The Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced the completion of upgrades to three key workshops for the production of Tu-160M bombers. The modernized workshops at the Kazan Aviation Plant will enhance the production of parts for the Tu-160M, which will then be assembled at the facility. The upgrades mark a significant step in Russia’s effort to modernize its fleet of strategic bombers.
The Tu-160 Blackjack bomber, originally introduced in 1987, is renowned as the world’s fastest bomber, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2 thanks to its powerful Kuznetsov NK-32 engines. However, the aircraft has been plagued by high maintenance demands. The new Tu-160M2 aims to retain the original’s impressive speed while addressing maintenance issues.
The modernization project began in 2016, following a decision by the Russian Ministry of Defense to resume production of the Tu-160 bombers. UAC, which owns both Tupolev and the Kazan Aviation Plant, reported that the upgrades were completed in the preproduction, mechanical assembly, and flight test centers.
Despite the ambitious timeline, the project faced significant delays and legal challenges. Originally scheduled for completion by 2020, the modernization efforts were hampered by corruption charges and late completions. Approximately 10 production facilities were modernized between 2016 and 2024, with KazGAP (Kazan Aircraft Production Association) leading the design and construction efforts.
KazGAP’s work, valued at about 30 billion rubles (approximately $340 million USD), covered about three-quarters of the plant’s workshops. However, the project was marred by several dozen criminal cases against Kazan subcontractors, charged with fraud and embezzlement.
The Kazan Aviation Plant is not only responsible for the production of new Tu-160M bombers but also for upgrading existing Tu-22M3 and older Tu-160 models. Recently, the plant prepared to transfer a new batch of Tu-160M bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces, further bolstering Russia’s strategic capabilities.
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