New armament for Russian strategic aviation

Strategic Aviation Receiving New Weapons

((EXTRACT))

Russia’s long-range strategic aviation has destroyed the U.S. monopoly on the use of non-nuclear long-range cruise missiles. This year, a new non-nuclear ((conventional)) long-range cruise missile, capable, as the strategic people say, “of putting a gift into a small window” reached the inventory of the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers. Thus, one of the most effective Russian armament systems, which notes its 90th anniversary in December, will receive a second life. The aerial missile carriers will be able to be sued for carrying out not only nuclear missile, but also “spot” strikes. ((Much background snipped.))

For the first time, long-range aviation is receiving a new class of non-nuclear precision long-range cruise missiles. Within the framework of the state defense order, in 2005, two new Tu-160 missile carriers will be in the inventory. In which connection, one of them in new outfitting – intended for the use exclusively of bombing armament. The aircraft is able to lift it up to 45 tonnes and deliver it to a target with the same precision as cruise missiles. This opens up not only new combat capabilities for the “strategists”, but also makes the usage of these aircraft real during the conduct of anti-terrorist operations.

Source: 30.11.04, Izvestiya

Of course, it’s talking about the Kh-101 …

Interesting to note is that of the two Tu-160s to be delivered in 2005, one will be the modernized variant.