Russian strategic bomber Tu-160 has completed its first flight after modernization, the aircraft's design bureau Tupolev said Wednesday.
"On Nov. 16, 2014, the Tu-160 bomber performed the first flight after a major modernized overhaul," Tupolev said in a statement, adding that the flight lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes.
According to the company, the bomber took off from airfield in Kazan, capital of Tatarstan Republic, Russia.
During the modernization, the aircraft underwent complete upgrade of nearly all the onboard radar equipment and avionics, the bureau said.
Currently, Russian Air Force has 16 Tu-160 on duty. The aircraft has all-weather, day-and-night capability and can operate at all geographical latitudes.
In November 2013, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded the modernization of the long-range warplanes, including the SU-25SM fighters, Tu-160 and Tu-95 bombers, as well as air-based strategic nuclear forces.
Russia plans to upgrade 70 percent of its combat aircraft to new generation types by 2020.
