KAZAN, July 5 (RIA Novosti) - Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Wednesday Russia's Air Force could receive a new Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber by the end of the year.
The minister attended today a ceremony at the Kazan aircraft manufacturing plant dedicated to the commissioning of the first modernized Tu-160 bomber.
He said the modernized bomber showed Russia's increased defense capabilities and the new weaponry and avionics installed on the aircraft allowed the country to look to the future with confidence and in security.
"By the end of this year we hope to receive another new Tu-160 aircraft after paying for it in full," said Ivanov, who is also a deputy prime minister.
Air Force Commander Vladimir Mikhailov said on June 15 that the force had already received a new Mi-28N helicopter and its first Su-34SM fighter, equipped with a new engine, this year.
