The Tupolev Tu-160 is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber and airborne missile platform designed in the 1970s. This is Russia's new modernised bomber.
The day before, Putin inspected a similar plane in the factory workshop and climbed into the cockpit to control it. The Tu-160M supersonic bomber can carry nuclear weapons and is an element of the Russian Federation's nuclear triad.
The company said the Tu-160M bomber has been equipped with upgraded avionics, onboard equipment, and new control and weapons systems. This aircraft is also equipped with an electronic warfare system.
The Tu-160M can carry long-range cruise missiles such as the non-nuclear Kh-555 and Kh-101 and the Kh-102 nuclear missile. The plane can fly up to 1,242 miles/hour (2,000 km/hour).
These aircraft can effectively engage enemy interceptors and defeat advanced air defences. The Tu-160M first made its maiden flight in Kazan on January 12 2022.
