Observers at the U.S. magazine Military Watch Magazine reported that Russia is upgrading its Tu-160M strategic bomber.

According to the publication, Moscow is modernizing the long-range Tu-160M as an interim solution while development of Russia’s PAK DA stealth bomber remains delayed.

The magazine noted that the aircraft can carry up to six Kh-55SM cruise missiles designed to strike ground targets. These missiles can be fitted either with thermonuclear warheads with a yield of up to 200 kilotons or with conventional high-explosive warheads.

Military Watch Magazine also compared the Tu-160 to the U.S. B-52, pointing out that both bombers have undergone major upgrades aimed at extending their service lives. At the same time, the authors noted that due to their size, such aircraft are intended for use in less heavily contested airspace.

The publication also argued that integrating air-launched hypersonic missiles and long-range anti-ship cruise missiles could significantly expand the Tu-160M’s combat potential, allowing it to threaten targets that were previously considered beyond reach.

Earlier, The National Interest reported that Ukrainian forces are unable to effectively counter Russia’s supersonic Tu-160M bomber. The publication also noted that Russia’s defense industry, unlike NATO production capacities, retains the ability to carry out deep modernization of aircraft, giving Moscow additional strategic advantages.