Ukraine attacked by Tu-160 bombers that were delivered to Russia

Tu-160 bombers that once belonged to Ukraine are now turning against themselves, as they are used by the Russian Air Force to carry out attacks.

Ukraine attacked by Tu-160 bombers that were delivered to Russia

Saturday, November 30, 2024 22:59 PM (GMT+7)

Tu-160 bombers that once belonged to Ukraine are now turning against themselves, as they are used by the Russian Air Force to carry out attacks.

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are actively using Tu-160 bombers that were transferred to Ukraine 25 years ago as part of gas debt payments. According to Defense Express.

It is known that at least 6 supersonic strategic bombers Tu-160 "White Swan" transferred by Kyiv are still serving in the Russian Aerospace Forces and participating in combat missions. According to Defense Express.

Back in 1999, the Ukrainian government was facing a severe financial crisis and lacked the funds needed to maintain its expensive fleet of strategic bombers, according to Defense Express.

To resolve the difficulties, Kyiv signed an agreement with Moscow, which stipulates that part of the country's strategic air force, including Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 bombers, will be transferred to Moscow. According to Defense Express.

In return, Ukraine would receive a write-off of its gas debt from Russia, which had already accumulated to a very high level. At the time, the exchange was seen as a necessary step to stabilize Ukraine’s economy , according to Defense Express.

The Tu-160 supersonic bomber, nicknamed the White Swan, is still the world's largest supersonic strategic bomber with variable-sweep wings. According to Defense Express.

These strategic bombers are designed to carry nuclear-tipped missiles, deployed from rotating drum launchers in the weapons bay. Until now, the Tu-160 has remained the mainstay of Russia's Strategic Aviation Forces. According to Defense Express.

After a quarter of a century, the Russian Air Force's use of these bombers to attack Ukraine has caused a fierce reaction as military experts and politicians in Kyiv point out the strategic mistake of the past decision. The Ukrainian government is accused of being responsible for "naively" giving up nuclear weapons and strategic offensive means in exchange for commitments to ensure security and territorial integrity from major powers (including Russia). According to Defense Express.

If it still has the Tu-160 bomber fleet and long-range cruise missiles like the Kh-55, Ukraine is fully capable of responding to any foreign attack. According to Defense Express.

As for Russia, its fleet of Tu-160 bombers (including those received from Ukraine) has undergone many modernizations and plays an important role in the VKS's long-term deterrence strategy. According to Defense Express.

Notably, in recent years, the Tu-160s have been deeply modernized to bring new superior power, improvements including new weapons and advanced digital control systems. According to Defense Express.

The fully modernized White Swans are designated Tu-160M, while the completely new production aircraft are called Tu-160M2, they remain the main attack aircraft while waiting for the new generation stealth bomber named Poslanhik (PAK DA) to be completed. According to Defense Express.

Currently, the Tu-160 and Tu-95 are two types of fighter aircraft that have not suffered losses on the battlefield, mainly relying on the tactic of launching cruise missiles from very long distances, avoiding having to enter the protection zone of enemy air defenses. According to Defense Express.

PV (according to ANTĐ)

Source: https://danviet.vn/ukraine-bi-tan-cong-boi-chinh-oanh-tac-co-tu-160-tung-chuyen-giao-cho-nga-20241130225644252.htm