The Russian Air Force will receive no less than 50 new Tu-160 (Blackjack) heavy strategic bombers.

POGONOVO RANGE, Astrakhan Region – The Russian Defense Ministry will purchase no less than 50 new Tu-160 (Blackjack) heavy strategic bombers when production is renewed, Russian Air Force Commander Col.Gen. Viktor Bondarev said Thursday.

“No less than 50 aircraft over time will be purchased in order to cover the costs that will go into production,” Col.Gen. Bondarev said without specifying when production would begin.

Earlier Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the need to renew the Tu-160s production.

Press release and picture RIA Novosti