Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has urged for the ramping up of Su-34 fighter aircraft production as Russia persists in its offensive in Ukraine. In response to the increasing demands of its military operations in Ukraine, the Kremlin had previously announced a substantial boost in military expenditure.
While visiting an aircraft manufacturing facility in Novosibirsk, Siberia, Shoigu emphasized the crucial role of Su-34 aircraft, stating that they are capable of executing demanding tasks and conducting four to five sorties per day. He underscored the necessity to accelerate and intensify their production.
The Defense Ministry has directed the management of the factory to expedite both the production and maintenance of Su-34 aircraft, considering them indispensable for current military needs.
These statements were made during Shoigu’s visit to the Novosibirsk Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, situated approximately 3,000 kilometers east of Moscow. Notably, as Russia faces unprecedented Western sanctions, it has transitioned to a wartime economy, with a significant increase in defense spending. The allocation for defense in 2024 has surged by 68 percent, amounting to about 6 percent of the gross domestic product, surpassing the budget designated for social policies.
