Su-24 tactical bombers will be put out of operation by Russian air forces and replaced by Su-34s in accordance with schedule by 2020, ARMS-TASS reports. It has been stated by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian air forces, Colonel-General Alexander Zelin at Singapore Airshow 2012.

Commenting the influence of recent crash of Su-24 in Kurgan Region (the crew managed to bail successfully) on the paces of fleet replacement, the Commander-in-Chief underlined that “the replacement will be carried out in accordance with the schedule and deliveries of Su-34s”.

According to Commander-in-Chief, Russian air forces are currently operating 124 Su-24s.

The air forces will acquire 10 Su-34s in 2012, while six bombers of this type have been acquired in 2011.

The serial production of the new jet is being carried out by Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association named after V.P. Chkalov. At present Russian air forces are operating 12 Su-34s. The deliveries are carried out in the network of a state contract signed in 2008 on delivery of 32 Su-34s for the Russian Ministry of Defense. Su-34s should replace the whole fleet of Su-24 tactical bombers by 2020.