 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Russia To Receive Two Modernized Strategic Bombers In 2007
Moscow (RIA Novosti) Mar 06, 2007 Russia will commission two modernized Tu-160 bombers in 2007, the Strategic Air Force commander said Monday. Russia is currently carrying out an ambitious program to upgrade and modernize its strategic Air Force assets. The upgraded fleet will include both new and modernized Tu-160 Blackjack, Tu-22 Blinder and Tu-95 Bear bombers. "We are modernizing the fleet of Tu-160 bombers...and are planning to receive two [modernized] aircraft by the end of this year," Lieutenant-General Igor Khvorov said. He added that one of the previously commissioned bombers will conduct test bombing runs in spring 2007. According to various sources, 16 Tu-160 bombers are currently in service with the Russian Air Force and they will continue to be the mainstay of Russia's strategic air assets. The Tu-160 has a strong resemblance to the U.S. B-1B Lancer, although it is larger and faster, and is powered by four afterburning turbofan engines, allowing supersonic speeds of over Mach 2. It has a flight range of 12,300 kilometers (7,640 miles) and can carry up to 40,000 kilograms (88,200 pounds) of weaponry, including nuclear missiles. Khvorov also said that Russia was maintaining its global leadership in developing new missile systems, especially cruise missiles. He said Russia's strategic bombers will conduct about 10 cruise missile test launches this year, including during the joint CSTO-SCO maneuvers named Peaceful Mission Rubezh-2007 which will be held in the Russia's Volga-Urals area and will involve ground and air units from all member countries. However, the general reiterated that Russian strategic bombers never carry nuclear weapons when on combat duty. "At present, strategic bombers are deployed on the ground while on combat duty, but are capable of responding to orders immediately and carry out combat tasks anywhere in the world," Khvorov said.
Source: RIA Novosti Related Links Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Israel To Hold Nationwide Nuclear Attack Drill
Jerusalem (AFP) Feb 26, 2007Israel will next month stage its first-ever nationwide drill simulating a nuclear and chemical missile attack on its cities, rescue services said Monday. The exercise was initiated by the army's homefront corps in the wake of last summer's war in Lebanon and Iran's calls for the destruction of the Jewish state and its controversial nuclear programme. Israel suspects is Iran is aiming to develop an atomic bomb, but Tehran insists its programme is for civilian energy purposes. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement |
