Russia upgrades Tu-160M bombers with new avionics, engines and radars
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Russia has modernised its Tu‑160M strategic bombers, updating about 80% of onboard systems and equipment while retaining the Soviet‑era exterior, and fitting new avionics, navigation, radars, digital panels and NK‑32‑02 engines.
The upgraded Tu‑160M can carry up to 12 long‑range cruise missiles; Russia ordered ten new aircraft in January 2018 for 160 billion rubles but had received only two by the end of 2025. It also purchased new Kh‑BD missiles with a 6 500 km range for use from Tu‑160M and Tu‑95MS, and leaked documents indicate the occupiers were slated to receive 16 Kh‑BD missiles in 2024 and 2026 at a cost of $4.5 million each.