The Tu-95MS strategic missile carrier "Bear," known in the West as Bear, is one of the most recognizable aircraft in Russia. However, it is impossible to restart its production today. 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Outdated Design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 modernizations, the potential of the Tu-95MS has been exhausted. Replacing engines is laborious, and the absence of an ejection system reduces the level of safety. Open sources indicate that replacing the NK-12 engine is extremely laborious 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.
It is impossible to resume production of the Tu-95MS — 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.
Read more materials:
Now on home
Moscow sent 43 containers of weapons, including ATGMs and sniper rifles
There is a need to increase air traffic within Russia and abroad
Lada Niva Travel with a new 1.8-liter engine tested at temperatures of -25 and -30 °C
Производить первую энергию планировали ещё в апреле 2025 года
Retail is in second place, and education and medicine are in third place
The basic version of the system is capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 300 km
Security forces challenged the legality of yachting entertainment
JBI shelters built for aircraft
Attackers offer to participate in a gift drawing
The new VPR machine services 3300 sleepers per hour and requires only three operators
The drones have been re-flashed and have shown reliability in testing
The Christmas ball weighs 17 carats, and the puppy-shaped diamond weighs 2.7 carats