Almost identical in role and appearance to the US F-111, the Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' is a low-level variable-wing tactical bomber with nuclear capability that entered service in the mid-1970's. At first it was regarded as such a secret by the Soviets that it was not deployed into Frontal Aviation units until the following decade. Like the F-111, the Su-24 features a side-by-side crew configuration composed of a pilot and a weapons systems officer (the first in a modern Soviet tactical aircraft), however, unlike its US counterpart, the Su-24 lacks an internal bomb bay, thus relying solely on external hardpoints giving it considerably less payload. The variable-wing configuration gave the Su-24 excellent performance at low altitudes, which made it ideal for deep penetration raids, but also allows for short take-off and landings. The Su-24 was gradually improved with more powerful ECM capabilities as well as the ability to carry laser-designators and other electro-optical targeting equipment for the use of laser-guided bombs. As a result, Su-24s can currently carry most Russian tactical air-to-ground ordinance, both conventional and nuclear. The Su-24 was a potent addition to the Soviet arsenal and proved its worth during the Afghanistan War as well as the war in Chechnya (a Su-24 reportedly killed Chechen leader Dzohkar Dudayev with a guided missile which homed in on his satellite phone). It has since been used in in the Syrian Civil War, both by government as well as Russian forces. The Su-24 was exported to Algeria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan and Syria, many which have also used it in combat.

Erroneously known in the West as the Su-19, the Su-24 was first flown in prototype form on 17 January 1970. Early production variants included the Su-24 'Fencer-A' and the Su-24 'Fencer-B'. These were succeeded by the Su-24 'Fencer-C' which became the standard production version and featured uprated avionics and fairings for RWR. Reliability issues with the avionics resulted in the Su-24M 'Fencer-D', this version had new terrain-following radar and a new nav/attack system which includes laser and TV weapons guidance. It can also be distinguished by its longer nose. An export version with downgraded avionics is known as the Su-24MK while a further upgraded version is known as the Su-24M2 in Russian service, and includes GLONASS navigation, a glass cockpit, and expanded weapons capability. Other variants include the Su-24MR 'Fencer-E' tactical reconnaissance aircraft and the Su-24MP 'Fencer-F' for electronic warfare.