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Russia’s new strategic bomber will use stealth technologies and is expected to enter service in 2025-2030, the commander of Russia’s strategic aviation said on Tuesday.
According to Maj. Gen. Anatoly Zhikharev, the stealth technology will make "the new aircraft difficult to detect by radar, although it is impossible to make airplanes of this type completely invisible.”
"However, new technologies and materials will help reduce the possibility of detection,” Zhikarev said, adding that the new airplane was expected to enter service in 2025-2030.
The new strategic bomber will replace the Tu-95MC Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers currently in service with Russia’s strategic aviation.
According to various sources, in addition to 19 Tu-160 bombers, the Russian Air Force currently has 64 Tu-95MS bombers and 174 Tu-22M3 bombers in service.
These aircraft will form the backbone of the Russian strategic aviation in the next decade following extensive modernization.
“We expect to receive two upgraded Tu-160 planes from the Kazan plant and to have two more aircraft in for repair by the end of December, so this process is continuous,” Zhikharev said.
The general said the modernization included the overhaul of obsolete communications, electronic warfare, targeting, and fire-control systems.
“We are planning to complete this modernization by 2015,” he added.