Ukrainian soldiers have described the destructive power of Russia’s Su-34 fighter-bomber with a mix of fear and awe. Military Watch Magazine devoted a recent article to the aircraft’s battlefield impact.

According to the publication, one Ukrainian soldier compared a Su-34 strike to «the gates of hell», describing the deafening roar of the jet as it swoops down on its targets. The Su-34, an advanced variant of the Su-27, has the longest range and the largest weapons payload capacity of any fighter aircraft in the world. Its agility, sophisticated electronic warfare systems, and reduced radar visibility make it a formidable asset in high-intensity combat.

Ukrainian troops report that a single Su-34 munition can level even well-fortified bunkers. With Ukraine’s air defenses severely depleted, Russian fighter-bombers have gained the ability to provide air support along the entire front line.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has previously stated that the Su-34 is designed to destroy ground, surface, and air targets, as well as infrastructure protected by air defense systems, far from its base airfields. The aircraft is also used for aerial reconnaissance.