Russia's modern strategic bomber Tu-160M ​​test flight, Putin personally experienced driving

According to past official reports, Putin has publicly flown fighter jets many times. During a military exercise in 2005, Putin flew an older version of the Tu-160. In 2000, he also flew a Su-27 fighter jet.

According to Press Secretary Peskov, who was at the scene to watch the president leave in the bomber, during his trip to the Kazan Aircraft Factory yesterday, Putin visited and inspected four modernized Tu-160M ​​strategic bombers. He decided on the spot to experience a modified Tu-160 for himself.

The Tu-160 was a variable-sweep wing supersonic long-range strategic bomber that first flew in the 1980s. According to Russian officials, 80% of the systems and mechanical equipment were replaced during the transformation process. In addition to retaining the iconic "white swan" appearance, the Tu-160M ​​can be said to be a brand new aircraft.

After the test flight, Putin told the media that the Tu-160M ​​is a reliable aircraft and excellent equipment. The Russian President praised highly: "This is indeed a new aircraft, new in many aspects. Its handling is smoother and its reliability is very high. This flight left a good impression on him."

After personal experience, Putin also stated that he would instruct the Russian Ministry of Defense to approve the entry of the Tu-160M ​​into service.

According to public information, the Tu-160M ​​can continuously fly 12,000 kilometers without refueling midway, and can carry 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles. What’s even more striking is that this aircraft is said to have a maximum flight speed of 2,200 kilometers per hour, which is 50% faster than the US military’s B-1 Lancer bomber.

It is worth mentioning that after driving the bomber, Putin drove a Kama truck to inspect the progress of local highway development in Kazan.