Flight Tests of Modernised Tu-160M Strategic Bomber to Begin

Flight tests of Russia’s first “heavily upgraded” Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber is scheduled to begin soon with the aircraft being transported from Kazan factory to the testing ground.

“The first heavily upgraded Tu-160M strategic bomber was transferred from the production workshops to the flight testing station of the Kazan Aviation Enterprise on November 28, for factory ground and flight tests," a source in the defense industry divulged.

Three days ago, Alexander Konyukhov, General Director of PJSC Tupolev, had told Interfax news outlet that the Russian forces will be able to take the delivery of the Tu-160M upgraded aircraft in 2021. In all, 16 Tu-160 Soviet-era planes are said to be covered under the modernisation program.

Earlier this year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that the aircraft will be equipped with the latest airborne defense system, a modern reliable communications system with enhanced noise immunity, a unique weapon that will significantly expand its combat capabilities when using conventional and nuclear weapons.