Russian Tu-142 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Intercepted Near Alaska and Canada ADIZ

 

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked two Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft operating within the Alaskan and Canadian Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) on Wednesday, according to information reported by Defense News.

In response, NORAD launched a sizeable interception package to monitor and identify the aircraft. The allied response included two F-35 Lightning II fighters, two F-22 Raptor air-superiority aircraft, four KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, and one E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft. Canada also contributed two CF-18 Hornet fighters and one CC-150 Polaris tanker to the operation.

According to NORAD, the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace at all times and did not enter the sovereign airspace of either the United States or Canada. The command emphasized that such flights occur regularly and are not currently assessed as a direct threat.

“This Russian activity in the Alaskan and Canadian ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” NORAD stated.

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft developed during the Soviet era and still operated today by the Russian Navy. The aircraft is designed for extended overwater missions, including submarine detection, maritime surveillance, and strategic patrol operations. 

An Air Defense Identification Zone extends beyond a country's sovereign airspace into international airspace. Within this zone, approaching aircraft are required to identify themselves so that air defense authorities can monitor and assess potential threats. The system allows for early warning and reaction without implying sovereignty over the airspace.

The latest intercept follows a similar event on February 19, when NORAD tracked a formation of five Russian military aircraft operating near Alaska’s ADIZ. That group included two Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, two Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, and one Beriev A-50 airborne early warning aircraft.

NORAD responded to that earlier flight with two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and two F-35 Lightning II aircraft, supported by an E-3 Sentry and four KC-135 Stratotanker tankers. As with the most recent incident, the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and were not considered a threat.

Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, NORAD operates a layered defense system that includes satellites, ground-based radar, airborne sensors, and fighter aircraft. This integrated network allows the command to detect, track, and respond to aircraft approaching North American airspace.

While such intercepts are routine, they illustrate the continuous monitoring conducted over the Arctic and North Pacific—regions that remain strategically important for both NATO and Russia.

Russia to Supply Su-34s to Algeria?

The geopolitical balance of airpower in North Africa could be on the verge of a significant shift. Emerging open-source intelligence indicates that Algeria may soon become the first export customer for Russia’s Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber, a development with major implications for regional security and strategic strike capabilities.

From Long-Standing Interest to Possible Delivery

Reports of Algeria’s interest in the Su-34 date back nearly a decade. In 2016, negotiations were rumored for the acquisition of around 14 aircraft as part of a broader modernization program. The North African nation has already demonstrated its willingness to invest in high-performance Russian platforms, most recently inducting Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighters into service.

The latest clue came from Russia’s Zhukovsky airfield, where an Su-34M was photographed wearing a desert camouflage scheme not seen in Russian service. This livery, combined with export-specific configurations, has fueled speculation that the aircraft is bound for Algeria.

The Su-34: Russia’s Tactical Bomber Workhorse

Derived from the Su-27 Flanker family, the Su-34 is designed for deep strike missions with precision-guided munitions, while retaining strong air-to-air defensive capabilities.

The Su-34M variant, which Algeria is likely to receive, incorporates improved avionics, new weapons integration, enhanced survivability systems, and compatibility with modern targeting pods.

If deliveries are confirmed, Algeria would gain long-range strike capability unmatched in the Maghreb region. The Su-34’s combination of payload, range, and precision would allow the Algerian Air Force to project power across vast distances—covering all of North Africa, parts of Southern Europe, and deep into the Sahel.

This capability complements the air superiority role of the newly inducted Su-35s, creating a high-low mix of heavy strike and air dominance platforms.

The acquisition would elevate Algeria’s deterrence posture against potential adversaries, strengthen Russia-Algeria defense ties amid Moscow’s pivot towards non-NATO arms markets, potentially drive modernization races among neighboring air forces, particularly Morocco, which has invested heavily in F-16V platforms and increase Algeria’s interoperability with other Russian-equipped air forces in Africa and the Middle East

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Conclusion

While there has been no official confirmation from Algiers or Moscow, the appearance of export-configured Su-34Ms in desert camouflage is a strong indicator that the deal is moving forward. If delivered, the Su-34 will represent a transformational leap in Algeria’s ability to conduct deep strike and maritime strike operations, cementing its place as one of Africa’s most capable air forces.

