KAZAN, March 22. /TASS/. One newly-built and one upgraded strategic missile-carrying bomber Tupolev-160 will be delivered this year, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov told the media during a working trip to the Gorbunov Aviation Plant in Kazan (an affiliate of Tupolev PAO).

"Also, we carried out an inspection and synchronized watches regarding the production of combat aircraft. As is known, Kazan plant is the main manufacturer of strategic planes for the Aerospace Force. Everything proceeds in accordance with the original schedule. This year we expect to have one upgraded and one newly-built Tupolev-160. The way I see it, the plant is fully ready for production," he said.

Borisov inspected the plant’s facilities and discussed production plans.

According to earlier reports, two Tupolev-160 bombers armed with new types of weapons would join Russia’s fleet of strategic aircraft in 2022.

Tupolev-160 (NATO reporting name Blackjack) is a Soviet turned Russian supersonic variable sweep wing heavy strategic bomber. Alongside the Tupolev-95MS it constitutes the backbone of the fleet of Russia’s long-range aircraft. The Tupolev-160, capable of hitting targets in remote regions with nuclear and conventional weapons, is the largest-ever supersonic military plane.