2024-02-23 11:30 Compiled by Lianhe Daily: Xu Yuhan/Report in real time
The Kremlin stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin test-flyed the new Tu-160M supersonic strategic bomber that has been improved and can carry nuclear weapons during his visit to the Kazan Aviation Factory in the southwest of the country on the 22nd.
Putin was wearing a flight suit and sitting in the co-pilot’s seat. After completing the 30-minute flight, he said that he left a good impression, saying that the aircraft was reliable and excellent, with good controllability, and would be included in the Air Force service.
State television showed the giant plane, nicknamed the “White Swan” in Russia, taking off and landing on the runway at the Kazan Aviation Factory, with reporters excitedly calling it a “special event.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the flight route was a military secret.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Tu-160M has a crew of four and can carry 12 cruise missiles and 12 short-range nuclear bombs. It can fly 12,000 kilometers non-stop without refueling. It is the fastest portable missile bomber in active service in the world. , with a top speed of 2,200 kilometers per hour.
According to the contract signed in 2018, 10 modernized Tu-160Ms are expected to be delivered to the Russian Air Force by 2027, with each costing 15 billion Russian rubles (approximately US$163 million).
Tupolev, the Russian military company responsible for the production of this bomber, revealed that the modernized version is 60% more efficient than the old version, and the carryable weapons, navigation and avionics equipment have been significantly improved.
During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kazan Aviation Factory in the southwest of the country on the 22nd, he tested the Tu-160M, which has been improved and can carry nuclear weapons… Known as the “White Swan”, it can carry 12 cruise missiles and 12 Short-range nuclear bomb, no need to refuel…
Since there are frequent frictions between Russia and the West over the Russia-Ukraine war and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Putin’s personal test is also seen as a warning to the West, reminding them of Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
Ukraine Russia Russia-Ukraine War
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2024-02-23 03:30:09
