Russia has 13-16 Tu-160 strategic bomber-missile carriers that carry up to 45 tons of payload. This was written by military expert Steve Balestrieri in the article "The Tu-160 May Be Russia's Indispensable Supersonic Bomber" for the 19fortyfive publication.
The aircraft was developed as a response to the American B-1 bomber. The Tu-160 carries up to 12 cruise missiles and remains an important component of Russia's nuclear triad.
The Tu-160 (NATO classification - Blackjack) is equipped with 4 NK-32 turbofan engines. Maximum speed - 2000 km/h.
The first flight of the bomber-missile carrier took place in December 1981. It was adopted into service in April 1987. Production of the Tu-160 continued until 1992, with a total of 36 aircraft produced.
The Tu-160 is part of the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces to destroy the most important targets in remote military-geographical areas and deep in the rear of the enemy with nuclear and conventional weapons.
In 2025, the Tu-160 remains a key component of strategic bombers. The aircraft's speed, range and payload make it a formidable platform. The days of the Tu-160 are numbered, but it is not yet out of service.
Read more on the topic:
The National Interest: Russia relies on modernized T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks
