The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have been reinforced with two Tu-160M strategic missile carriers. This was announced by the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Andrei Belousov, during a meeting of the expanded board of the department with the participation of President Vladimir Putin.
The Tu-160M was created on the basis of the Soviet Tu-160 intercontinental supersonic strategic missile carrier with variable-sweep wings ("White Swan"). The aircraft's systems and equipment have been 80% modernized.
The first flight of the Tu-160M took place in 2022. In the winter of 2024, President Vladimir Putin flew on it.
The Tu-160M missile carriers are the most important element of the air component of the nuclear triad, the defensive shield of our country.
Among the advantages of the Tu-160M is the NK-32 engine of the second series, thanks to which the aircraft can fly over 12 thousand km without refueling. The missile carrier develops a speed of more than 2000 km/h. It is capable of carrying a payload of over 40 tons.
