Russia's strategic bomber shopping spree appears to be reaching conclusion

Published: 11/3/1999

The details of the much discussed transfer of Tu-160 and Tu-95 bombers from the Ukraine to Russia appears to be reaching a conclusion with an agreement to move eight Tu-160s and three Tu-95MS from the Ukrainian Air Force to the Russian Strategic Forces, for a reported price of $25m per aircraft. The deal also includes, according to reports, several hundred Kh-55 Kent cruise missiles, bringing the value of the deal to $285m, which will be offset against the Ukraine's gas debts to Russia. The transfer of the aircraft will leave the Ukraine with 11 Tu-160 at the Priluki airfield in the Chernigov region and 18 Tu-95MS at Uzin in the Kiev region, although the condition of the remaining aircraft is thought to be poor, with less than 50% of them flight worthy according to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Boris Tarasyuk, reported in Nezabisimoe Voenne Obozrenie. The Ukrainian aircraft are, however, due to be dismantled under the strategic arms reduction treaty, although the use of some of the aircraft as launch vehicles for space vehicles has been mooted.

Article ID: 1042