The coming months will reveal whether these sightings were a glimpse into Algeria’s near-future arsenal—or a rare misdirection in the opaque world of international arms sales.

MiG to Develop New Affordable Jet Trainer for Russian Air Force

Russia's Mikoyan (MiG) design bureau has initiated the development of a new cost-effective jet trainer aircraft, the MiG-UTS, designed to be utilized by the country's aviation forces. This announcement was made public by Rostec, the Russian state industrial conglomerate, on December 28.

The MiG-UTS, envisioned as a twin-seat, single-engine aircraft, is set to become a fundamental component of a broader training system under development. The objective is to address concerns about the aging Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros aircraft, which currently serves as the primary platform for pilot training.

Sergey Korotkov, the general designer and deputy general director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), highlighted the necessity for a new training platform that ensures effective instruction for flight and technical personnel. Presently, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) employ 135 L-39 aircraft for jet training, alongside the more sophisticated and pricier Yakovlev Yak-130 'Mitten.'

The MiG-UTS aims to be the most affordable single-engine aircraft, emphasizing simplicity in both piloting and maintenance, meeting the requirements for basic training, as stated by Andrey Nedosekin, deputy managing director of the Design Bureau of Operational and Tactical Aviation and director and chief designer of the Mikoyan design bureau.

This initiative intends to address the need for training new batches of pilots for the Russian Aerospace Forces. While specific details regarding the MiG-UTS remain undisclosed, the aircraft is being developed by the Mikoyan Aircraft Design Bureau to fulfill the basic pilot training requirements. The Russian Aerospace Forces have been reliant on older L-39 training aircraft until now, including more recent use for advanced flight training with the Yak-130.

Interestingly, these developments are somewhat paradoxical as the development of the Yak-130 was initially intended to replace the older Soviet-era trainers. The MiG-UTS design shows a resemblance to the MiG-AT, which was a competitor against the Yakovlev aircraft in the 1990s for the Russian Air Force's future training aircraft.

Sergei Korotkov's statements suggest concerns about maintaining the aircraft currently used for primary pilot training. Although not explicitly stated, his reference likely points to the Yak-130, implying challenges detected in its usage for basic pilot training. Given that the Yak-130 serves multiple functions beyond training and is powered by two engines, its maintenance costs and time are significantly higher, prompting the need for an alternative training solution like the MiG-UTS.

Ukraine Confirms Downing Three Russian Su-34 Fighter Jets

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, celebrated the downing of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve as a promising sign for the year ahead, marking the country's official observance of the holiday on December 25 instead of January 7. Additionally, Zelenskyy asserted Ukraine’s claim of destroying three more Russian fighter planes on a recent Friday.

Expressing confidence in the country's air defense capabilities, Zelenskyy praised Ukraine’s negotiation skills, its strengthened sky shield, and its defense against Russian aggression. However, his optimistic outlook arrives amidst growing worries about stalled battlefield progress and the uncertainty surrounding Western aid for Ukraine's war effort.

Russia claimed an advancement in the battle zone on Monday, asserting control over Marinka, a strategically located town west of Donetsk. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu highlighted this advance as crucial in protecting Donetsk from potential attacks.

Amid these developments, Ukraine reported intercepting 28 Russian drones while its air defense forces shot down two Russian planes overnight. Tragically, these clashes resulted in one civilian fatality and at least four injuries in various Russian attacks over 24 hours.

Ukraine marked a significant change in its public holiday celebration by officially observing Christmas on December 25, moving away from the traditional January 7. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, granted full recognition in 2019, further differentiated itself from the Russian Orthodox Church by embracing this change. Many Ukrainians welcomed this shift, viewing it as a step toward solidifying their cultural independence from Russia.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continued, with the Ukrainian Air Force reporting the destruction of three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in southern Ukraine on December 22, following a threatening nighttime message from the Russian military.

