Throughout 2025, the production of new combat aircraft intended to equip the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) focused primarily on two models, namely the Sukhoi Su-34 and the Su-35S fighter. Nevertheless, according to information reported days ago by the news agency TASS, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) delivered two modernized Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers, without providing further details on the matter.
Developed and produced during the Soviet era, the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack—also known as the “White Swan”—and characterized by its variable-geometry wings, is one of the main assets of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ strategic bomber aviation.
However, due to the age of the aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union, Russia embarked in the mid-2010s on an ambitious Tu-160 modernization program, which would later be expanded with the resumption of production of new bombers.
Broadly speaking, the program includes the introduction of a new variant officially designated Tu-160M, which involves, first, the modernization of avionics, combat systems, propulsion—entailing the replacement of the engines with the new NK-32-02—and the extension of the service life of selected aircraft; and, second, the production of new strategic bombers to equip the VKS.
By early 2022, the start of flight testing of the new modernized version of the Tu-160 was recorded, a phase that extended throughout 2023. However, developments in the program have since emerged only sporadically.
In this regard, one of the most significant updates was recorded in 2024, during an official visit by President Putin to the Kazan aircraft production plant, where the presence of modernized aircraft, as well as newly built units at various stages of completion, could be observed.
In detail, and according to analysts who closely follow Russian combat aviation and the progress of its industry, the presence of two new Tu-160M aircraft was noted, identified as Red “23,” serial RF-66017, and Red “22,” named Mintimer Shaimiev, whose serial number was not observed. In addition, among the aircraft present, two units modernized to the Tu-160M standard were also identified: Red “06,” serial RF-94105 Ilya Muromets, and Red “07,” serial RF-94106 Alexander Molodchy.
Returning to what was reported on December 26 by TASS, the Russian news agency issued a brief statement indicating that the Russian Aerospace Forces had received two Tu-160M strategic bombers. The information stems from an announcement made by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who, however, did not specify whether the aircraft were modernized airframes or newly built units delivered from the Kazan production plant.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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