Russia is close to finish the development of its Future Strategic Bomber (PAK DA) prototype model that will replace Tu-22M3, Tu-95MS and Tu-60 bombers.
"We have already been very close to making the first prototype model," defense and security committee chairman of the Federation Council Viktor Bondarev was quoted as saying by TASS on Saturday.
PAK DA introduction into service is planned to start in 2025-2030 after tests, Bondarev noted.
The new strategic bomber can be presented to the public in 2018 and the maiden flight of upgraded Tu-160M2 bomber is also scheduled in the same year, Russia’s deputy defense minister Yuri Borisov said earlier.