Patrick Durrant | Sydney
Russia’s next-generation strategic bomber PAK-DA will be delayed past 2023 according to IHS Jane's Defence Weekly.
Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov, stated in an interview the reason behind the delay is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s May 2015 decision to revive production of the Tupolev Tu-160M2 "Blackjack" long-range supersonic strategic bomber.
Originally intended to be a stealthy hypersonic aircraft, the PAK-DA now appears to be a subsonic strategic bomber with an emphasis on heavy payload and long-range capabilities.
The PAK-DA is intended to replace the the aging fleet of Tu-95 "Bear" and Tu-160 planes – the current backbone of Russia’s long-range and strategic aviation. In comparison to earlier Tu-160 planes, the Tu-160M2 strategic bomber will be equipped with more powerful engines, according to Borisov.
"We plan to install NK-32 series 2 [engines] on Tu-160M2. The motor has been upgraded, its main aggregates have become more cost-effective. Therefore, NK-32 series 2 has improved performance, and its range of flight will be increased by at least 1,000 km, compared with existing engines," he said.
Borisov also told Janes that the Russian defense industry is in the process of developing new missiles for both the PAK-DA and Tu-160M2. “They drastically change the aircraft’s combat performance. The missiles are to be installed on the PAK-DA in the course of time. We are developing new missiles to be integrated on board all types of strategic bombers,” he said.
The deputy defense minister also announced that the Russian Air Force will improve serviceability within its long-range bomber force over the next few years.
The Russian Air Force currently operates 15 Tu-160s, all of which are in the process of being upgraded by 2019, according to TASS. Overall, the Russian Air Force plans to acquire 50 new Tu-160M2s, with three new bombers inducted into the Russian Air Force per year beginning in 2023. The aircraft is expected to be in service for at least 40 years.