The nuclear-capable long-range supersonic missile-carrying bomber with variable-sweep wings, the Tu-22, is the pride of Russia, but India never took the purchase of such aircraft seriously. Furthermore, the Tu-22 deal between the two countries, concluded in 1999, failed. This is according to the Eurasian Times.
According to the Military Balance, the Russian Aerospace Forces have 57 Tu-22s in service in 2024. The modernization of the Tu-22M3 version of the aircraft — the Tu-22M3M — began in 2014. At that time, the bomber received an improved NV-45M radar, new navigation equipment, a modified flight control system, and a new radar defense system.
Deliveries of the Tu-22M3M started in 2022. It had a new computer, navigation system, and digital processing for the aircraft's radar. In September 2023, it was reported that the Tu-22M3 had been modified to carry a 1700 kg missile.
The aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 126,000 kg and a crew of four (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, weapons systems officer), can carry a load of 24,000 kg on wing and fuselage pylons, as well as inside the weapons bay.
It has a remotely controlled tail turret with a GSh-23 cannon. It can carry 18 FAB-500 high-explosive fragmentation bombs on two fuselage pylons, as well as up to 3 Kh-32 anti-ship missiles (developed by MKB Raduga), up to 6 Kh-15 missiles, or up to 4 Kinzhal missiles. It also received various naval mines, including FAB-250 or FAB-1500.
According to the Eurasian Times, Russia had three potential buyers for the modified Tu-22: Iran, India, and China.
In 1999, India signed a lease-to-purchase contract for four Tu-22M aircraft for maritime reconnaissance and strike operations. The aircraft, along with Kh-22 cruise missiles, were to enter service with the Indian Air Force in 2001. However, this has not yet happened.
Read more on the topic:
Tu-22M3 Supersonic Missile-Carrying Bomber: Carrier of Nuclear Bombs and Cruise Missiles
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