Long-range aviation bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Tu-95 "Bear" and Tu-160 "White Swan," have been armed with a new Kh-BD cruise missile. This was reported by "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" with reference to foreign sources.
According to preliminary data, the munition's range is estimated at 6500 km. Foreign analysts believe that even advanced air and missile defense systems will not be able to intercept the missile.
The publication noted that the Kh-BD was first mentioned in 2021, when it was referred to as part of the armament of the developing PAK DA missile carrier. The exact characteristics of the new munition have not been disclosed, and official information is unavailable.
Recall that the "White Swan" is capable of carrying 12 Kh-101 missiles in two rotary launchers. Modernized Tu-95MSM received 8 pylons under the wings and 6 missiles in the internal fuselage compartment.
Earlier, "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy" explained why it is impossible to resume production of "Bears" in Russia. As for the Tu-160, their production was revived in Kazan, where, according to various estimates, 5 new units have already been built.