Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot Air Vanguard: The Backbone of Close Air Support

When it comes to close air support, few aircraft can match the capabilities of the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot. This deadly warplane has been a reliable workhorse in the Soviet and Russian Air Forces, providing invaluable support to ground forces in numerous conflicts. With its rugged design, powerful arsenal, and exceptional maneuverability, the Su-25 has rightfully earned its place as the backbone of modern close air support missions.

Unleashing the Frogfoot: A Brief History

First introduced in the late 1970s, the Su-25 Frogfoot was designed to excel in the demanding environment of ground attack operations. Developed by the prestigious Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft was intended to replace the aging fleet of ground attack aircraft in the Soviet Union.

Its combat debut came in the Soviet War in Afghanistan during the 1980s, where it showcased its ability to operate in rugged terrain and relentlessly strike enemy targets with precision. Despite the challenging environment and constant threat of ground fire, the Su-25 proved its durability and effectiveness, earning the respect of both pilots and ground troops.

Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot (Air Vanguard Book 9)

by Alexander Mladenov (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8178 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	141 pages

FREE

Key Features and Capabilities

The Su-25 Frogfoot is specifically designed for close air support, putting the pilot's safety and survivability as top priorities. Its heavily armored cockpit, reinforced with titanium plates, offers protection against ground-based threats. Additionally, the aircraft features a unique armor-plated tub to shield vital components from enemy fire.

Equipped with twin engines that provide exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the Su-25 can carry an impressive weapons load. It is armed with a combination of bombs, rockets, and missiles, ensuring it can engage a wide range of targets. Whether it's armored vehicles, fortified bunkers, or enemy aircraft, the Frogfoot is equipped to deal with them all.

Another standout feature of the Su-25 is its exceptional maneuverability. It has a high-precision control system that allows for precise targeting and swift evasive maneuvers. This agility combined with its durability makes the Su-25 a formidable opponent in close air support operations.

Operational Success and Legacy

Throughout its operational history, the Su-25 Frogfoot has proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield. It has played a vital role in conflicts like the Soviet War in Afghanistan, the First and Second Chechen Wars, and more recently, the Russo-Ukrainian War. The aircraft's versatility and combat effectiveness make it an asset that ground forces can rely on when the going gets tough.

Despite being in service for several decades, the Su-25 continues to receive upgrades and improvements to remain relevant in modern warfare. Several variants of the aircraft have been developed, catering to different mission requirements. The latest iteration, the Su-25SM3, includes enhanced avionics, improved weapons systems, and increased fuel capacity.

The Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot Air Vanguard has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most formidable close air support aircraft in the world. Its exceptional capabilities, combined with its combat-proven track record, make it an invaluable asset on the battlefield. With ongoing upgrades and advancements, the Frogfoot shows no signs of stepping down from its role as the backbone of modern close air support.

Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot (Air Vanguard Book 9)

by Alexander Mladenov (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8178 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	141 pages

FREE

A fully illustrated technical guide to the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot.

The Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot was the Soviet Air Force's first mass-produced jet purposely designed for the close air support (CAS) role and was a simple, effective and durable attack aircraft that, by 2012, had seen combat in no fewer than 40 conflicts. Some 630 Su-25s were built between 1979 and 1991, as well as 185 export Su-25Ks, 70 Su-25UB/UBK Frogfoot-B two-seaters that rolled off the production line at the aviation plant in Ulan Ude (UUAP), Russia.

The Frogfoot is known as the most cost-effective ground attack aircraft available to the Russian Air Force (RuAF) and, between the RuAF and the Russian Navy's aviation assets, there are some 200–220 Su-25s still in operation.

Illustrated throughout with photographs and colour artwork, this title examines the development history, evolution and combat performance of the Su-25 Frogfoot, and details its effectiveness and reliability. Such is the reputation the Su-25 has earned, 19 of the 25 nations to have deployed a Frogfoot variant continue to operate them today.