The HF-26E Strike Grom is a dedicated strike fighter derivative of the HF-26C Grom, developed by Hussar Aviation to meet Wrejikistan’s requirement for a deep-strike and interdiction platform capable of surviving contested airspace. While sharing the same aerodynamic lineage and propulsion philosophy as the air-superiority-focused HF-26C, the Strike Grom adopts a twin-engine, tandem two-seat configuration, pairing a pilot with a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) to manage complex strike missions, electronic warfare coordination, and battlefield integration.

Entering service in 2012, the HF-26E was designed from the outset to perform long-range precision strike, battlefield interdiction, and high-end attack missions under escort-independent conditions. Its role and capability set place it in the same operational category as aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle and Su-34 Fullback, prioritizing payload, range, sensor capacity, and survivability over pure kinematic air combat. Like its air superiority counterpart, the Strike Grom retains full compatibility with Western, Israeli, and indigenous munitions, allowing it to operate flexibly across coalition or independent strike doctrines.

The Wrejikistani Air Force currently operates approximately 106 HF-26E aircraft, with around 90 additional units on order, reflecting the platform’s central role in national strike doctrine. Rather than replacing the HF-26C, the Strike Grom complements it, forming a high-low pairing in which air superiority Groms clear and control the airspace while Strike Groms deliver sustained precision effects at depth.

Export adoption mirrors this focused but credible positioning. Egypt operates 8 HF-26E aircraft with roughly 20 more on order, employing the Strike Grom as a heavyweight strike asset capable of penetrating defended airspace and delivering large payloads without reliance on external enablers. Looking ahead, potential export bids have been discussed with Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Malaysia, all of which face strike requirements that favor a robust, long-range platform without the political or financial overhead of fifth-generation stealth aircraft.

HF-26C Grom here.