The VVS (Voenno-vozdušnye sily Rossijskoj Federacii) continues to focus on the supersonic strategic bombers Tupolev Tu-160 (codename Nato 'Blackjack'), subjecting the existing specimens (15 / 16) to a modernization to implement their capabilities, and restarting production in the 2023. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced that Russia is seriously considering restarting production of Tu-160 in the new M2 version to increase the power of the 'long-range fleet'.
A step back from the rumors that even provided for a gradual disposal.
Last April the modernization of the Tu-160 began, which promises to complete the refit of the devices by the end of the 2016. The modernization of these supersonic strategic bombers with variable geometry wing, able to be armed with the new deadly missiles Raduga Kh-101: inertial / satellite guided cruise missiles with a greater range of action at 3400 miles, consists in implementing radar and navigation systems to upgrade their capacity through updated equipment. The Tu-160M2 will also be equipped with an advanced radio-electronic system capable of intercepting anti-aircraft missiles.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has declared that the production of 50 Tu-160M2 will begin in the 2023, citing as "necessary" the activity of modernization of the long-range fleet of the Russian air force. The Tu-160 bomber, which entered service in the 1987, according to the Russian minister remains a unique project that has proven itself for several decades in step with the times. No one has so far developed a better project in the supersonic category.
The Tu-160 'BlackJack' are the type of Russian bombers that for a year now have caused the Scramble for Quick Reaction Alert of interceptors from half of Europe. TOHence we can hypothesize the reason: technical tests?
(photo: MoD Fed in Russia)
