Russia’s upgraded Tu-160 strategic bomber nears production
Production of the Tupolev Tu-160M2 bomber is poised to begin, after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on 7 April that the Kazan Aviation Plant will produce the first batch of aircraft.
Today, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) operate a fleet of 17 Tu-160 strategic bombers (pictured - photo by Alex Snow), the last of which ("Peter Denikin", serial number 8-04) was built from the Soviet technological reserve of unfinished aircraft at the Kazan Aviation Plant in 2018.
New solutions were introduced during the production process of this bomber, including onboard electronic systems, although it is neither officially designated a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.