But are they Tu-95’s or the nearly identical Tu-142, which were originally built as anti-submarine platforms but in recent years became state-of-the-art Electronics Intelligence/Signals Intelligence (ELINT/SIGINT) planes like the RC-135’s flown by the USAF? The Russian AF has around 40 Tu-142’s in service, primarily as recon platforms to test Western defensive radar systems.
A very good question that I don’t have the answer to. A ‘bomber’ flying near/over UK sells far better than ELINT/SIGINT to the average reader.
Quickly re RC135’s, they also entered service with the RAF and 51 Squadron last year. Highly capable platforms it seems.