On November 17, russia conducted a significant combined air attack, employing its Tu-160 strategic bombers for the first time in 550 days. According to the Air Force Command, 7 Tu-160 bombers and 16 Tu-95MS aircraft launched approximately 80 Kh-555 and Kh-101 cruise missiles during the assault. This marked a rare operational deployment of the Tu-160 bombers, whose last recorded use against Ukraine was on May 18, 2023.
The Tu-160 bombers, known for their immense firepower and long-range capabilities, are sparingly used due to their limited numbers and ongoing modernization efforts. Russia’s Aerospace Forces reportedly possess around 15 Tu-160 aircraft, though not all are operational. Some are being upgraded to the Tu-160M aircraft standard, with Moscow aiming to expand the fleet to 20 aircraft by completing unfinished Soviet-era airframes, a goal widely viewed as uncertain.
Read more: During Aerial Attack, russians Used Kh-101 Missiles With Engines From Kh-55, Exposing Their Greatest Vulnerability
The November 17 attack highlighted the scale and complexity of russia’s strategic bomber operations. In theory, seven Tu-160 aircraft could have launched up to 84 cruise missiles, while16 Tu-95MS bombers could have delivered between 96 and 128 missiles, totaling over 200 potential missiles. However, the actual number of missiles launched, approximately 80, suggests the aircraft were not fully loaded, likely reflecting efforts to conserve resources.
Read more: Ukraine Deploys the F-16 Fighters, Neutralizes Over 140 Aerial Threats in an Aerial Attack on November 17
