Locked and Loaded with Russia's Tu-22M3 Supersonic Bombers Missiles

Dave Majumdar
November 18, 2017
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Russia is planning to upgrade its fleet of Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire intermediate range bombers with new engines and avionics. The first of 30 modernized supersonic bombers will make its first flight next year if all goes as planned.

"The first heavily upgraded Tu-22M3 will take to the skies in 2018,” Tupolev chief executive officer Alexander Konyukhov told the Moscow-based TASS news agency on November 17. “Also in that year, the modernization of operational aircraft will begin in compliance with the new state armament program. The upgrade will be carried out within the timeframe defined by this program."

The Tu-22M3 variant of the supersonic Backfire first became operational in 1983 during the Cold War. While the aircraft has been modernized, the planned upgrade would be the most comprehensive revamp of the long-serving bomber since its introduction into service.