Russia modernizes its strategic bombers amid growing tensions

According to the UNITED24 Media portal, Russia has taken significant steps to modernize its fleet of strategic bombers. As reported by the Dallas company on May 20 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, the country is investing considerable resources into the modernization of the Tu-22M3M, Tu-160, and Tu-95MS models. Documents provide details about the factories involved in this work and the costs associated with the modernization. These documents indicate that six out of 18 operational Tu-160s are currently undergoing repairs or modernization. One of them, with tail number 705, is already at the flight testing stage, suggesting it is nearing completion.

The modernization of Russian strategic bombers will significantly impact the operational capabilities of the Russian military and its nuclear deterrence potential. Upgrading these machines — including new navigation systems, avionics, engines, and the capacity to carry modern cruise missiles — will increase their range, precision, and ability to operate in environments with strong enemy defenses. For the Russian armed forces, this also means greater flexibility in achieving strategic objectives, including beyond the country's borders. The modernized bombers will be able to operate in the air longer, strike from greater distances, and avoid detection thanks to improved electronic warfare systems.

In March 2025, two major Russian aviation plants, the 360th Aircraft Repair Plant in Ryazan and the Taganrog Scientific and Technical Complex, received contracts for the comprehensive overhaul of Tu-95MS bombers. The cost of modernizing three aircraft in Ryazan was approximately $131 (CAD 182) million, and in Taganrog, about $185 (CAD 256.5) million.

The total cost of restoring six Tu-95MS bombers to service is $316.5 (CAD 439) million. However, it is unclear when the work will be completed. Meanwhile, the aviation plant in Kazan is working on seven Tu-160 bombers, two of which are new constructions from remaining Soviet-era parts.

The Kazan plant is also modernizing Tu-22M3M bombers, with one aircraft in the flight testing stage. It is worth noting that the next-generation stealth bomber project, PAK DA, known as "Product 80," continues to face delays.

Investments in the context of the strategic triangle strengthen the air component of Russia's nuclear arsenal and signal Russia’s readiness to maintain its status as a global military power. Russia approved the preliminary PAK DA project in 2021, although the work has been underway since 2009, and there is no clear timetable for completion. Due to the high cost of such modernizations, economic pressure, and sanctions, the actual scale and pace of implementation may be limited. It is important to recall that earlier, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, demonstrating that modernizing the fleet is a priority for Russia.