russia Considers PAK DA Bomber as Replacement for Tu-95MS and Tu-160, Now Armed with Kh-95 Missiles
russian propaganda sources have once again “elevated” the topic of the PAK DA strategic bomber, also known as Product 80 or Poslanik, which is envisioned as a replacement for the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. However, it still exists only “on paper,” and the prospects for building the first prototype of this aircraft remain unclear.
Propagandists claim the possibility of using an additional type of missile weapon, which, however, also exists only “on paper.” Nevertheless, the russians are not presenting anything new regarding the PAK DA; they are simply repeating previously covered material.
Additionally, the russians in their propaganda sources claim that the PAK DA will be armed with advanced Kh-95 hypersonic missiles, although work is still ongoing.
“The PAK DA Poslannik is designed as a long-range, stealth strategic bomber with a projected range of 15,000 kilometers and a payload capacity of 30 to 45 tons, including both conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as hypersonic missiles,” claim the occupiers.
The project dates back to the late 1990s, when requirements for a new strategic bomber were first considered. Formal requirements were issued by the russian Air Force in December 2007, with financing for the program starting in 2008.
However, since the russians have not yet developed a power plant for the PAK DA, it is currently difficult to discuss any of the projected specifications of this bomber.