Kathrine Frich
Announcements of new weapons have become a regular feature of Russia’s wartime messaging.
State media often present such claims as signs of strength and momentum.
This time, however, even supportive outlets are being treated with caution.
Claim without evidence
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that the Russian Aerospace Forces have received two new Tu-160M strategic bombers, known as “White Swans.”
The announcement said the aircraft would expand Russia’s long-range aviation fleet.
Ukrainian media were quick to note a key omission. According to Unian, Russian outlets did not publish any photos or video footage to support the claim, nor did they specify when the aircraft were allegedly delivered.
“Russian media have not released any photographic or video materials that would confirm the thesis about the delivery of the aircraft,” Unian reported, adding that the timing of the supposed handover remains unclear.
Pattern of messaging
The absence of visual confirmation stands out because Russian announcements about new military equipment are usually accompanied by carefully edited footage.
While such material often avoids showing precise numbers, it typically serves as evidence that deliveries took place.
In this case, Unian noted, no such material was released. That has fueled skepticism about whether the aircraft are new builds, refurbished airframes, or whether the delivery has occurred at all.
TASS did not address the lack of documentation in its report.
Strategic bomber role
The Tu-160, nicknamed the “White Swan” by its pilots due to its white paint scheme and sleek design, is Russia’s largest and fastest strategic bomber.
It features variable-sweep wings and is capable of supersonic flight.
These aircraft form part of Russia’s nuclear triad and have been used during the war in Ukraine to launch long-range cruise missiles, including Kh-101 and Kh-102 missiles, according to Ukrainian reporting.
Modernized variant
The Tu-160M is a modernized version of the original aircraft.
It is equipped with upgraded engines and updated avionics, and is designed to extend the service life of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.
According to publicly available specifications cited by Ukrainian media, the aircraft can exceed speeds of 2,000 kilometers per hour and has a range of more than 12,000 kilometers without refueling.
Sources: TASS, Unian, WP
