Operational History
Substantial numbers of ex-Soviet Su-24s remain in service with Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. In 2008, roughly 415 were in service with Russian forces, split 321 with the Russian Air Force and 94 with the Russian Navy.
On 19 December 2008 a Su-24M bomber crashed near the southwest Russian city of Voronezh. Preliminary information indicates the crash was caused by a malfunction in the aircraft's flight control system, after which the pilots ejected.
On 13 February 2012, a Su-24 crashed in Kurgan region. Both pilots ejected safely. Engine failure was stated as the probable cause of the crash.
On 30 February 2012 a Su-24M crashed in Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia. As Ministry of Defence stated, during flight at 12:59 nose cone was broken. After unsuccessful try in emergency landing, crew of two flew in safe territory and bailed out. Reported no casualties.
The Russian Air Force considers eventually replacing the Su-24 with the Sukhoi Su-34 or another more advanced aircraft.
Read more about this topic: Sukhoi Su-24
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