Russia Expands Kazan Aviation Plant Producing Tu-160 Bombers

Russia is significantly expanding the Kazan Aviation Plant, a key facility responsible for producing and modernizing the Tu-160 strategic bombers.

According to the Finnish media Yle, recent satellite imagery reveals the construction of several new production buildings on the site. The largest of these structures spans 320 meters in length and covers approximately 19,000 square meters.

The expansion is part of a broader effort to bolster domestic aerospace manufacturing for both military and civilian needs. The Russian government has allocated roughly one billion euros to modernize the facility, highlighting its strategic importance to the country’s aviation sector.

According to Russian media, the expansion is primarily aimed at establishing a production line for the Tu-214 civilian aircraft. The new facilities and equipment are expected to enable serial production, allowing for the manufacture of up to 20 aircraft annually.

Additionally, the RBC news outlet reported that out of 24 planned construction projects at the Kazan Aviation Plant, nine have already been completed and put into operation, while the remaining 15 are at various stages of development.

Despite political pressure to rely solely on domestically produced equipment, actual production capabilities remain limited. Russia’s Ministry of Industry has acknowledged that the Tu-214 aircraft are too expensive, and major clients—such as Aeroflot—have even threatened to cancel contracts due to delays.

Analysts believe the government is unlikely to abandon the Tu-214 program, given the significant financial investments involved; however, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.

Nevertheless, continued support for the plant works in Russia’s favor, as it remains actively involved in the modernization and attempted serial production of the Tu-160M strategic bombers. The facility also has the expertise to service Tu-22M3 bombers.

Overall, however, production rates remain low: in 2024, the plant delivered only two Tu-160M2 and two Tu-160M aircraft to the customer.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Russian United Aircraft Corporation completed the modernization of three workshops for the production of new Tu-160 bombers.

The modernized workshops will be used for the production of parts for the Tu-160M bomber, which will then be assembled at the Kazan Aviation Plant. The work took place in the preparatory and production, mechanical assembly, and flight test centers.