Russia Completes Upgrades for Tu-160 Bomber Production Facilities

 

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.

Ukraine Successfully Intercepts Russian Kh-101 Missile with Cluster Warhead for the First Time

 

Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile equipped with a cluster warhead for the first time, as reported by Defense Express. This interception occurred on the night of June 7, when a Tu-95MS bomber launched five Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, all of which were neutralized by the Ukrainian Air Force.

An officer from the Armed Forces, blogging under “Colonel GSH,” discussed this event, highlighting that the Kh-101 variant features both a high-explosive warhead and a cluster warhead. These missiles are likely intended for airfield attacks.

The frequency of Russia deploying these missiles in Ukraine remains uncertain, and there is limited information on the production distribution of various warhead types. However, it is known that Russia started producing Kh-101 missiles with dual warheads as of March. Earlier Russian sources had indicated that the Kh-101's warhead capacity increased to 800 kilograms, though this reduces its range.

In May, Defense Express noted an event on May 8 where a recently manufactured Russian Kh-101 missile was intercepted, underscoring the fresh deployment of these weapons. The Kh-101 series is distinguished by its dual warhead configuration, which includes a 450-kilogram warhead and an additional 350-kilogram warhead. There is no information confirming the presence of a cluster warhead among the two.

This dual warhead capability, achieved by reducing the fuel tank size, results in a decreased flight range from about 5,500 kilometers to approximately 2,250 kilometers. The dual warhead concept was first mentioned by Sergei Shoigu, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, in January 2024 during a visit to the Raduga missile design bureau. This development raises concerns about its implications for ongoing conflicts.

The new warhead incorporates pre-made damaging components typically found in anti-aircraft missiles, now posing a greater threat to ground targets. Russian sources had speculated about the Kh-101 housing dual warheads as early as mid-2022.

The Kh-101's recent enhancements, including its guidance system and optical and electronic components, mark a significant advancement. The updated Kh-101 now features three fixed lenses, improving accuracy compared to its predecessor. Both the Kh-101 and its nuclear variant, the Kh-102, incorporate stealth features and other advancements.

The Kh-102, capable of carrying a 20-kiloton nuclear warhead, is a key component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, boasting a longer range than the US AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile. Upgraded strategic bombers like the Tu-160M and Tu-95MSM can carry the Kh-101 missile, which can have different warheads including high explosive, penetration high explosive, and submunitions.

Russia claims the Kh-101 can accurately hit moving targets within 10 meters, usually within 7 meters, at distances up to 5,500 kilometers. The missile, made entirely of Russian parts by the Raduga Design Bureau, was first used in combat in November 2015 during Russia’s involvement in the Syrian civil war. While initial strikes were largely on target, one missile reportedly landed in Iran near the city of Shush, about 750 kilometers from the Syrian border.

Russia Added 1500 MBTs To Fight NATO-Backed Ukraine; Tu-160M, IFVs, Subs Also Delivered – Shoigu, Eurasian Times reports

 Amid the Ukraine conflict, Russia has strengthened its military capabilities, delivering 1,530 new and upgraded tanks to the Ground Forces in 2023, partially compensating for the loss of 2,200 tanks since the invasion. The T-90M Proryv main battle tanks, known for survivability, were supplied to offset these losses. In contrast, Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 5,000 Russian tanks during the invasion.

Russia also reinforced its naval forces, adding the nuclear submarine Imperator Aleksandr III and a Borei A-class vessel equipped with Bulava missiles. The Russian Navy received four modern submarines and eight surface ships in the past year.

Aerial capabilities were enhanced with 237 aircraft and helicopters, 86 anti-aircraft weaponry units, and 67 radar sites for the Aerospace Forces. Notably, four Tu-160M strategic bombers were almost fully delivered to the strategic nuclear forces, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin's claim that 95% of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces are equipped with new weapons. The Tu-160M, actively used in the conflict, signifies heightened nuclear posturing. In response, NATO has strengthened its nuclear forces near Russia. These developments underscore escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.

Here is the link to the original article:

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/russia-added-1500-mbts-to-fight-nato-backed-ukraine/