OREANDA-NEWS  Kazan aviation plant named after Gorbunov began production of the first samples of the modernized Tu-160 new construction, said on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia Alexei Krivoruchko during a visit to the enterprise.

"Now the production of the first samples is already underway, it has begun. Of course, mass production will be in the near future. We will wait for the first flight, the implementation of experimental design work, then the decision will be made on serial deliveries, " Krivoruchko told reporters, answering the question about the resumption of production of the Tu-160.

The Deputy Minister stressed that all work is on time. "Works are conducted, terms are maintained. There are no fears for today, " the Deputy Head of the Military Department said.

Also, when visiting the aircraft factory, the Deputy Minister inspected the reconstruction of production facilities. "We looked at the company, satisfied with the result. The Federal target program in terms of reconstruction and renovation of funds is also being implemented," Krivoruchko said.

According to him, KAZ Gorbunova now - is "a stable operating company with an order for the long term." The Deputy Minister got acquainted with the progress of repair work with the modernization of the enterprise combatant Tu-22M3 and strategic missile Tu-160.

At the end of the visit, representatives of the military Department and specialists of the aircraft factory discussed current issues of the state defense order.

Tu-160-the largest aircraft with variable wing geometry, one of the most powerful combat vehicles in the world. In 2015, it was announced the decision to resume production of strategic missile carriers at the Kazan aircraft plant. On November 16, 2017, the new aircraft was transferred from the final Assembly shop to the flight test station of the plant. Thanks to the modernization, the efficiency of the Tu-160 should increase by 60%.