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
-
![Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft]()
Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft
The A400M aircraft that has been delivered was first ordered in 2021 with a second aircraft due to arrive next year.
-
![Boeing prepared to go fast on CxR uncrewed tiltrotor concept]()
Boeing prepared to go fast on CxR uncrewed tiltrotor concept
The Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft is designed with the potential to meet a range of mission requirements, from reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition to contested logistics.
-
![Anduril’s YFQ-44A successfully completes first flight test]()
Anduril’s YFQ-44A successfully completes first flight test
The drone is the second prototype to take flight under the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.
-
![Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters]()
Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters
The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
-
![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet
The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
