In recent statements, the commander of Russia’s Long-Range Aviation outlined plans for utilizing strategic airpower within the Special Military Operations area during 2023. The emphasis was on refining practical capabilities and the integration of automatic control systems with information support to enhance the precision of weaponry. Officials indicate that these advancements will be pursued through the deployment of long-range aviation in the Northern Military District within the year, marking a central objective for the unit’s activities. (attribution: official channels)
The defense ministry’s official profile of the Aerospace Forces confirms that the long-range aviation complements a fleet that includes the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers along with the Tu-22M3 long-range bomber. These platforms are described as core components of Russia’s strategic reach, capable of sustaining operations while delivering high-precision weapons under varied conditions. (attribution: Ministry of Defense)
The commander also noted that pilot training in 2023 will concentrate on elevating proficiency in operating automatic control systems and weapon employment. This focus aligns with broader efforts to integrate advanced guidance and information support to achieve higher accuracy and responsiveness in mission execution. The program is framed as a continuous process to strengthen readiness and ensure that crews can effectively leverage evolving technology during high-stakes missions. (attribution: official statements)