In 2023, the Russian Armed Forces will receive four modernised Tu-160M strategic bomber-missile carriers, which will be able to carry nuclear and hypersonic weapons

The Russian army intends to take four Tu-160M aircraft into service at once in 2023. This is reported by Russian propaganda media, citing the words of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Here's What We Know

The Russian Federation's defence department has raised the question of how the United Aircraft Corporation is implementing the plan to supply military aircraft. According to the defence minister, four upgraded Tu-160M bombers are to enter service in 2023.

Shoigu also said during the conference call that the armed forces of the Russian Federation will receive six Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft in 2023. The rest of the meeting was held behind closed doors.

As for the Tu-160M, it is a supersonic strategic bomber-missile bomber. The original version was developed more than 40 years ago, but production stopped in 2008. Seven years later, Russian authorities decided to restart production and modernise the 16 remaining Tu-160s to the T-160M level.

Almost two years ago, the Tu-160M, built from scratch, made its maiden flight. It received modernised propulsion systems, new avionics and updated weapons control systems.

The modernised Tu-160M will be able to strike with missiles with nuclear and conventional warheads. In the future, the strategic bomber-missile carrier will become a carrier of hypersonic weapons.

Source: RIA Novosti