British intelligence is closely monitoring the state of Russian strategic aviation and knows that the Tupolev PAK DA project (“Envoy” or “Product 80”) is nearing completion. Armed Forces Minister James Hippy, in his correspondence with parliament, even named the number of aircraft in the Russian Air Force, Pravda.Ru writes.
According to the British intelligence, today the Russian Army has at least 80 nuclear strategic bombers, which can destroy entire countries with salvos. The majority of these are Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers. There are also at least 10 Tu-160Ms and MiG-31Ks capable of carrying nuclear-capable Kynzhal hypersonic missiles.
“At the same time, Russia maintains several types of bombers on constant alert at various air bases around the country so that they have time to take off and launch their strikes,” Hippy explained.
Army leadership is also concerned about new bomber production and modernization. Hippy lamented that Russia has plans “to build new and modernize existing Tu-160 airframes,” albeit not all at once.
Hippy also stated about development of “invisible” bomber. According to him, prototype of PAK-DA (aka Messenger, whose “flying wing” design is similar but “dressier” than B-2) may be close to completion. President Putin wants DA PAK (“Messenger”) to enter service as soon as possible and “demolish continents.”
As EADaily reported, on December 29, 2018, the first flight of a laboratory aircraft converted to test new Tu-160M2 systems took place in Kazan. Also in February 2022, the media discussed “the world’s first rockets with back launch” for the Tu-160 and Envoy strategic bombers.
Sources in the military-industrial complex confirmed that the PAK DA is built on the principle of a flying wing, it will be equipped with advanced cruise and hypersonic missiles. The strategic bomber will be as automated as possible and will be able to act as an unmanned aerial vehicle. The priority in its concept is given to stealth technology and hypersonics. In addition, the bomber will be able to control groups of UAVs and work on enemies with air-to-air missiles.
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