Why do they want to deploy a new regiment of these bombers in the Far East
The defense of the Far East will be strengthened with strategic missile carriers Tu-160 "White Swan". The Ministry of Defense is considering the deployment of a new regiment of these aircraft in the region, sources told Izvestia. If the final decision turns out to be positive, he should enter the long-range aviation division, which is based in the Amur region. According to experts, the deployment of strategic missile carriers in the Far East should neutralize the threats posed by the United States and its closest allies in the region.
New regiment
The Russian Ministry of Defense is currently working on the deployment of the Tu-160 strategic missile carrier aviation regiment in the Far Eastern region, sources told Izvestia. A final decision on this matter has not yet been made. According to the interlocutors of the publication, everything will depend on the volume and structure of the state defense order for the coming years. Currently, the modernization of Tu-160 bombers is underway, as well as the construction of new machines with the "M" index.
If a positive decision is made, the White Swans regiment will become part of the long-range aviation unit, which is based in the Amur Region, the sources noted.
To date, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation include two heavy bomber aviation divisions. The 22nd is located in the Volga region, and the 326th is in the Far East.
The pilot of the Tu-160 strategic bomber-missile carrier during the flight
Image Source: Photo: TASS/Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The 326th Division consists of two regiments on Tu-95MS aircraft, they are based at the Ukrainka airbase in the Amur region, as well as a regiment on the Tu-22M3, it is located in the Irkutsk region.
The compound traces its history back to the 326th Night Bomber Aviation Division, formed in 1943. The division's aircraft regularly participate in joint maneuvers with the Chinese Air Force.
Tu-160 strategic bombers are currently only part of the 22nd Division at Engels Airfield.
The cockpit of the Tu-160 missile bomber "Valery Chkalov"
Image Source: Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
In the Far East, missile carriers will be used to deter the United States and its closest allies in the region, military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia.
— Special attention should be paid to Japan, with which we still have territorial differences over the Southern Kuriles, — he explained. — Recently, this state has been increasing its military spending, and also plans to develop shock weapons systems. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen our deterrence forces in order to neutralize the threat from this direction.
Supersonic Strategic
Tu-160 "White Swan" (according to the NATO classification — Blackjack) is a multi—mode supersonic strategic bomber with variable wing geometry. Designed to defeat nuclear and conventional missiles targets, including in the deep rear. It can reach speeds of up to 2000 km/h.
In recent years, the Ministry of Defense has been conducting a modernization program for this type of aircraft. In January 2018, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the Tupolev company signed a state contract for the supply of the first batch of Tu-160M. In addition, the existing Tu-160 is being updated.
Within the framework of this program, the design documentation for the Tu-160M was fully digitized in a short time, the technology of vacuum welding of titanium products was restored and the production of airframe assemblies was resumed.
Strategic bomber-missile carrier Tu-160M at the airbase in Engels
Image Source: Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
The Tu-160M differs from the basic version with a new combat support system, as well as the latest version of the NK-32 dual-circuit turbojet boosted engine. The introduction of new digital technologies has significantly increased the combat capabilities of the strike complex with the use of high-precision long-range weapons.
Also, the Tu-160M became the first aircraft in the world that is able to intercept targets that are "behind" it. This was made possible thanks to the installed rear-view radar.
After modernization, the combat effectiveness of the aircraft increased by 60%. Due to the modernization of a number of components of the NK-32 series engine, the aircraft has become more economical. And its side is made with elements of integrated modular avionics.
Air fortification
In recent years, the country's military leadership has been strengthening combat aviation. As Izvestia reported, a new Air Force and air defense army will be deployed in the western direction, it will become part of the recreated military districts — Moscow or Leningrad. The air army will include regiments of fighters, bombers, as well as air defense units and radio engineering troops. Organizationally, it will consist of several fighter regiments, a bomber regiment and an army aviation brigade.
Strategic bomber-missile carrier Tu-160 flies to the dress rehearsal of the air part of the military parade dedicated to the 77th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Anton Denisov
In addition, it is planned to deploy assault aviation units equipped with the famous "Rooks" — attack aircraft of the Su-25 family in the western direction. Their task will be to directly support the ground forces on the battlefield. Also, the attack aircraft will interact with helicopters of the army aviation.
And at the Levashovo airfield near St. Petersburg, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will deploy aircraft and helicopters of naval aviation of the Navy. In addition to combat aircraft, it is planned to deploy passenger and transport aircraft and helicopters belonging to the naval aviation of the Navy.
Alexey Ramm
Roman Kretsul
Julia Leonova
