Russia to Modernize 30 Tu-22M3 Bombers by 2020

摘要

About 30 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from Russia's Long Range Aviation fleet will be modernised by 2020, upgraded to the M3M standard. The Tu-22M3 (NATO reporting name BACKFIRE-C) is a supersonic, swing-wing, long-range strategic bomber that Russia uses mainly to patrol the skies over its southern borders, Central Asia and the Black Sea region. As of 2008, the Russian Air Force had at least 141 Tu-22M3 bombers in service. The modernized aircraft will be equipped with new equipment, communications systems, cockpits and avionics.