The Ukrainian Su-24 bomber sent to Poland to be upgraded to NATO tactical missiles is being prepared for tests.
The Su-24 front-line bomber of the Ukrainian Air Force was modernized by Polish specialists to be able to launch tactical cruise missiles of the NATO standard. At the moment, it is known that we are talking about Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles. It is known that the bomber will be equipped with one missile capable of hitting targets at distances up to 300 kilometers. At the same time, sources note that the installation of the rocket itself and equipment in the cockpit for its launch have already been made, however, tests are required, which should begin either next year, or even before the end of this year.
The NATO-type tactical missile will be placed under the fuselage of the Su-24 front-line bomber. Its launch can be carried out both according to the coordinates of the target entered in advance by the pilot himself, and from the ground, for which the pilot will only need to go to the launch area and launch the rocket.
It is not known how successful such a decision is, however, if there are no problems with the tests, this will create a rather serious threat, since Ukraine will receive a long-range tactical missile with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Information about the start of the tests is also indirectly confirmed by the statement of the British Ministry of Defense about the readiness to transfer Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, which will depend on the success of the tests.
On Poland's intentions to modernize Ukrainian Su-24 front-line bombers for the use of NATO tactical missiles became known in October, and already in mid-November, a Ukrainian bomber flew to Poland.