Russia's highly anticipated strategic bomber, the PAK DA, is set to make waves on the global stage.
Mora Advanced Than We Knew
Designed by the Tupolev bureau, this next-generation aircraft boasts advanced stealth capabilities and is expected to influence the balance of power, much like America's stealth bombers have done in the past.
The PAK DA, or Prospective Long-Range Aviation Complex, has been under development since 2009.
New reports suggest that the project is more advanced than previously thought, with sources indicating that the bomber could take to the skies before China’s own stealth aircraft, the H-20.
According to U.S. intelligence and WP, Russia is racing toward finalizing the aircraft’s design, with its first flight anticipated soon.
Unsure About Timeline
With a wingspan reminiscent of the American B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider, the PAK DA features a flying-wing design and subsonic speed.
It’s capable of carrying a massive payload—up to 30 tons of various weapons, including cruise missiles and hypersonic weaponry. The aircraft is also designed for low-altitude operations, adding versatility to its strategic profile.
While Russia and China continue to develop these stealth bombers, the United States has maintained a significant lead in military aviation technology.
The U.S. has fielded stealth bombers for over three decades, beginning with the B-2 Spirit during the Cold War. America's latest stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, was publicly unveiled in 2022 and is already in flight testing.
However, experts caution that Russia’s development of the PAK DA may be hampered by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has strained its industrial and financial resources.
Skepticism remains regarding Russia's claims of rapid progress, and many believe the bomber won’t enter production until well after the projected 2027 timeline.
