[sestomosi]

16:08 06/07/2012 MOSCOW, June 7 (RIA Novosti)



A long-running dispute between the Russian military and defense industry over procurement of new weaponry may enter a new
phase as Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has questioned the need to develop a new strategic bomber, the Izvestia daily
said on Wednesday.

Russia announced plans in 2009 to develop a fifth-generation strategic bomber, which will feature new airframe and elements of
stealth technology, by 2025.

The new bomber is expected to replace the Tu-95MC Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range
bombers currently in service with Russia’s strategic aviation.



“Look at the current level of air defense and anti-missile defense – these aircraft will not get anywhere. Not ours, not theirs,” Rogozin,
who oversees defense industry and will soon assume full control over financing of R&D for military purposes, said in an interview with
Izvestia. He added that strategic bombers could not be viewed as means of delivering nuclear strikes on enemy territory anymore.

Meanwhile, Chief of the Russian General Staff Gen. Nikolai Makarov told Izvestia that the new bomber project was underway as planned.
“We have made some progress in the development of the new bomber,” Makarov said. “If we reach production phase, this plane will
outperform any modern aircraft of the same class, including those built by the Americans.”

It is not the first time Rogozin and Makarov have clashed over arms procurement issues.