The Su-22M4 is an export version of the Soviet Su-17M4 fighter-bomber, which was produced between 1983 and 1990. In order to bolster the strike capabilities of its air force, the German Democratic Republic acquired 48 Su-22M4 aircraft between 1984 and 1987. These aircraft remained in service until the dissolution of the GDR Air Force. After this, the remaining material and technical base was integrated into the Luftwaffe of the Federal Republic of Germany. However, the Luftwaffe discontinued their use due to an inability to standardise them according to NATO requirements. Most Su-22M4 aircraft were either scrapped or sold to third countries.

Five aircraft were transferred to the Bundeswehr Technical and Aviation Centre (Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61, or WTD61) for detailed study. Training flights were conducted at this centre with NATO fighters and both tactical and technical countermeasures against potential adversary aircraft were tested. Once the flight programme at WTD61 had been completed, all the aircraft were transferred to various museums across Germany.

The German Su-22M4 WTD61 was introduced to the game in Update 2.41 "Firebirds". In all respects, the aircraft is similar to the Soviet Su-17M4. Compared to the M3 variants, the aircraft is slightly slower at altitude due to its fixed air intake. However, the Su-22M4 has a much more diverse weapons loadout, including TV-guided Kh-29T air-to-surface missiles, all-aspect R-60MK air-to-air missiles and a large number of countermeasure systems. This makes it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and combined battles. The WTD61 Su-22M4 differs from the standard model only in its camouflage.