The Ukrainian military's General Staff stated that since the full-scale invasion began, Russia has lost a total of 324 warplanes and helicopters, marking significant losses in aircraft. Specifically, the downing of Russian aircraft, including a Su-34 fighter-bomber near Mariupol and an attempted interception of a Su-30 fighter jet in the Black Sea near Odesa, were key recent developments.

Ukraine also reported air raid alerts and confrontations against Shahed drones in various regions, including missile attacks in Odesa and the downing of a Shahed drone. These hostilities indicate the ongoing intensity and unpredictability of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Russia Risks its A-50 AEW Fleet Flying Near Ukraine Borders Due to Increasing Losses, Western Fighter Threat, and S-400 Weakness

The UK MoD Defence Intelligence reported that Russia's Aerospace Forces (VKS) are increasingly deploying their most advanced Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, the Beriev A-50U, to identify enemy airborne targets in Ukrainian airspace. The A-50U, with its advanced radar system, can detect and track enemy aircraft from longer distances due to its altitude advantage, aiding the VKS in battle management and providing targeting coordinates for specific missions.

Amid escalating conflict in Ukraine, the A-50U has been crucial in managing VKS fighter aircraft and supporting the targeting of hypersonic missiles. However, the deployment of these advanced aircraft poses a risk, given their limited numbers and the potential difficulty of replacement if lost in action.

The move to deploy these aircraft closer to the front lines signifies ongoing challenges faced by the VKS (Russian Air Force), including substantial losses of aircraft, both confirmed and imputed, due to various reasons like combat, accidents, and extended operations. This has led to a change in tactics, with VKS operating further away from potential threats to minimize losses.

The A-50U's increased deployment aims to support VKS operations by enhancing data-sharing capabilities with the modern S-400 air defense system, aiding in extending the engagement range. This joint system improves target tracking and engagement capabilities but also presents vulnerabilities that the Ukrainians may exploit.

Concerns about the introduction of Western fighter aircraft into the conflict zone have driven Russia's strategic decisions. The potential threat posed by these aircraft has heightened worries about additional losses for the VKS and the increased vulnerability of their S-400 units.

The ongoing conflict has forced Russia to make difficult choices, including the relocation of S-400 units from strategic regions to bolster defenses in the Ukraine theatre. The reduction in S-400 numbers signifies the strain on Russia's crucial defense capabilities due to the ongoing conflict and the need to protect key assets.

Russia plans to acquire 70 Tu-160M bombers, with the first four already in 2023

In a significant development, the Russian Air Force is set to acquire four Tu-160M strategic bombers by the end of 2023. This acquisition puts the Air Force in a unique position, as it is also in the process of commissioning a substantial number of long-range combat aircraft with global reach. It's worth noting that neither the United States nor China has embarked on similar procurement efforts.

Forecasts indicate that the Air Force plans to have a total of 70 Tu-160M bombers, and there has been a notable increase in production reported in January.

The first flight of the advanced Tu-160M, an upgraded version of the Soviet Union's powerful Tu-160 strategic bomber class, occurred in January 2022. This represents a significant advancement from the original Tu-160, which first flew in 1986. The improvements include state-of-the-art avionics integration and the use of NK-32-02 engines, which require less maintenance while delivering exceptional flight performance and endurance. The Tu-160M also features an array of new armaments, with the Kh-101/102 cruise missiles being the most prominent addition.

Currently, there is ongoing development of hypersonic weapons for the aircraft. Initially, the Soviet Air Force had planned to acquire around 100 Tu-160s by the 2000s, but the program was prematurely halted due to the dissolution of the Soviet state. Most of the fleet was left stranded in Ukraine, and Ukraine, under Western pressure, subsequently destroyed a significant portion of it.

Russia now possesses only 16 of the originally Soviet-constructed fighter jets, a significant reduction from its previous fleet. The remaining 54 are expected to be newly manufactured in the near future.

bulgarianmilitary

Russian Air Force starts trials of upgraded Tu-160M Bomber

Russia’s new prototype Tu-160M bomber has completed its second test flight and will now undergo trials with the Defence Ministry. The aircraft was delivered to Russian Ministry of Defence on Dec. 30 for a second stage of tests that are expected to last up to three years.

The Tu-160M is expected to enter service between 2024-2025.

