KAZAN, the Russian Federation (BulgarianMilitary.com) – Today (30th January), the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu stated that the first serially produced upgraded Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber would be provided to the Russian Armed Forces in 2021. This he announced during his working visit to the branch of the Tupolev PJSC, Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant, learned BulgarianMilitary.com

There, the Russian Defence Minister opened a session focused on maintaining health of armaments, military and special hardware. He noted that the work on the upgrade of the Tu-160M that would give it a new outlook, was in accordance with the schedule and added “the first aircraft which will have no analogues in the world, will enter the troops in 2021.”

Read more: Russia Starts Production of Upgraded Tu-160

The Defence Minister recalled that the production of the fundamentally modernized Tu-160M strategic bomber was resumed at the Kazan Aviation Factory n.a. S.P.Gorbunov, on behalf of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Shoigu specifies that the upgraded aircraft will be equipped with the up-to-date on-board defence system, an advanced reliable communications system with enhanced anti-jamming system, as well as with unique weapons, which will significantly enhance its combat capabilities when using standard and nuclear weapons. The strategic bomber will be powered with NK-32 engines of the second series, which will considerably increase its flight range and duration.

Read more: Russia’s Rostec Uses Innovative Coating to Reduce the Radar Signature of the Su-57 and the Tu-160

The head of the military department reminded that Tatarstan-based industries were implementing dozens of other major contracts for the Russian armed forces and by investing considerable funds into the economy of the region, the Russian Defence Ministry contributes to its development by increasing the number of jobs, as well as by improving the living standards of the population. In turn, great attention is being paid to the housing problems that the military personnel and their families may experience. “We expect that this will continue in the future,” added Sergei Shoigu.

Read more: U.S. Analysts: the Russian Bomber Tu-223M3 is a Modern Lethal Aircraft

During his visitation at the branch of Tupolev PJSC, the Gorbunov Aviation Plant, the Russian Defence Minister inspected the progress made in the manufacturing and modernization processes of long-range aircraft, ordered by the state defence, in particular, the Tu-160 (Tu-160M), Tu-214 and the progress of the Tu-160’s production in a new outlook.

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BulgarianMilitary.com

Source: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation





