Ukraine is to keep the Tupolev Tu-22M Backfires it inherited from the Soviet Union as the backbone of its long-range strategic aviation, according to Lt Gen Vladimir Antonets, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. Antonets argues that Ukraine must have "forces of strategic deterrence". The service has Tu-22Ms with significant airframe life left and well-trained crews, so "...it is necessary to keep them as the most potent weapon of the air force", he says.
Source: Flight International