Tupolev upgrades Tu-95MS bombers
United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary Tupolev has completed an upgrade to the first group of Tu-95MS strategic bomber aircraft.
As part of a wider upgrade programme of Russia’s strategic bombers, the Tu-95MS is getting an extension to its service life and improvements in its operational efficiency.
‘The small upgrade of the first batch of Tu-95MS aircraft was completed in March 2020,’ Tupolev announced in a 30 March statement.
‘The aim of the programme was to partially replace the outdated radio and navigation equipment with new systems.’
Modernised Tu-95MS aircraft have been used in Syria with new control systems to launch Kh-101 missiles. They are also capable of transporting nuclear weapons in remote geographical areas.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
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.