KAZAN. Jan 30 (Interfax-AVN) - The first of a series of deeply modernized Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bombers should enter service in two years, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"Work on reproduction of the made-over Tu-160M is going as scheduled. The first mass-produced machine, which has no analogue in the world, should reach the troops as early as 2021," Shoigu said on Wednesday at the beginning of a meeting which focused on the maintenance of the Aerospace Forces' weapons, military, and special hardware.
At the behest of the supreme commander-in-chief, the Kazan aircraft plant has resumed production of the aircraft, the minister said.
"It will be fitted out with the latest on-board defense system and a modern, reliable communications system with reinforced anti-jamming technology, a unique weapon that will considerably expand its combat capabilities in the use of conventional and nuclear weapons. The aircraft will have second-series NK-32 engines, which will considerably increase the range and duration of flight," Shoigu said.