Moscow Replenishes Long-Range Aviation Fleet Amid Ukraine Conflict
Russia has delivered two modernized Tu-160M strategic bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces, according to Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Tu-160M is an updated variant of the Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ heavy bomber, featuring new avionics, a digital cockpit, and updated engines. The delivery is a modest but significant addition to Russia’s long-range aviation fleet, which has been used heavily in the war in Ukraine. The announcement was made during a year-end meeting of the Defense Ministry board on December 17, 2025, as reported by AeroTime.