Tupolev says it has modernised 80 percent of Tu-160M systems

Tupolev says it has modernised roughly 80 percent of the systems and equipment on the Tu-160M strategic bomber, according to the company. The four-engine aircraft looks largely the same as its predecessor, the Tu-160, but the upgraded version is built on a new technological basis, Tupolev said.

The work focused on the onboard electronics, navigation systems and engines, with greater use of digital technology. The new avionics have a modular architecture. According to Tupolev, this is intended to allow further systems to be integrated, or existing components replaced, without having to rework the aircraft's entire technical equipment.

Tupolev says the design is meant to ensure the bomber can be modernised over the long term and to widen its range of uses.