Russia ramps up bomber modernisation amid strategic ambitions
Russia is focusing on modernising its fleet of strategic bombers. The Russian military is allocating resources to enhance models such as the Tu-22M3M, Tu-160, and Tu-95MS.
According to the UNITED24 Media portal, Russia has embarked on intensive efforts to modernise its strategic bombers. As reported by the Dallas firm on 20 May, the country is investing considerable funds in upgrading the Tu-22M3M, Tu-160, and Tu-95MS models. Documents reveal details about the factories involved in these efforts and the costs associated with the modernisation. The documents indicate that six of the 18 operational Tu-160s are currently under repair or being modernised. One of them, with tail number 705, is already at the stage of flight tests, indicating it is nearly complete.
The modernisation of Russian strategic bombers will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Russian military and its nuclear deterrence potential. Upgrades to these aircraft — including new navigation systems, avionics, engines, and the ability to carry modern cruise missiles — will increase their range, precision, and ability to operate under stringent enemy defences. For the Russian armed forces, this also means greater flexibility in achieving strategic objectives, including operations beyond the country’s borders. The modernised bombers will be able to remain airborne longer, strike from greater distances, and avoid detection thanks to improved electronic warfare systems.
Contracts for bomber overhauls
In March 2025, two primary Russian aviation plants, the 360th Aircraft Repair Plant in Ryazan and the Taganrog Scientific and Technical Complex, received contracts for the major overhaul of Tu-95MS bombers. The cost of modernising three aircraft in Ryazan was approximately $131 (£97,5) million, and in Taganrog, $185 (£138) million.
The total cost of restoring six Tu-95MS bombers to service is $316.5 (£236) 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 leftover parts from the USSR era.
The plant in Kazan is also modernising Tu-22M3M bombers, with one aircraft currently undergoing flight tests. It is noteworthy that the new generation stealth bomber project, PAK DA, known as "Product 80," still faces delays.
The project has no clearly defined time frames
Investments in the strategic triangle context strengthen the air component of Russia's nuclear arsenal and signal Russia's readiness to maintain the status of a global military player. Russia approved the preliminary design of the PAK DA in 2021, but work has been ongoing since 2009 without a clear timeline for completion. Due to the high cost of such upgrades, combined with economic pressure and sanctions, the actual scale and pace of implementation may be restricted. It is worth noting that earlier Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, highlighting the importance Russia places on modernising its fleet.
