Russian President Vladimir Putin flew a modernized, nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber on Thursday, in a move that will likely be seen in the West as a reminder of Moscow's nuclear capabilities.
The gigantic plane is a modernized version of a Cold War-era bomber that the former Soviet Union would have used in the event of nuclear war to launch weapons over long distances.
Putin, who is expected to easily win another six-year term next month, made the flight at a time when Moscow and the West are at odds over Russia's war in Ukraine and the death in prison of opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
Some Russian and American diplomats say they can't remember a time of worse relations between the world's two biggest nuclear powers, including during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
State TV showed the giant plane taking off from a runway belonging to a facility in Kazan that makes the modernized supersonic aircraft. The bomber touched down after completing a 30-minute flight with Putin on board, Russian state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin said.
The Tu-160M, which has a crew of four, is capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles and can fly 12,000 km without refueling.
Putin, 71, flew an older version of the aircraft in 2005 during a training exercise.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
