In the late 2010s, the Russian Aerospace Forces expanded its fleet of Tu-22M3s by unsealing a number of them and upgrading them to the Tu-22M3M standard.
Delays in the development of the next-generation PAK DA aircraft have increased the likelihood that the role of Tu-22M3 will increase in the future and additional aircraft will be removed from storage.
Technical problems with the PAK DA and the importance of the existing Tu-22M3 for strategic balance probably determined the decision. Resuming operation of the Tu-22M3 from reserves is more economically feasible than accelerated development of the PAK DA, and their modernization will increase the combat capabilities of the Air Force. The high speed and range of the Tu-22M3 make it ideal for patrolling Russia's vast territories and maritime borders, as well as responding quickly to threats.
Earlier www1 reported that the long-range anti-submarine Tu-142 aircraft issued target designation for the hypersonic missile "Zircon".
Read more on the topic:
The new BTR-22 of the Russian Armed Forces took part in the Zapad-2025 exercises
"Oreshnik" and its shadow: Russia hinted at the development of a new, more powerful weapon