Moscow: Russia will commission two modernized Tu-160 bombers in 2007, the Strategic Air Force commander said Monday. Russia is currently carrying out an ambitious program to upgrade and modernize its strategic Air Force assets. The upgraded fleet will include both new and modernized Tu-160 Blackjack, Tu-22 Blinder and Tu-95 Bear bombers. "We are modernizing the fleet of Tu-160 bombers...and are planning to receive two [modernized] aircraft by the end of this year," Lieutenant-General Igor Khvorov said. He added that one of the previously commissioned bombers will conduct test bombing runs in spring 2007.
