Article Posted on : - Dec 23, 2009

The new stealth bomber will replace the Tu-160 Blackjack (top) and Tu-95MC Bear strategic bombers.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is designing new strategic bombers to replace its Tu-95MC Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers.

The Russian Air Force aims to induct the new bombers in service over the next 15 to 20 years, commander of Russia’s strategic aviation said on Tuesday.

The new attack aircraft will use stealth technology which would make its detection difficult by radar, Maj. Gen. Anatoly Zhikharev was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

The RAF expects to use the existing bombers in its arsenal in the coming decade after their modernisation. There are 40 Tu-95MS bombers, 141 Tu-22M3 bombers and 16 Tu-160 Blackjacks with the RAF, according to the report.

“We are planning to complete this modernisation by 2015,” Zhikharev said, adding the modernisation included overhaul of obsolete communications, electronic warfare, targeting, and fire-control systems.