The first series Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber, built as part of Russia’s renewed production of the aircraft, will enter service in 2022, Aleksandr Konyukhov, the head of the Tupolev said. The Russian Air Forces have five upgraded Tu-160s, but they are a legacy of Soviet Union. In 2015 the Russian defense ministry announced the production of the nuclear-capable bomber would be restarted. An advanced “M2” variant of the aircraft is currently in development.