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Russia’s Nuclear Bombers Sit Idle—Only a Third of Tu-160 Fleet Strikes Ukraine
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Russia is deploying only a limited portion of its Tu-160M strategic bomber fleet in strikes against Ukraine, with the majority of aircraft tied up in testing, maintenance, or production cycles, according to analysis published by AviVector on April 16.
Based on available registry data, Russia’s Aerospace Forces operate a total of 18 Tu-160M bombers.
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However, analysts say just seven of those aircraft are actively involved in combat missions, primarily operating from the Ukrainka air base and occasionally from Engels-2.
Before carrying out strike missions, the bombers are typically armed with cruise missiles at Engels-2, after which they either return to Ukrainka or remain at the Engels base.
🔻 Satellite images of 🇷🇺 Engels-2 Air Base as of April 15, 08:27 UTC
— AviVector (@avivector) April 15, 2026
The air base housed 2 Tu-95MS (Bear-H), 3 Tu-160 (Blackjack), and 3 Su-34 (Fullback).
In the morning, two Tu-160 from Ukrainka Air Base were redeployed to Engels-2 Air Base for arming with cruise missiles.… pic.twitter.com/CSZkmDECHm
The relocation of these aircraft to Ukrainka followed a Ukrainian Security Service strike on the Belaya air base in June 2025. The shift is believed to reflect an effort to base the bombers farther from populated areas and key infrastructure.
According to the analysis, two Tu-160 aircraft remain in storage, with at least one likely retired. In addition, five newly built Tu-160M2 bombers exist, though their operational status remains unclear.
A further seven to nine Tu-160M and Tu-160M2 aircraft are reportedly still inside production facilities at the Kazan Aviation Plant, highlighting ongoing modernization and expansion efforts.
Satellite imagery also provides insight into the fleet’s current disposition. On March 18, 2026, two Tu-160M bombers were observed being moved into a newly constructed production hall at the Kazan facility, while two additional aircraft were spotted parked outdoors.
As of mid-April, imagery shows that two Tu-160M bombers remain positioned in the open. Other aircraft are distributed across several locations, including Engels-2 air base, Ukrainka air base, Yelizovo airport, Ramenskoye airfield, and Borisoglebskoye airfield.
Earlier, the Beriev Aircraft Plant (TANTK) in Taganrog, a cornerstone of Russia’s strategic aviation, reported a staggering $65 million loss for 2025.
This financial freefall marks a devastating reversal from its $15 million profit in 2024, signaling that Ukrainian precision strikes are effectively bankrupting Russia’s military-industrial complex.
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
