The prototype of the modernized Tu-160M2 strategic bomber will fly in February 2018.

According to the information resource Avia.pro, domestic aircraft manufacturers intend to test a prototype of the modernized Russian strategic bomber-missile carrier in February next year. The modernized bomber will perform all the same tasks as the 16 Tu-160 missile-carrying bombers in service with the Russian army, while the aircraft's flight performance is planned to be improved, and only later, after all tests of the aircraft are completed, the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation can purchase up to 50 aircraft of this model.

It should be clarified that the process of modernization of missile-carrying bombers is ahead of schedule.