The BD-34 Skorpion is a modern Berkustani attack aircraft developed during the later years of the First Steppe War, with design work beginning in 2003 and a maiden flight in 2006. Intended as a direct replacement for Berkustan’s aging Su-25 fleet, the Skorpion reflects a shift toward a more survivable, export-friendly close air support platform. It is powered by a single engine mounted deep within the fuselage and partially shielded by twin tail booms and a distinctive inverted V-tail, a configuration chosen to reduce vulnerability to ground fire and manage the aircraft’s infrared signature during low-altitude attack runs. The airframe is built around a large, reinforced wing and robust landing gear, allowing it to operate from austere airstrips and forward bases close to the front.

The Skorpion features 13 hardpoints capable of carrying a wide range of missiles, bombs, rocket pods, and external fuel tanks, as well as a nose-mounted 20mm cannon for strafing and close support missions. Berkustan operates the aircraft as a frontline battlefield workhorse, emphasizing durability, redundancy, and ease of operation in contested airspace. The BD-34 became the country’s first major export success, finding customers in North Korea, Cuba, Laos, Angola, and Morocco, all of which sought a rugged, politically accessible alternative to legacy Soviet attack aircraft. A dedicated trainer variant is also in service with Berkustan, Cuba, and North Korea, supporting long-term pilot training and reinforcing the Skorpion’s role as a cornerstone of Berkustan’s growing aerospace industry.