Russian Tupolev Tu-95MSM strategic bombers continue to operate in Ukrainian Skies.

On July 26, 2023, the Ukrinform news agency reported that the Ukrainian government had issued an air alert in several regions of Ukraine following the takeoff of twelve Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers. The Tupolev Tu-95SMS, also known as the Bear, is a long-range aircraft with strategic capabilities.

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 The Tu-95SMS is known for its capacity to carry a range of missiles, including the Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles. (Picture source: Russia MoD)

Information provided by the Ukrainian Air Force via the Telegram channel indicated that the bombers had taken off from the Olenya airfield located in the Murmansk region of Russia. While unfortunately, we do not have knowledge of the outcome of these strikes, we can, however, state that the strategic missile carrier Tu-95SMS is an iconic element of the Russian Air Force, extensively used for strategic and bombing missions. Powered by four turboprop engines, this long-range aircraft can reach maximum speeds of nearly 920 km/h. With an operational range of over 15,000 km, it plays a pivotal role in long-distance operations.

The Tupolev Tu-95SMS represents a modernized iteration of the original Tu-95, which was developed during the Cold War as a response to the United States Convair B-36 bomber. Equipped with distinctive turboprop engines featuring counter-rotating propellers, this aircraft boasts a storied history, maintaining its role as Russia's primary strategic bomber. The NK-12MPM turboprop engines have been upgraded alongside the installation of new AV-60T propellers, enhancing the aircraft's performance, adaptability, and overall effectiveness on the battlefield.

Recent improvements to the strategic missile carrier Tupolev Tu-95SMS include an advanced navigation computer system and an integrated control system. These upgrades are complemented by enhancements in optical and radio reconnaissance capabilities. The Tu-95SMS is known for its capacity to carry a range of missiles, including the Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles. The Kh-101 missiles, characterized by high precision and a range of up to 5,500 km, are designed for accurate strikes on distant strategic targets. The Kh-555 missiles, on the other hand, are long-range cruise missiles capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads

A notable milestone in the Tu-95SMS's history occurred in 2010 when it set a world record for non-stop flight, spending 43 hours airborne, covering approximately 30,000 kilometers across three oceans, and necessitating four in-flight refuelings..