Moscow: Russia has once again talked about giving its heavy bomber aircraft Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 ‘White Swan’ to its friend India, defense media outlet IDRW has reported, designed during the Soviet Union era. The Tu-22M3 was earlier offered to the Indian Navy but due to the cost of modernization and the high price, the deal could not be finalized. Russia now wants to give India such an aircraft with Tu-160M which can increase its lethal capability.
Russia’s new proposal includes the Tu-160 M, an upgraded version of the Tu-160M. The specialty of the Tu-160M is that its production is still ongoing. In 2018, the Russian Air Force ordered 10 units under a contract, which will be delivered by 2027. The upgraded version has some new features, such as comprehensive avionics and navigation.
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Ability to Carry Nuclear Missiles and Cruise:
Tupolev, which makes this aircraft, claims that the new upgraded version of Russia Tu-160M is 60% more profitable than the previous one. In its report, IDRW said that the price of one Tu-160M is 16.5 crore dollars (about Rs 13,70,86,64,794). Tu-160M can carry 12 long-range cruise missiles or short-range nuclear missiles simultaneously.
This bomber jet can cover a distance of 12000 km without refueling. Its inclusion in India’s fleet will give the Indian Air Force the ability to carry out powerful deterrence and attacks in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The Indian Air Force has traditionally focused on multirole fighter jets rather than heavy bombers. It currently does not have a single strategic bomber in its fleet.
1200km Distance at a Time:
However, its heavy acquisition and operating costs are an issue that could be significant. Maintaining a fleet of heavy bombers will require dedicated infrastructure and substantial investment. Along with special training of pilots, Indian Air Force bases will have to be specially prepared to accommodate these bombers