During the testing process, the bomber will fly in various directions over Russia and international waters, with some events simulating an approach to North America.

Modernized systems and equipment make up 80% of the Tu-160M. The aircraft is using the new NK-32-02 engine.

defensenews 

Russian Su-35 Shot Down Ukrainian Su-25 & MiG-29 Jets During Combat Sortie

A Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jet successfully engaged and shot down Ukrainian Su-25 and MiG-29 aircraft during a combat sortie, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The pilot of the Su-35S fighter jet, said that a pair of Su-25s and one MiG-29 were spotted at a distance of around 200 kilometers. Apparently, the Su-25s were preparing to carry out the ground attack, and MiG-29s must have been escorting them.

According to the pilot, after the missile was launched, the tags from the radars disappeared. Further, intelligence confirmed: two aircraft were shot down, and the cover fighter left the escort zone.

However, Russian fighters have remained very effective and lethal against Ukrainian aircraft throughout the war, particularly the Su-35S armed with the R-77-1 air-to-air missile (AAM), according to a recent study on the Russian Air War in Ukraine, conducted by London-based Royal United Services Institute.

Ukrainian fighter pilots cited by the experts at RUSI admit that Russia’s Su-30SM and Su-35S completely outclass Ukrainian Air Force fighters.

eurasiantimes 

Russia Confirms Using Su-57 Fighters In Ukraine War

The Russian MoD finally broke its silence on using Su-57 fighters in the ongoing special military operations (SMO). General Sergei Surovikin, commander of the joint group of troops in the area of the SMO, told reporters on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.

“In terms of the quality of combat use, I would especially like to single out the Su-57 fifth-generation multifunctional aircraft. Having a wide range of weapons, it solves multifaceted tasks of hitting air and ground targets in each sortie,” he said.

Earlier, in June 2022, Izvestia had reported that Russia had deployed four Su-57 for the SMO, and the aircraft was being used to establish a tactical information network.

Earlier in 2018, Russia officially acknowledged using four Su-57 during the Syrian campaign.“The stay of our four Su-57s in Syria has certainly allowed us to obtain additional information about the capabilities of this machine to detect American F-22s and F-35s that are in the same theatre of operations.”

Syrian operational experience notwithstanding, many operational capabilities of the Su-57 likely remained to be tested before the start of the SMO on February 24, 2022. Therefore, Russian employment of the fighter has been cautious. Operational restrictions on its use likely include stand-off attacks and tactical information networking only.

eurasiantimes 

NEWS 2022 March, 27

Greece acquires six additional Rafales

This new contract, which follows Greece’s acquisition of 18 Rafale in January 2021, will increase to 24 the number of Rafale operated by the Hellenic Air Force.

Following the arrival at Tanagra Air Base of the first six Rafale of the Hellenic Air Force on 19 January 2022, the 18 Rafale relating to the first contract will be fully deployed in Greece by the summer 2023.The six additional Rafale will then be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force shortly thereafter, starting from the summer 2024.

dassault

Heavy losses for the Russian Air Force in Ukraine Invasion

Anti-aircraft missiles like the Stinger and Igla are not the only threats Russian pilots face in the skies over Ukraine.

A dangerous combination of doctrine, training and equipment is partly to blame for the heavy losses the of Russia’s Air Force.

Russia has not modified its ground-attack tactics and is conducting many of its attacks at low altitude, which puts Russian planes in the lethal envelope” of shoulder-fired man-portable air defense systems (MANPADs), wrote the Atlantic Council in an assessment.

The exact total of Russian and Ukrainian aircraft lost so far is unclear. On the Russian side, at least 32 helicopters and 13 fixed-wing aircraft have been damaged or destroyed, though the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claims to have killed 81 planes and 95 helicopters. Ukraine meanwhile is down to just 56 combat aircraft, after starting the war with 98, according to Flight Global’s 2022 World Air Forces directory. For context, the U.S. lost 27 fixed-wing aircraft and five helicopters in combat across five or so weeks during the 1991 invasion of Iraq in Desert Storm.

