Azerbaijan tested prototype of its first Su-25 ML «Frogfoot», modernized in Turkey

The first Su-25 ML of the Azerbaijan Air Force, modernized by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), successfully passed flight tests.

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The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan informed through a press release that the prototype of the Su-25 «Grach» (Frogfoot in NATO code), modernized within the framework of the Lachin project by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), was flown by Azerbaijani pilots and they positively evaluated the modifications made to the aircraft.

It should be noted that the contract signing ceremony on the Su-25 (Lachin) modernization project between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Turkish company TUSAŞ was held on July 26 in Istanbul as part of the 16th International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF 2023.

#IDEF2023'te Azerbaycan Savunma Bakanlığı envanterinde bulunan Su-25 uçaklarının modernizasyonu projesi sözleşmesini imzaladık.

Savunma sanayii alanındaki yetenek ve kabiliyetlerimizi dost ve kardeş ülkelerle paylaşmayı sürdüreceğiz.@TUSAS_TR pic.twitter.com/kM4ESFtuxH

— Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün (@halukgorgun) July 26, 2023

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Su-25 ML (Modernized Lachin)

Test flights of the first Su-25 ML were conducted in Azerbaijan, where Azeri Air Force personnel were able to check first-hand the modifications made by TUSAŞ, which included the launch of Turkish-made smart munitions. Overall, the work done has received a positive evaluation from Azeri military experts.

According to Turkish defense site SavunmaSanayist, the Su-25 modernization includes:

• ability to operate day and night, and under all weather conditions (probably includes the use of night vision goggles);
• new navigation (INS/GPS) and communications systems;
• new mission computers and upgraded targeting systems;
• data link compatible with that of Turkish F-16C Block 40 and F 4E Kurnas 2000;
• MIL STD 1760 interface compatible with intelligent weaponry and targeting/reconnaissance pods produced by Turkey and other NATO members.

As for the Turkish armament to be incorporated in the Su-25 ML, in the video released by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense one can see how the flight tests of the prototype also included the launch of a bomb equipped with the TEBER guidance kit (İNS/GPS/LAZER), and that of a 2. 000 lbs, equipped with the KGK-84 precision and extended range kit produced by ASELSAN, which allows to increase the range of the munition to 20 nautical miles (when launched from low altitude) or up to 60 nm (110 km+), when launched from high altitude).