Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot - 9

The Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot was the Soviet Air ForceÆs 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 NavyÆs aviation assets, there are some 200û220 Su-25s still in operation.

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.