The Tu-160M2 Blackjack is Russia's most capable strategic bomber and the world's largest and fastest, powered by four NK-32-02 afterburning turbofans enabling Mach 2.05 at altitude. Twelve Kh-101 (conventional, 5,500 km range) or Kh-102 (nuclear) cruise missiles are carried in two internal rotary launchers, with six missiles each. Range exceeds 12,000 km unrefuelled. The M2 modernisation includes a new glass cockpit, modern avionics, NK-32-02 engines with improved fuel efficiency, and compatibility with newer weapons. A new-build production line was restarted at KAPO Kazan; deliveries of new-build M2 aircraft began 2022. Total fleet remains approximately 16 aircraft.
- World's largest and fastest strategic bomber (Mach 2.05) with 12,000+ km range
- Carries 12× Kh-101/102 or Kh-55 cruise missiles in 2 internal rotary launchers
- M2 modernisation brings updated avionics, engines, and weapons systems
- Kuznetsov NK-32-02 engines restored production — first new-build since Soviet era
- Dual nuclear and conventional role in Russia's strategic triad
- Very high acquisition and life-cycle costs per aircraft
- No stealth capability — relies entirely on standoff weapons for survivability
- New-build production rate extremely slow (~1-2 aircraft/year)
- Total fleet limited to ~16 aircraft — not numerically significant
- Standoff-only employment degrades its advantage over Tu-95 in role
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