| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAB-1500L |
Sukhoi Su-24s of the V-VS saw rather limited action in Afghanistan. While a small testing unit was around earlier in the conflict, no operational units were ever deployed in the country. The type only flew its first combat operations in 1984, during one of the Panjshir offensives, and then again in 1988–1989 during the Soviet withdrawal. Soviet Su-24s were also the first V-VS aircraft to deploy laser-guided bombs in anger. While the type proved quite problematic to fly, and experienced a high attrition rate even in peacetime, none was lost over Afghanistan. This early Su-24M of the 143rd Bomber Aviation Regiment is shown together with two of its heaviest weapons (FAB-1500M-54 to the left, and the laser-guided KAB-1500L to the right), and markings indicating 40 combat sorties, all from the 1988–1989 period, when the unit was forward deployed at Mary-2. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)