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Moscow: 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.

Russia to receive 2 modernized strategic bombers in 2007 14:19 | 05/ 03/ 2007 MOSCOW, March 5 (RIA Novosti) - 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, adding that one of the...

Russia’s Strategic Aviation to Conduct Major Exercises Strategic bombers of Russian Air Forces are to conduct major exercises with launching cruise missiles and mid-air refueling, RIA News agency says with reference to Alexander Drobyshevsky, spokesman of Russian Air Forces. Aviation is to try new crews during the exercises. “Over 50 percent of the participants are young pilots,” said Drobyshevsky. Tu-160 and Tu-95 bombers will shoot cruise missiles at northern firing grounds, and Tu-22M3 are to practice bomb-release. Some of the tasks, including mid-air refueling, are to be carried out at night. Exercises of the 37th air army of Russian Air...