Analysis of the actual combat capabilities of the Russian Tu-160M bomber squadron.
The analysis report indicates that only about one-third of Russia's Tu-160M strategic bombers are currently operational, with the majority undergoing maintenance or upgrades.
Only about 7 out of the 18 Tu-160M supersonic strategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces are currently used for combat missions. The majority of the remaining fleet is undergoing maintenance, upgrades, or is being used for training and testing new technologies.
The current combat readiness status of the Tu-160M squadron.
Based on registration data and field observations, the Russian Aerospace Forces currently operate a total of 18 Tu-160M aircraft. However, analysts at AviVector note that up to two-thirds of the fleet are not in combat-ready condition. These aircraft are being deployed in modernization workshops, pilot training facilities, or on new production lines.
Specifically, only seven of these bombers regularly conduct combat missions from Ukrainka Air Base and sometimes Engels-2 Air Base. Before each sortie, these bombers are usually equipped with cruise missiles at Engels-2 before flying back to Ukrainka or maintaining their position there.
Operations at aviation bases and factories.
Following the Ukrainian Security Service's attack on the Belaya air base in June 2025, Russia shifted the main base of its Tu-160M squadron to Ukrainka. This location was considered safer due to its distance from populated areas and major transportation routes.
At the Kazan Aviation Plant, the main maintenance and manufacturing center, there are currently about 7 to 9 Tu-160M and its upgraded Tu-160M2 variants under development. Satellite imagery shows that Russia began constructing new production areas in 2020 to accelerate the fleet upgrade.
Force allocation based on the latest satellite data.
As of April 16, 2026, satellite data recorded the presence of Tu-160M squadrons at the following locations:
| Location/Basis | Number of aircraft recorded |
|---|---|
| Ukrainka Air Base | 6 pieces |
| Ramenskoye Airport | 3 pieces |
| Engels-2 Air Base | 2 pieces |
| Borysoglebskoye Airport | 2 pieces |
| Elezovo Airport | 1 piece |
Additionally, the report notes that five newly built Tu-160M2 aircraft are in an uncertain operational status, and two others are in storage, one of which may have been completely decommissioned. The construction of additional fortified storage facilities at Ramenskoye airfield indicates Russia's efforts to protect its strategic assets from remote attacks.
