MOSCOW - Russia has rolled out the first prototype of the Tu-160M2 strategic bomber.
Russia officially rolled out the first Tu-160M2 strategic bomber prototype Nov. 16 at the Kazan Aviation Plant. Production of the prototype began earlier this year and, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Russia anticipates the aircraft beginning flight testing in February 2018.
Russia opted to resume production of the Tu-160M2 after a decision in 2015. The newly-modernized aircraft is slated to enter serial production between 2021 and 2023.
In addition to the production of new aircraft, the current Tu-160s in service will undergo modernization, as well.
Once production lines open, Russia expects to produce two or three bombers annually, with a goal of eventually producing between 30 and 50 bombers for the Russian Aerospace Forces. The size of the order depends on the progress of the PAK DA advanced bomber development program. Russia hopes that, eventually, the PAK DA will replace the Tu-160s as well as other bombers in service, but the expensive development process has likely pushed the aircraft's introduction into service out significantly.
In April, Tass News Agency quoted Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov as saying, "We expect the first flight somewhere in 2025-2026 and the beginning of its serial production in 2028-2029." He referred to the PAK DA.
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