The Tupolev Tu-22M3 strategic bombers. Source: Vadim Savitsky/TASS
Russia needs to test its cutting edge Kinzhal hypersonic complex abord Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, former Commander of Russia’s Long-Range Aviation Mikhail Oparin told TASS on July 2.
“The tests are needed to see whether it [the bomber] will be capable of accelerating the missile and to get the results. For long-range aircraft pilots, the missile is sooner of the tactical scope but at the same time it has clear advantages by its capabilities of breaching enemy anti-ballistic missile defenses,” Oparin said adding that the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber “suits perfectly” for Kinzhal hypersonic missiles’ trials by its mass and volume characteristics.
“I believe it is speed that matters. The MiG-31 has higher supersonic speed than the Tu-22M3 but now that a possibility has emerged to test the missiles aboard a long-range plane, this has to be done. This will raise the combat potential of the Aerospace Force and add might to it.”
Earlier TASS reported citing a source in the Russian defense industry earlier that the Kinzhal complex would be tested aboard the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber.
