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World Defense & Security News - Russia
 
 
Russia's next-gen strategic bomber PAK DA could take to the skies in 2021
 
The advanced strategic long-range aircraft`s (Russian acronym: PAK DA) prototype may take its maiden flight before 2021, according to the Russian Aerospace Forces` (AF) chief, Colonel General Viktor Bondarev. "The works on PAK DA are being done. We are satisfied with the progress rates. There is a task to conduct the (PAK DA`s) first flight in 2021. If the reached progress rates are maintained, the bomber will take the flight before the targeted time", Bondarev said.
     
KRET to develop new-onboard equipment for Russia s PAK DA strategic bomber project 640 001Proposed design for RuAF's future strategic bomber - PAK DA
(Credit: KRET)
     
Mentioning the revival of the Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) strategic aircraft production, he pointed out, that the related works were being done "at full speed".

"The Russia`s government and the Ministry of Defense have taken the appropriate decision to revive the Tu-160`s production. The related works are being done at full speed. There are no schedule delays. The aircraft will conduct its first flight at the appointed date. The Armed Forces will get the planes in the required time", Bondarev said.

Previously, PAK DA was planned to take the first flights in 2019-2020. The supplies of the aircraft to the Russian Armed Forces were scheduled for 2023-2025. However, due to the decision to revive the production of Tu-160, the PAK DA`s developing time was shifted.
     
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