The next-generation strategic bomber that Russia is developing would stand little chance against modern air defense networks and should be abandoned, stated Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin. “Look at the current level of air defense and anti-missile defense—these aircraft will not get anywhere. Not ours, not theirs,” asserted Rogozin on June 6, reported Russia’s state owned RIA Novosti. Defending the project, Russia’s top uniformed military officer, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, said Russia has “made some progress in the development of the new bomber” to replace the current TU-95 and TU-160 strategic fleets. “If we reach production phase, this [air]plane will outperform any modern aircraft of the same class, including those built by the Americans,” said Makarov, according to the news agency. Rogozin responded angrily to Makarov, underscoring that the military “is not the only one who makes decisions on the purchase of arms.”
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.