The Indian Air Force has requested the government to possibly lease 6 TU-160 Blackjack aircraft from Russia. The long-range strategic bomber often referred to as the “White Swan” is Russia’s most technically advanced and modern long-range bomber which has the capability of going supersonic while carrying hypersonic glide weapons. The aircraft which was first inducted in 1987 has a swing-wing configuration which allows the aircraft to achieve speeds of Mach 2+. The aircraft is flown by a two-pilot crew and has the world record for the world’s longest non-stop flight by a military aircraft covering close to 12,000 kilometers in Autumn 2020. The four-engine aircraft is the largest bomber currently and has an internal bay to conceal the weapons it carries. For Russia the aircraft serves as a continental bomber which can fly deep into enemy territory and deliver lethal bombs, including nuclear weapons.
Good one as usual. A few points:
1. India has been seeking dedicated bombers after Canberra ac were retired.
2. Leased aircraft have only limited usage, as there are many end use restrictions.
3. US Laws do not permit any non-USA/NATO wpn to be integrated into their ac, and also US wpns cannot be integrated on Russian ac.
4. Which way the Russians would tilt in case of India-China conflict? So, would India be able to use these Strategic bombers of Soviet era?
5. Only B-2 has the stealth capability to penetrate contested air space. So, safer tactical routes required for B-1B/ Tu-160.
6. What is the Flightline availability/ Mission worthiness of these 40 yrs old/ cold war machines?
7. You have correctly argued that MRFA /AMCA should be India's priority considering serious depletion in strength/numbers of fighter squadrons.