The Azerbaijan Air Force (AzAF) recently executed training flights as part of its ongoing readiness plan, utilizing Su-25 aircraft armed with two TEBER-82 precision-guided bombs. These exercises aimed to enhance the combat skills of its military personnel while maintaining operational preparedness. The training flights were conducted along predetermined routes, where military pilots practiced takeoffs and landings, challenging maneuvers, and combat drills at both low and medium altitudes. During these exercises, the pilots demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and skill, showcasing their ability to handle complex flight scenarios. The integration of TEBER-82 bombs, making it a versatile platform for close air support missions.
TEBER is a guidance kit that enhances the hit capability of MK-81 (nominal weight 250 pounds (113 kg)) and MK-82 (nominal weight 500 pounds (227 kg)) general purpose bombs developed by Roketsan, Turkey’s leading manufacturer of rocket and missile systems. TEBER converts these bombs into smart weapon systems through the incorporation of an Inertial Navigation System (INS), a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Laser (SAL) Seeker. TEBER increases the ability of the bomb to strike both static and mobile targets with high precision. TEBER can also be detonated by its proximity sensor. It can be used against targets on the ground via fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles. There is also a fixed wing version for unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Su-25 Grach, known by its NATO reporting name as the “Frogfoot,” is a subsonic, single-seat, twin-engine jet developed by the Soviet Union’s Sukhoi design bureau. Originally designed for close air support missions, it has been a staple of many air forces since its first prototype flight in 1975, with production starting in 1978 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The aircraft is known for its rugged design, featuring a metal cantilever wing with high-lift devices and air brakes, allowing for enhanced maneuverability during combat operations. Each wing is equipped with multiple hardpoints for carrying a wide array of munitions.
Azerbaijan’s acquisition of Su-25s traces back to the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Initially, a single Su-25 joined the fleet through a defection from the Russian Air Force in 1992. Subsequent aircraft acquisitions came through unofficial channels and further defections, including from the Georgian Air Force. As of 2001, Azerbaijan’s inventory listed three operational Su-25s, though losses were reported during combat operations related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. By 2021, the fleet had expanded, with reports indicating that 11 Su-25s were operational. As regional dynamics continue to shift, the Azerbaijan Air Force remains focused on ensuring its personnel and equipment are prepared for any future contingencies.