The VKS prioritizes tactical, close air support missions over strategic missions far from the frontlines. That’s all well and good, but Russian pilots are put at greater risk while trying to achieve this mission because of the technology they work with. While the U.S. Air Force has used precision-guided munitions to great effect since at least Desert Storm, the Russian air force has nowhere near the same quantity of so-called ‘smart’ bombs. Instead, Russian pilots must use unguided ‘dumb’ bombs. But to use them accurately, pilots have to fly low and slow, which makes them vulnerable to attack from the ground.

Russia running out of precision munitions in Ukraine war

Russia is running out of precision guided munitions and it is more likely to rely on so-called dumb bombs and artillery, a senior Pentagon official said on Thursday.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl speculated that he did not believe President Vladimir Putin wanted to have an all out conflict with NATO.

reuters

Turkish drone became the star of the Ukrainian defense

Widely circulated videos of Russian armored vehicles being destroyed from the air have thrust forward a lesser-known drone called the Bayraktar TB2. Defense News Weekly's in-house expert walks through how the TB2 became central to Ukraine's defensive arsenal.

Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept 2 TU-142 - RAF Chief mocks Russia's planes as 'relics of the Cold War'

The quick reaction alert (QRA) Typhoons were monitoring the Russian Tu-142 BEAR-F maritime patrol aircraft while they operated in the UK’s "area of interest" this morning.
The head of the Royal Air Force dismissed two Russian patrol aircraft as "relics of the Cold War" in a rare public rebuke after British jets were forced to scramble to intercept them. The Typhoon fighters launched from an airbase in Lossiemouth, Moray, as the Russian planes flew close to Norway, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) jets were supported by a refuelling tanker aircraft, which flew from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Working with the Norwegian air force, the jets tracked the Tu-142 'BEAR-F' aircraft, which stayed in international airspace over the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea.
The Russian activity at a time of crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic was condemned by Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff.
"These Russian bombers are relics of the Cold War, do not comply with international air traffic regulations and are a hazard to civilian and military aircraft," he said.
"Despite the global pandemic, the Royal Air Force and our allies continue to ensure Russian military flights pose no threat to NATO and UK airspace."
sky

Two Upgraded Tu-160 aircraft delivered to Russia Air Force

The Russian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that on 23 April two Tu-160 (NATO: Blackjack) aircraft have been relocated from the S P Gorbunov aviation plant near Kazan to their deployment airfield in the Saratov region.
The aircraft feature new inertial navigation and engine control systems as well as upgraded weapons with associated digital technologies.
In total, Russia operates 17 Tu-160s which provide a maximum range of 14,000km and are expected to remain in service until 2040. Ukraine operated 19 of the aircraft before returning some to Russia and dismantling the rest.

ROYAL AIR FORCE RAF PATCH EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON BEAR-HUNTING RUSSIA TU-95 BEAR

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RAF TYPHOONS INTERCEPT TU-160 RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT OVER THE NORTH SEA

RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighter aircraft scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth, with an RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to monitor two Russian Blackjacks approaching UK airspace las 29th, March.
The RAF worked closely with NATO partners to monitor the Russian aircraft as they passed through a variety of international airspace before they were intercepted over the North Sea. The ighters escorted them from the UK’s area of interest and ensured that they did not enter UK sovereign airspace.
raf.mod.uk

Russia’s upgraded Tu-22M3 strategic missile-carrying bomber performs debut flight

Russia’s latest modernized Tupolev Tu-22M3M long-range missile-carrying bomber has performed its debut flight.
The first upgraded Tu-22M3M made the debut flight from the airfield of the Kazan-based Gorbunov Aircraft Enterprise.
This flight started the missile-carrying bomber’s flight tests. There were no weapons aboard the aircraft and the flight was brief.
The Tu-22M3M was rolled out by the Gorbunov Aircraft Enterprise on August 16.
Until now, the bomber was undergoing a series of ground-based tests, during which specialists were checking its new onboard radio-electronic equipment, carrying out the ground-based engine runs and testing compatibility of the aircraft’s artificial intelligence elements.
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation earlier said that the upgrade of operational Tu-22M3 planes to the level of the Tu-22M3M would begin from 2019 and the first serial-produced bombers would start arriving for the troops from 2021.
According to the data of the Tupolev Aircraft Company, the Tu-22M3M features considerably greater combat potential, including the enlarged operating range.
tass

