Russia"s fifth-generation jet fighter, the...

The Tupolev aircraft maker said last year that a new-generation strategic bomber would be developed by 2017, while production should start in 2020 to 2025.

However, Maj. Gen. Anatoly Zhikharev, commander of Russia"s strategic aviation said a new strategic bomber, which would use stealth technology, was expected to enter service in 2025-2030.

The new bomber will replace three aircraft currently in service with Russia"s strategic aviation, the Tu-95MC Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, introduced in 1956 and 1980, respectively, and Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers, which first flew in 1972.

MOSCOW, March 1 (RIA Novosti)