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
-
![IDEX 2025: Powertech takes Edge Group into the global propulsion market]()
IDEX 2025: Powertech takes Edge Group into the global propulsion market
The new company will focus on aero engines and propulsion systems on the global market.
-
![Rheinmetall to deliver C-390 simulators]()
Rheinmetall to deliver C-390 simulators
The order is from the Netherlands and is the third order worldwide, and the second in Europe after contracts from Embraer and Portugal.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones launches ‘The Raider’, its new hydrogen-powered UAS]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones launches ‘The Raider’, its new hydrogen-powered UAS
The new uncrewed aerial system has been designed to address multiple mission requirements, building on its H2D family of drones with an extended range and payload capacity.
-
![Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft]()
Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft
The eight new aircraft will also be joined by four flight simulators, the former replacing the air force’s current Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft by 2027.
