Sources in the Russian industrial complex have revealed that Russia's air forces have recently tested a new hypersonic missile that is created for a modified version of the Tu-22M3M strategic bomber.
"Recently, a new hypersonic missile was tested on the Tu-22M3. The missile will be part of the armament range of the upgraded Tu-22M3M along with a number of other latest aviation weapons," the source told TASS.
There was official confirmation on the issue as the press service of PJSC Tupolev declined to comment on it. However, according to the sources of TASS, work on this missile was started several years ago and that its tests are expected to finish together with the upgrade of the Tu-22M3M Strategic bomber.
Characteristics of the new hypersonic missile have not been revealed, but the source said that this new missile does not belong to the X-32 line of missiles, but that it is "completely different."
Tu-22M3M supersonic bomber is a modification of Tu-22M3 with expanded combat potential. The first aircraft made its first flight on 28 December 2018. The upgrade provided new electronic equipment on the Russian element base. New navigational, communication equipment, sights, engine controls, fuel mechanisms and electronic warfare were installed. They increased navigation precision, simplified maintenance and preflight preparation.
