Global Security Newswire

Russia intends this year to conduct significant modernization programs for its fleet of strategic bombers, United Press International reported (see GSN, Oct. 24, 2008).

New targeting and navigation technology is set to be installed on all Tu-160 "Blackjack," Tu-95MS "Bear," and Tu-22M3 "Backfire" bombers, Maj. Gen. Pavel Androsov, who leads the 37th Air Army, said in an interview last month with RIA Novosti.

"Our aircraft have been in service for about 15 years, which is only a fraction of their lifespan," Androsov said. "So next year we plan to conduct a deep modernization of our aircraft."

The Tu-95 can be loaded with up to six nuclear-capable Kh-55 cruise missiles, while the Tu-160 is capable of launching as many as 12 of the weapons. The upgraded aircraft could also be used for dropping conventional bombs, Androsov said.

Modernization would serve to increase the bombers' operational ranges and boost their capabilities to counter U.S. missile defenses or fighter jets from the United States and other NATO nations, Androsov indicated.

Russia last year sent more than 60 strategic and long-range bombers on prolonged patrols and launched more than 100 tactical missiles during 60 drills, RIA Novosti reported. The former communist superpower resumed long-range patrols in 2007 after an extended layoff that followed the end of the Cold War.

Russian bomber crews generally have less experience than their U.S. Air Force counterparts but significantly more than crews from other nations, UPI reported (Martin Sieff, United Press International, Jan. 5).