MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - The delivery of four highly upgraded Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bombers to the Russian Armed Forces is being finalized, while the Aerospace Forces have received a total of 237 planes and helicopters, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"The delivery of four Tu-160M strategic bombers to the strategic nuclear air forces is nearing completion," Shoigu said at a Defense Ministry expanded board meeting on Tuesday.
"The Aerospace Forces have received 237 planes and helicopters, 86 air defense missile systems, and 67 radar stations," he said.
The Russian strategic air force has conducted 20 air patrol missions this year, including two jointly with China, he said.
"Another Project Borei A nuclear submarine, the Emperor Alexander III armed with Bulava ballistic missiles, has been commissioned for the Navy. The Land Forces have received 1,530 new and modernized tanks and 2,518 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers," he said.
The delivery of new combat trainer aircraft has helped increase the flight hours of cadets by 20% on average, he said.