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets scramble to intercept Russian bombers

On 31st October 2018, RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighter aircraft scrambled to monitor two Russian strategic bombers approaching UK airspace.
“Typhoon fighters … were scrambled today as a precautionary measure against a potential incursion into UK area of interest by one or more unidentified aircraft,” a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said.
“At no time was there a threat to UK airspace ..,” he added.
defence-blog

Russia rolls out modernised Tu-22M3M bomber

Russia is close to commencing ground and flight trials with its first modernised Tupolev Tu-22M3M bomber, with a lead example having emerged from the United Aircraft (UAC) plant in Kazan in mid-August.
Extensive modifications made to the variable-geometry type include the installation of new navigation and communication equipment, targeting systems, engine controls and an updated electronic warfare suite.
UAC says that 80% of the Tu-22M3M's avionics equipment has been replaced, with the updates also enhancing commonality with Russia's remanufactured and re-engined Tu-160M bomber; the first of which was flown from Kazan for the first time last January.
Following preliminary flight checks, the lead Tu-22M3M will be transferred to the Russian air force for joint testing, UAC says.
Flight Fleets Analyzer records the service as having 67 Tu-22Ms in active service, with the oldest example being 34 years old.
flightglobal

Russian SU-27 jet buzzes US P-8 over Baltic Sea

A P-8 Poseidon was intercepted by a Russian jet over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday. A Russian jet came within 20 feet of a Navy surveillance aircraft as it flew in international airspace over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday, CNN reported.
The intercept involving the Russian Su-27 jet and a Navy P-8 Poseidon was considered safe, but unprofessional. Tuesday’s intercept follows a January incident, when a Su-27 flew within 5 feet of a EP-3 Aries spy plane flying in international airspace over the Black Sea, forcing the American aircraft to fly through the Russian jet’s flight wash.
navytimes

Israel concerned over Su-57 debut in Syria

Video footage appearing to show Su-57s arriving in Syria was confirmed by pictures captured by an Israeli imaging satellite. The new type's deployment marks the peak of Moscow's direct intervention so far in Syria's long-running civil war.
Israeli sources assess that Russia has sent dozens of new weapon systems to Syria, to undergo testing under combat conditions. But the Su-57's arrival – which places two of the world's most advanced stealthy combat aircraft within close proximity – creates a unique situation.
While Israel has not reacted officially to the development, a senior source says there is no doubt that Moscow has sent its newest fighter to the region in order to test it against Western technologies.
In mid-February, the biennial "Juniper Cobra" exercise, which also involves US forces, began in Israel. The three-week activity is aimed at improving the nation's defences against ballistic missile threats, using a scenario where US assets are deployed to provide assistance.
The exercise creates a situation where a large number of advanced radars are looking at the airspace across the region, making the Su-57's arrival of particular interest.
Russia claims to have developed a new radar system that can detect stealth aircraft, but sources suggest that the Sunflower system may lack the fidelity required to support targeting by missiles.
Syrian reports indicate that the Israeli air force is flying over the country on a daily basis using manned and unmanned platforms, and also striking targets. Moscow's new deployment – made two weeks after a border clash during which an Iranian-operated stealth unmanned air vehicle and an Israeli Lockheed F-16 were shot down – means the "hot line" established to deconflict the movements of Russian and Israeli aircraft will become more critical.
flightglobal

First modernised Tu-160 makes maiden sortie

Russia's United Aircraft has flown the first remanufactured Tupolev Tu-160, with the supersonic aircraft performing a short flight from Kazan on 25 January.
Watched by a crowd of VIPs including Russian president Vladimir Putin, the 7min sortie was performed at an altitude of 300m, to check the aircraft's handling characteristics.
As well as modernising the aircraft with new avionics and engines, Tupolev has made extensive alterations to the existing airframe.
The Tu-160 was last produced in 2008 and the current upgrade process is part of an effort to re-establish the final assembly facility in Kazan.
flightglobal