Russia Using New Su-57 Technologies to Enhance its Tu-22M3M Tactical Bombers

Russia’s Su-57 next generation heavyweight fighter jet is considered the country’s most sophisticated class of combat aircraft, with the platform integrating a wide range of next generation technologies from its sensor suite to its electronic warfare and laser defence systems which are considered ahead of those used by other fighter classes. Several of the technologies which have been developed for the Su-57 have been considered for integration onto other classes of combat aircraft - ranging from its powerful AESA radar which may be used by future variants of the Su-35 fighter jet to its miniaturised hypersonic ballistic missiles which may be deployed by Russian bombers in future. More recently, it has been reported by a number of sources that Russia plans to upgrade its most capable tactical bomber, the Tu-22M3M, with new communications systems based on those used by the Su-57.

The Tu-22M3M is Russia’s most capable class of tactical bomber, and occupies a weight range between the smaller Su-34 strike fighter and the much heavier Tu-95 and Tu-160 intercontinental range strategic bombers. The aircraft is rivalled only by the new Chinese H-6J platform in its capabilities, but has a number of advantages including its access to the Kh-32 missile which is considered the world’s most capable air launched anti ship cruise missile. The Tu-22M3M is a highly prized asset, and the Russian Air Force has sought to expand its fleet of the bombers by refurbishing and restoring older Tu-22M bombers previously held in storage. Around 70 Tu-22M bombers are currently in service, although it remains uncertain how many will be upgraded to the M3M standard or how many will integrate the new communications systems and Kh-32 missiles.  

Quoting the press office of Ruselectronics Group, a part of the Rostec corporation, Russian media outlet TASS reported regarding the new upgrade for the bomber: "The system has been developed using the communications platform created for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter. As its main advantages, it is characterised by high reliability, speedy information transmission, a small weight and energy efficiency. The technical solutions laid out in creating the system help promptly build up its technical functionality by upgrading the software… The system is undergoing the stage of flight tests and is showing high operational characteristics.” The new communications system is reportedly also set to be integrated onto the T-160M2 strategic bomber. The Tu-160 and Tu-22M are the fastest classes of bomber in service anywhere in the world today, and both are expected to remain in service into the 2040s.