russians have likely returned two Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft to service. These aircraft had been grounded for some time at the Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO), known as the manufacturer of the Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers.
This information was posted on his X profile by Piotr Butowski, a well-known researcher of russian aviation. Here are the details of the story.
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A Google Earth image from July 2025 shows a Tu-214LL "flying laboratory" with registration number LMK-21464507 (used in the "import substitution" program for passenger aircraft), alongside two Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft.
The first, a Tu-214R with registration number RF-64514, was seen parked with its engine cowlings open. This aircraft had conducted a patrol flight a month earlier. The second, with registration number RF-64511, was parked with one engine removed. At the same time, the status of the onboard equipment on both aircraft as of July 2025 remained unknown.
Butowski provides no visual evidence to confirm that the two aircraft were returned to service, relying solely on his assertion. However, the researcher presents an infographic showing the configuration of the Tu-214R's onboard equipment.
From Defense Express we would like to note that servicing Tu-214-series aircraft at the Kazan Aircraft Production Association appears logical, given that it remains the manufacturer of the type, despite ongoing difficulties in delivering Tu-214s to customers.
These aircraft are equipped with russian-made PS-90A engines. It is likely that both Tu-214R aircraft were grounded for a period due to engine issues.
russian sources claim that the Tu-214R's onboard radar can detect targets in active mode at ranges of up to 250 kilometers, while in passive mode the claimed range reaches up to 400 kilometers. However, it is currently unknown whether these figures are accurate.
In 2016, the russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the manufacture of a third Tu-214R aircraft. There have been no reports on the order being fulfilled or delivered to the customer.
Earlier Defense Express reported that Tupolev, as the manufacturer of the Tu-22M3, Tu-160, and Tu-214, had accumulated numerous complaints, but the only action taken was a change in management.
Ivan Kyrychevskyi, serviceman of the 413th Raid Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine and weapons expert at Defense Express.
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