According to the commander, the Russian Air Force has 124 Su-24s at present.

The Air Force will receive ten Su-34s in 2012, and in 2011, six such front-line bombers were taken.

Su-34 mass production is organized at the Novosibirsk-based Chkalov aircraft building centre, which belongs to the Sukhoi holding. The Air Force has twelve such planes for the present. The aircraft are supplied in accordance with the state contract concluded in 2008 to provide 32 such planes for the Defence Ministry. By 2020, Su-34s will replace all the Su-24 bombers.