The russian federation intends to use the Tu-95MS strategic bombers by at least 2040. These aircraft are cheap and reliable tool to destroy Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. That’s why russia runs corresponding modernization program, Defence24 reports in the Tu-95MS bombers review.
Moreover, according to open sources, the kremlin announced the beginning of the Tu-95MSM heavy bomber modernization program in 2018. Only on-board equipment upgrade and rocket armament range increase were officially declared. Nevertheless, russian officials stated that the project was still in process and final results were unpredictable, as of August 2022.
Read more: How Many Tu-95MS Aircraft Could Be Destroyed After the Second Attack on the Engels Airfield
As noted in publication of Defence24, the Tu-95MS bombers had been manufactured 35-40 years ago, the mass production was stopped in 1992. Russia doesn’t have production lines to make new ones. Furthermore, technical condition of the fuselages of the craft is being ignored.
Polish media claims that russia has 55 the Tu-95MS bombers, instead of 60, declared by The Military Balance 2022. And part of it can only be used “for training purposes”.
Engels Air Force Base (European russia) and Ukrainka Air Force Base (the Far East) are used by 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division and 326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division with the Tu-95MS bombers. Dyagilevo Air Base in Razyan Oblast and Olenya Air Base on the Kola Peninsula are the standby infrastructure.
Read more: What Is Special About the Tu-95MS Strategic Bomber, And Why This Aircraft Is Chosen For Strikes On Ukraine
