Russia’s defense aviation sector is facing renewed scrutiny after the Kremlin replaced top leadership at the Tupolev aircraft company, one of the country’s key manufacturers of strategic bombers and dual-use airliners.
According to Defense Express on January 25, the move follows a series of missed defense and commercial aircraft delivery targets, as well as multiple legal claims from Russia’s Ministry of Defense and other stakeholders over contractual failures.
Tupolev, the manufacturer of the Tu-22M3, Tu-160, and Tu-214 aircraft, has appointed a new CEO. The 76-year-old Alexander Bobryshev was replaced by 37-year-old Yuriy Ambrosimov, previously the company’s deputy director for finance and economics. The change in leadership comes just one year after the last executive reshuffle.
As reported by Defense Express, Russian defense-focused outlets cite performance issues and legal disputes as key factors in the leadership transition. In May 2025, a Moscow arbitration court ruled in favor of Russia’s Ministry of Defense in a lawsuit against Tupolev, ordering the company to pay 3 billion rubles (approximately $33 million).
Another lawsuit filed in June 2025 seeks an additional 900 million rubles (around $10 million) in damages. These claims relate to the non-fulfillment of military contracts.
Separately, commercial clients have also turned to legal recourse. Russian oil and gas giant Tatneft is reportedly seeking 6.2 billion rubles (about $68 million) for undelivered Tu-214 aircraft.
Tupolev operates through the Kazan Aircraft Plant (KAZ), which is responsible for assembling new Tu-214 airliners, upgrading Tu-22M3 bombers, and reviving Tu-160M strategic bombers from Soviet-era stockpiles.
In terms of strategic aviation, the Ministry of Defense expected delivery of four Tu-160M bombers between 2022 and 2023. However, as of early 2026, only two of these aircraft have been transferred to the Russian Armed Forces. The remaining units are reportedly still undergoing preparation, though no official reason for the delay has been disclosed.
Tupolev’s Tu-22M3M modernization program has also faced setbacks. Only two aircraft have been upgraded since the program’s start in 2018, despite initial claims by the Kazan plant that 30 bombers would be modernized.
Meanwhile, the production of Tu-214 commercial airliners—an effort often cited by Russian officials as part of the country’s push for import substitution—has lagged behind targets.
According to Defense Express, no aircraft were delivered in 2023 despite a stated goal of three units. In 2024, only one was delivered out of a planned ten.
The combined legal claims from Russia’s defense ministry—approximately 3.9 billion rubles (about $44 million)—may reflect broader dissatisfaction with the company’s inability to meet obligations for both military and commercial customers.
For comparison, the cost of one newly built Tu-160M bomber is estimated at 15–16 billion rubles (roughly $170–$181 million). A single Tu-95MS modernization can cost between 3.77 billion and 5.3 billion rubles (approximately $43–$60 million), depending on the facility.
The delivery shortfalls raise questions about Russia’s capacity to sustain and expand its strategic aviation fleet amid ongoing military operations.
According to Defense Express, the Kremlin may be using Tu-214 production as a cover for continued investment in strategic bomber capabilities, given that the airliner platform has been discussed in Russian media as a potential mobilization platform for cruise missiles like the Kh-101 and Kh-22.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that Russia built seven Il‑76MD‑90A aircraft in 2025—its best annual output yet—but still far short of meeting its goal to form four new regiments. Only 24 have been delivered since 2022, amid delays and crew shortages.
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