The Tu-95MS strategic missile carrier "Bear," known in the West as Bear, is one of the most recognizable aircraft in Russia. However, restarting its production today is impossible. The loss of the Soviet technological base, economic disadvantage, and shortage of components have made the project unviable.
Loss of Technological Base
After the collapse of the USSR, Russia, by coincidence, lost key capacities for the production of the Tu-95MS. Individual fuselages have been preserved at the Kazan Aviation Plant, but without tooling and technological lines, they cannot be used in mass production.
Shortage of Critical Components
Many elements of the aircraft, including the NK-12 engines and onboard systems, were produced at enterprises in the CIS countries. After sanctions and political changes, access to them was limited or completely lost. Even with a fuselage available, it is technically impossible to assemble a complete machine now.
Economics Against Romance
Restoring the production of the Tu-95MS would require billions in investments in equipment, personnel training, and certification. Even with a serial NK-12 engine and a domestic component base, resuming production of the Tu-95 is possible, but economically challenging.
Outdated Design
Despite upgrades, the potential of the Tu-95MS is exhausted. Replacing engines is labor-intensive, and the absence of an ejection system reduces safety. Open sources indicate that replacing the NK-12 engine is extremely labor-intensive and has many peculiarities.
New Generation of Bombers
Russia is betting on modern solutions, primarily the Tu-160M2. These machines are capable of performing the same tasks with greater range, speed, and reliability. With proper operation, the resource of the Tu-160M/M2 will last for decades.
Resuming production of the Tu-95MS is impossible — too much has been lost. But the missile carrier's place has been taken by more advanced machines, and the legendary "Bear" will remain in history as a symbol of an era that gave life to a new generation of strategists.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that an unusual and cheap weapon was found against drones.