The Russian Ministry of Defense has filed a lawsuit with Moscow Arbitration Court against Tupolev for not building a new missile to arm its “deeply modernized” Tu-160 M bomber on time.
The MoD wants to recover 5.5 billion rubles ($75 million) from the company for allegedly violating the deadline for state contract dated December 26, 2016. It pertains to development of a new missile (product 506) under the 70M 506 project. The case went to court on December 10, 2020, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 4. The case will most likely be heard behind closed doors.
The Tu-160MS bombers are currently equipped with modern cruise missiles such as Kh-101 (product 504) and Kh-102 (a variant of a missile with a thermonuclear warhead). These aircraft will be armed with Kh-BD cruise missile with a range that’s expected to surpass its predecessor Kh-101’s 4,500km.
In all, 16 Tu-160 Soviet-era planes are said to be covered under the modernisation program. The aircraft will be equipped with the latest airborne defense system, a modern reliable communications system with enhanced noise immunity, and a “unique weapon” that will reportedly significantly expand its combat capabilities when using conventional and nuclear weapons. It will be able to carry 2 cruise missiles on board, all weapons are located inside the fuselage.