Russia has 13-16 Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers that carry up to 45 tons of payload. This is according to military expert Steve Balestrieri in the article «Tu-160 Could Become 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 missile-carrying bomber 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 for engaging the most important targets in remote military-geographical areas and the enemy's deep rear with nuclear and conventional weapons.
In 2025, the Tu-160 remains a key component of strategic bombers. The aircraft's speed, range, and payload capacity make it a formidable platform. The days of the Tu-160 are numbered, but it has not yet been decommissioned.
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