The release of a new image of the Tu-160 “Deynekin” strategic bomber has revealed another gradual step forward by Russia in the modernization process of its long-range aviation.
The aircraft was upgraded to the Tu-160M standard after around five years of work at the Kazan plant, bringing the confirmed number of modernized bombers to six, in addition to three newly built Tu-160M2 units.
Despite Russian propaganda surrounding the renewal of its strategic fleet, independent analyses point to significant operational limitations. According to the platform AviVector, only seven of the 18 Tu-160 bombers currently operated by Russia take part in combat missions related to the war in Ukraine. The rest of the fleet remains in maintenance, training, testing or undergoing modernization.
The bombers usually operate between the Engels-2 and Ukrainka air bases, using the former as the main hub for loading cruise missiles before missions.
The strategy of dispersing aircraft between bases separated by thousands of kilometers aims to reduce the risk of attacks, especially after repeated Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian military facilities since 2022.
At the same time, Russia’s industrial capacity continues to be tested. Between seven and nine aircraft remain constantly in the workshops of the Kazan plant, indicating a slower-than-expected pace of production and modernization.
The opening of a new production hangar in 2026 shows that Moscow continues to invest in the program, but doubts remain about how quickly new bombers can be delivered to the Russian Air Force.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: Telegram – @Fighterbomber, @rostecru | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
