Tupolev upgrades Tu-95MS bombers
United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary Tupolev has completed an upgrade to the first group of Tu-95MS strategic bomber aircraft.
As part of a wider upgrade programme of Russia’s strategic bombers, the Tu-95MS is getting an extension to its service life and improvements in its operational efficiency.
‘The small upgrade of the first batch of Tu-95MS aircraft was completed in March 2020,’ Tupolev announced in a 30 March statement.
‘The aim of the programme was to partially replace the outdated radio and navigation equipment with new systems.’
Modernised Tu-95MS aircraft have been used in Syria with new control systems to launch Kh-101 missiles. They are also capable of transporting nuclear weapons in remote geographical areas.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Panama approves $187 million purchase of Airbus and Embraer aircraft]()
Panama approves $187 million purchase of Airbus and Embraer aircraft
The C295 and Super Tucano deals for its National Aeronaval Service were approved as part of an emergency procedure by the government on 11 March.
-
![US Navy tests new comms pod for Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper]()
US Navy tests new comms pod for Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper
The pod, named SkyTower II (STII) was tested ahead of the system’s initial operational capability (IOC) in 2026.
-
![US Air Force and Air National Guard test Northrop Grumman solution to increase performance for air tankers]()
US Air Force and Air National Guard test Northrop Grumman solution to increase performance for air tankers
The voice and data interoperability system has been built to enable operations in contested environments.
-
![US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production]()
US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production
Raytheon is currently finalising the production of NGJ-MB lot 5 while working with the US Navy on contract requirements over multiple years.
-
![Australian Army aviation veers heavily towards the US]()
Australian Army aviation veers heavily towards the US
Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk and Boeing’s AH-46 Apache will soon form the bedrock of the Australian Army’s rotorcraft capabilities, as the army awaits further delivery of both types.
