Two Russian Tu-160 aircraft complete upgrades
The Russian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that on 23 April two Tu-160 (NATO: Blackjack) aircraft have been relocated from the S P Gorbunov aviation plant near Kazan to their deployment airfield in the Saratov region.
The aircraft feature new inertial navigation and engine control systems as well as upgraded weapons with associated digital technologies.
In total, Russia operates 17 Tu-160s which provide a maximum range of 14,000km and are expected to remain in service until 2040. Ukraine operated 19 of the aircraft before returning some to Russia and dismantling the rest.
Shephard recently reported that Russia is prioritising modernisation of its Tu-160 fleet by 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition]()
Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition
Despite local media reports, an analyst has suggested that the country could be using these discussions as a way to gain bargaining power to bolster its bid to join the Global Combat Air Programme.
-
![Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production]()
Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production
Work on the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) kit production is expected to conclude by 2030. It will provide the USAF’s F-15E and F-15EX aircraft with the latest electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure system.
-
![Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator]()
Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator
According to Leonardo, the rotorcraft will conduct its first flight by mid-2025, following on from its £60 million (US$ 75 million) contract award in July 2022.
