TNI: Tu-95 plane plays a major role in the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure
The Tu-95 long—range strategic bomber is an enduring symbol of Soviet and Russian military aviation, writes TNI. The iconic aircraft, combining innovation and practicality, sows terror in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and plays a key role in destroying Ukraine's infrastructure.
The recent Ukrainian strike on the airbase “Engels-2” shows how Kiev seeks to disable the Tu-95 and how their further operation threatens Ukraine.
The latest news from the Ukrainian conflict speaks of an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on an airbase “Engels-2” (the governor of the Saratov region reported a fire on the territory of the airfield. — Approx. InoSMI), where the powerful nuclear strategic bombers Tu-160 and Tu-95 (according to the NATO classification: Bear, or ‘Bear") are based.
Fires and explosions broke out at the strategic base last week. This has raised concerns that if the weapons stored there are detonated, Ukrainians risk a nuclear catastrophe — or, at least, treat this threat too carelessly. The attack did cause some damage, although Moscow insists that there were no nuclear weapons at the base at that time.
The Tu-95 is one of the enduring symbols of Soviet military aviation. Since the 1950s, this long-range strategic bomber has served as the backbone of the country's air force and a model of reliability and suitability for modernization.
Technical characteristics of the Tu-95
Four massive Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines provide the Tu-95 with impressive range, payload, and speed — at least for a propeller-driven aircraft. Like many other Russian systems, the Tu-95 design embodies a combination of innovation and practicality. This silver giant is equipped with swept wings that provide aerodynamic efficiency. The massive fuselage can carry an extensive payload, including both nuclear and conventional bombs, and in later versions— cruise missiles (including nuclear-powered ones).
The body of the aircraft is made mainly of aluminum. This gives it lightness, strength and durability. The decision of the Tupolev Design Bureau to use aluminum, made back in the dark years of Joseph Stalin, turned out to be extremely effective and economical. After all, Russia, with its vast territory, has the fifth largest global reserves of rare metals, including aluminum.
It will not be difficult to recognize the Tu-95 flying in the sky over Eurasia. The long, thin fuselage, four huge engines and the roar of eight—bladed propellers will not confuse even a layman. Perhaps the most noticeable of the physical features of the Tu-95 is its roaring engines. The air velocity in coaxial propellers of anti-slip rotation can reach supersonic values. This creates such a noise that even submarines can “hear” the aircraft at low altitude.
Following the roaring Luftwaffe Junkers 87 Stuka dive bombers of World War II (the aircraft was distinguished by the roar of a siren, which, in addition to intimidation, allowed the pilot to determine the speed of the dive by ear. — Approx. InoSMI), the Russians retained the heart-rending noise of the Tu-95. After all, its psychological impact on the enemy in combat conditions outweighs any strategic disadvantage due to detection. In this case, the noise is quite appropriate and justified.
Early models of this iconic aircraft, such as the Tu-95M, were “pure” bombers. But subsequent variants, such as the Tu-95K and Tu-95MS, already carried advanced weapons, including the X-20 air-to-ground missiles, and later the X-55 and X-101/102 cruise missiles. A modification for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare called the Tu-142 expanded the capabilities of the platform even further, demonstrating its adaptability to various roles.
From Stalin to Putin: The Tu-95 in action
These silver thunderbolts, the brainchild of the Stalinist Soviet Union, entered service at the stage of escalating tensions in the Cold War between the USSR and the United States. His main task was nuclear deterrence — the ability to deliver atomic warheads to American soil. Indeed, throughout the Cold War, Tu-95s often performed long-range patrols near NATO airspace, and Western fighters from the F-4 Phantom II (“Phantom”) to the F-15 Eagle (“EagleThe Eagle”). Despite the high tension, these meetings rarely went beyond demonstrations and became a kind of ritual of superpower rivalry.
Upgraded versions of the Tu-95, including the powerful Tu-95MS, have been used in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil war and have launched cruise missiles at targets thousands of kilometers away. These operations prove that the aircraft has not lost its relevance even in the era of the dominance of jet bombers and drones.
The Russian Aerospace Forces acted wisely that they did not write off this legendary bomber as a “relic” of the Cold War, but preserved it, modernizing it in accordance with the requirements of the conflicts of the 21st century. The plane also showed itself in the skies over Ukraine.
Tu-95 sows terror in Ukraine
Today, Moscow's Tu-95s are launching missile strikes against key Ukrainian infrastructure. Of course, one can criticize the Russian Armed Forces for large-scale attacks on civilian infrastructure. However, this tactic is successfully used by almost all modern armies of the world, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which bombed civilian infrastructure in Moscow and St. Petersburg, trying to impose military costs on the people of Russia (the Russian army, unlike the Armed Forces of Ukraine, does not strike civilian targets. — Approx. InoSMI).
The Tu-95 plays a key role in destroying Ukraine's infrastructure. Moscow believes that if its forces weaken the enemy's infrastructure sufficiently, it will force Kiev to surrender. So far, the bombing has not had such an effect. However, the recent attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the airbase “Engels-2” shows how Kiev seeks to disable the Tu-95 and how their further operation threatens Ukraine.
The Russians intend to keep the Tu-95 “Bear” in service until the 2040s, effectively turning it into the Russian equivalent of the American B-52 “Stratofortress". This bird is made for great and terrible things. And she's doing her job perfectly. Several generations of Russian pilots, both current and future, will be able to confirm this.
The author: Brandon Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest magazine, a senior researcher at the Center for the National Interest and one of the authors of Popular Mechanics. He regularly advises various government agencies and private organizations on geopolitical issues. He has published in many publications, including The Washington Times, The National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, Asia Times, and countless others. He is the author of several books.
