Russia to get 50 heavy strategic Tu-160 Blackjack bombers

Fifty strategic bombers Tupolev Tu-160, also known as Blackjack, will be provided for the Russian Air Force.

Photo: Source: Pravda.Ru photo archive

The heavy strategic bomber Tupolev Tu-160 is the world's largest combat aircraft, largest supersonic aircraft, and largest variable-sweep aircraft.

Also read: Russian Strategic Tu-160 Bombers Set New Record

Russian Air Force Commander Col.Gen. Viktor Bondarev officially confirmed the Defense Ministry request.

"No less than 50 aircraft over time will be purchased in order to cover the costs that will go into production," Col.Gen. Bondarev said without specifying when production would begin.

Earlier Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the need to renew the Tu-160s production.

Bondarev stated that renewed Tu-160 manufacturing will not lead to suspension of PAK DA, a next-generation Russian strategic bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau, equipped with the newest high-precision weaponry.

PAK DA bombers were previously planned for delivery in 2020, however, Bondarev said earlier in May that the Russian Air Force will start receiving its aircraft in 2023.

The Air Force Tu-160 is now being upgraded, and radar and navigation equipment is being replaced.

Also read: Vladimir Putin flies Tu-160 bomber plane

Pravda.Ru

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