Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation has completed upgrades on three major workshops dedicated to constructing the new Tu-160 bombers. These renovated facilities will manufacture individual components for the Tu-160M bombers, which will be assembled at the Kazan Aviation Plant. The overhaul included updates to preparatory and production areas, mechanical assembly zones, and flight test centers. This modernization enhances the corporation's capabilities and accelerates the replenishment of its Tu-160 strategic bomber fleet.
Initiated in 2016 following the Russian Ministry of Defense's decision to resume production of these bombers, the project has modernized around ten production plants by 2024. Under a contract from 2018 to 2027, the Ministry of Defense plans to deliver 10 newly built Tu-160Ms to the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Despite preparations, the company faced multiple criminal charges due to corruption and project delays. The Kazan Aviation Plant initially aimed to complete all facility upgrades by 2020 but missed these deadlines, leading the company to finance ongoing upgrades independently.
In 2019, KazGAP, struggling financially, was acquired by Technodinamika, a branch of Rostec. This acquisition spurred further modernization efforts. Nine facilities, including aggregate and final assembly shops, have received compliance certificates and commissioning permits. Construction on heat treatment and coating production is 86% complete, with all modernization work at the Kazan Aviation Plant expected to finish this year. Additionally, a new project worth over 90 billion rubles is planned to enhance the serial production of the Tu-214 civil aircraft.
In July 2023, the first upgraded Tu-160M strategic missile carrier began state suitability tests, featuring enhanced NK-32-02 engines, updated avionics, new onboard radio equipment, and a modern control system, including advanced radio-electronic warfare capabilities. By February 2023, the second upgraded Tu-160M was sent to the flight test base. To restart bomber production, advanced techniques like vacuum welding of titanium products and aircraft body assembly were restored, supported by a network of industrial enterprises across metallurgy, aircraft construction, machine building, and instrument making.
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