Modernization of the Tu-95MS missile-carrying bomber continues, the "Bear" may receive new hypersonic missiles in the future, said aviation historian and analyst Nikolai Bodrikhin.
According to him, in the process of improvement, the "Bear" has already undergone certain changes. Engineers have improved avionics, weapons systems and NK-12 engines.
Tu-95MS are already being modernized to the Tu-95MSM level and are receiving new capabilities. First of all, in terms of internal components. In the future, the range of weapons will probably be expanded, for example, through the appearance of new hypersonic missiles.
Bodrikhin recalled that the "Bear" is more economical than the Tu-160 "White Swan". In addition, the Tu-95 is more unpretentious and capable of landing even on unprepared airfields. Turboprop engines generate less heat, which means that such an aircraft is less visible to other people's satellites, he summarized.
Earlier, "The First Technical" explained in a large article why it is impossible to restart the serial production of "Bears" in Russia.