The Frogfoot might have been given an unfortunate reporting name by NATO (doesn’t exactly inspire) but this close air support aircraft does it’s job and has done since 1981
Able to carry up to 4,000 KG of external weapons, backed up by a 30 mm cannon, the SU-25 might not have the gravitas of the A-10 but it seen combat across the world and proven itself a dependable and tough platform.
Its rugged, able to fly from make-shift airfields. As well as this the airframe is tough, armoured in vital areas and often able to return to base even with considerable damage. Its simple to operate as well, a testimony to the Soviet design philosophy of making their vehicles easy to maintain and simple to operate.
The SU-25 has been involved in conflicts across the world for over 40 years. Whether its bombing Iranian troops in the Iran-Iraq war or escorting MI-24 ‘Hind’ Gunships in Afghanistan, the Frogfoot continues to see active use.
Currently the SU-25 sees active use by both sides in the current war in Ukraine. After considerable losses to local SAM systems, both sides reverted to using their SU-25c’s to salvo fire rockets from a considerable distance away down onto enemy positions with varying degrees of success.
However in recent months Ukrainians have received an upgrade to the their SU-25’s. Ukrainian aircraft can now carry a variety of western munitions, including the French ‘Hammer’. This precision guided bomb can be launched from standoff range, hopefully improving the aircrafts survivability
Sources
https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/Su-25_Grach_(Frogfoot)_Russian_Close_Air_Support_Aircraft
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russias-su-25-frogfoot-real-deal-flying-tank-10-warthog-208952
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/01/02/ukraines-old-su-25-attack-jets-have-become-standoff-precision-bombers/
https://nuou.org.ua/e
n/su-25.html