Russia’s efforts to strengthen its long-range bomber fleet are facing serious challenges as persistent production delays affect key military aviation programs. Tupolev, the manufacturer responsible for strategic bombers such as the Tu-160, Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS, as well as the civilian Tu-214 airliner, has failed to meet several critical delivery milestones. These setbacks have drawn attention to deeper structural and managerial issues within the Russian defense aerospace sector.

Following the mounting delays, a significant leadership change was implemented at Tupolev. Long-serving Chairman of the Board Aleksandr Bobryshev was replaced by 37-year-old Yuri Ambrosimov. Analysts believe this decision was driven by increasing legal pressure, financial losses and the company’s inability to fulfill both military and commercial aircraft contracts on schedule. Production activities are centered at the Kazan Aircraft Plant in Tatarstan, where manufacturing capacity has reportedly fallen short of planned targets.

Under Russia’s defense procurement plans, four Tu-160M strategic bombers were scheduled for delivery to the Russian Armed Forces in 2025. However, only two aircraft were actually handed over. Similar problems have emerged in the Tu-22M3M modernization program, where the number of upgraded aircraft remains far below expectations. Official data indicates that only two modernization efforts have been completed so far, one in 2018 and another in 2023. These delays raise concerns about the Russian Aerospace Forces’ ability to field modernized long-range strike capabilities in a timely manner.

The difficulties extend beyond military aviation. Tupolev’s civilian aircraft production has also been severely affected. None of the three Tu-214 aircraft planned for delivery in 2023 were completed, while only one out of ten aircraft scheduled for 2024 reached customers. These failures have led to new lawsuits from commercial partners, with total claims reportedly reaching 6.2 billion rubles.

Legal disputes with the Russian Ministry of Defense have further strained the company’s finances. In May 2025, the Moscow Arbitration Court ruled in favor of the Ministry, ordering Tupolev to pay 3 billion rubles in compensation. An additional lawsuit worth 0.9 billion rubles was filed in June 2025. Experts note that these cases are closely linked to unmet production, maintenance and modernization obligations.

Overall, the ongoing delays and limited production capacity are undermining Russia’s long-term strategic bomber programs. Efforts to revive and sustain heavy bomber production in the post-Soviet era now face increased risk, raising questions about Russia’s ability to adhere to its planned timelines and maintain a credible long-range aviation capability.