The Russian Federation has 18 Tu-160s in service, but uses only seven for strikes against Ukraine - Defense Express
Kyiv • UNN
The operational readiness of the Tu-160 is 40 percent due to wear and tear. For strikes against Ukraine, the enemy uses only seven serviceable aircraft out of eighteen.
Russia formally has 18 Tu-160 strategic bombers in service, but actually uses only seven aircraft of this type for missile strikes against Ukraine. This is reported by Defense Express with reference to data from an AviVector analyst, UNN writes.
Details
As noted, the Tu-160 strategic missile carriers have reached 39 years of active service this year. At the same time, the operational readiness level of this aircraft fleet is estimated at approximately 40%.
According to analysts, Russia has a total of 25 Tu-160s, two of which are in storage, while the status of five more new Tu-160M2s remains unknown. At the same time, between seven and nine frontline aircraft are likely located at the Kazan Aviation Plant sites awaiting repair or other work.
The article states that for strikes against Ukraine, the Russians use almost all Tu-160s that are not currently at the factories.
After "Pavutyna," Russia changed the basing of its strategic aviation
According to AviVector, for Tu-160 combat sorties, the Russians primarily use the "Engels" and "Ukrainka" airbases in the Far East.
Defense Express notes that Russia chose this basing format after the Ukrainian operation "Pavutyna" (Web) on June 1, 2025, to reduce the risks of new strikes on strategic aviation.
Analysts also noted that at least three Tu-160Ms were spotted at the "Ramenskoye" airfield near Moscow in April 2026. These aircraft were first recorded there back in March.