Last bomber delivered by the Ukraine in payment for gas debts

Published: 2/25/2000

The last of the bombers in the Ukraine's swap of eleven Tu-160s and three Tu-95Ms for gas or, more correctly, for gas debts with Russia has been concluded. On 21st February, the last two of the 11 Tu-160s left Priluki airfield, in the Chernigov region of the Ukraine, for the Engels air base in Saratov , as part of a deal valued in total at $285m, including 600 Kh-22(X-22) and Kh-55 cruise missiles. According to reports, this leaves the Ukrainian Air Force with 11 Tu-160s in poor condition and 18 Tu-95Ms, at Uzin, near Kiev. The aircraft which have been transferred are believed to be in good condition and are scheduled to join the strategic forces in April 2000. Strategic Aviation is also adding to its compliment of six Tu-160s, prior to the delivery of the aircraft from the Ukraine, by ordering a new aircraft for the plane's producer, in Kazan. According to sources in the plant, the aircraft has already been fully paid for by the Ministry of Defence. The deal was reported back in July 1999 and was rumoured to be valued at $2m, for finishing one of the six airframes uncompleted at KAPO from the early 1990s. Associated articles: www.concise.org 8th July 1999; 3rd November 1999;13th January 2000;

Article ID: 1480