The Russian Ministry of Defense has revealed plans to expand its strategic air fleet with the addition of four Tu-160M bombers by 2025.
Known for their ability to carry up to 12 missiles, including nuclear warheads, the Tu-160M bombers are a cornerstone of Russia’s long-range strike capability.
This increase will bring the fleet size to 17 aircraft, marking a 30% boost to its current 13 operational units.
"New" Bombers Without New Production
Despite the ambitious target, Moscow does not plan to manufacture new aircraft.
According to the Ukrainian website Defense Express and WP Tech, the additional bombers will come from Soviet-era stockpiles rather than fresh production.
These aircraft, built in the 1980s, have been sitting in storage for decades.
Efforts to integrate these stored bombers into the fleet have faced delays. In 2023, Russia announced a similar goal of adding four Tu-160Ms, but the plan faltered.
This time, the Defense Ministry appears more confident, with testing reportedly underway to bring these aircraft into service by 2025.
The Tu-160, nicknamed the "White Swan" due to its sleek design, holds a unique place in military aviation.
Known as "Blackjack" by NATO, this supersonic bomber features variable-sweep wings and remains the heaviest of its kind in the world.
Key specifications include:
Length: 54.1 meters
Height: 13.1 meters
Wingspan: 35.6 meters (swept out)
Payload Capacity: 28 tons
Maximum Speed: 2,200 km/h
Although production ceased in 1994, the Tu-160 remains a vital asset for Russia’s air force.
The aircraft’s ability to deliver nuclear and conventional payloads at high speeds ensures its strategic importance, even decades after its introduction.
The Challenges of Reviving Soviet Stockpiles
Restoring bombers from Soviet storage to combat readiness is no small task. Decades of inactivity raise questions about the condition of these aircraft, including structural integrity and the performance of onboard systems.
Russia has reportedly been conducting extensive tests on these units for months to ensure they meet operational standards.
The expansion of Russia’s Tu-160M fleet underscores its focus on maintaining and modernizing its nuclear triad, even as its defense industry grapples with limitations in manufacturing capacity.
