PAK DA

The Russian Air Force PAK DA, also known as the Messenger, is a fifth-generation strategic bomber intended as the replacement of aging Tu-95MS, T-22M3 and Tu-160 long-range bombers beginning in the late 2020s. This new attack aircraft would be used in both conventional and nuclear conflicts using high-precision weapons. The PAK DA concept relies on the ability to fly at extremely high altitudes with stealth features to avoid enemy air defenses. Besides, the PAK DA could be used as the basis for a stratospheric reconnaissance plane as well as a space rocket launch platform. The PAK DA Messenger prototype is expected to conduct its maiden flight in 2026 entering into service along the Russian Air Force by 2030. On August 19, 2009, at the Moscow Air Show the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced the selection of Tupolev to develop the new generation strategic bomber. The contract between Russian MoD and Tupolev is for research and development of technologies related to the new airplane. In April 2013, the Russian Air Force selected a subsonic flying wing aircraft design as the basis for the PAK DA project with extreme stealth characteristics. In 2016, it was revealed that the new bomber will first fly in 2023 and will be able to fire air-to-air missiles. In early 2021, it was revealed that the Messenger bomber will be covered with a new coating called Shadow that will provide unprecedented ultra-low radar cross section (RCS) to break through the most advanced air defenses unnoticed. The first flight was delayed to 2026 due to the availability of the Tu-160M2 bomber and more time needed for the aircraft final layout development. In June 2021, it was revealed that the PAK DA will be provided with the most sophisticated and comprehensive electronic warfare (EW) system. The EW system will combine several existing systems operated within the Russian Armed Forces and new breakthrough technology. The new system will prevent the guidance of air-to-air missiles while neutralizing detection by long-range radars and other radar-based assets to operate against the PAK DA. The new EW system will also operate in the optical spectrum jamming infrared-guided missiles as well.

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