The Su-34 was designed in the mid-1980s, because the United States had the more advanced F-15 Strike Eagle, while Europe had the Tornado. Russia needed a fighter-bomber, the MiG-29 or the Su-27 were compareable in combat to the F-15 but none were able to perform strong airstrikes. The new fighter had to be maneuverable, fast and it must have had a great range, so the Su-34 was developed.