The Tu-22M3M, extensively upgraded Tupolev Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' supersonic long-range strategic bomber, made its maiden flight.  Tu-22M3M  take off from an airbase belonging to the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant (KAZ) on 28 December.

Aircraft will be able to carry up to four Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched cruise missiles as well as new Russian anti-ship missiles.

According to the press office of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the flight lasted for 37 minutes and was conducted in a routine mode at an altitude of 1,500 m.

The Tu-22M3M prototype has been fitted with a Russian-made on board digital avionics suite and has received new targeting, navigation, communications, engine control, and electronic warfare subsystems. About 80% of the systems interacting with the aircraft's 'electronic brain' are new. The modernisation has thus given the 'Backfire-C' increased combat, navigation, automation, and maintenance capabilities and an avionics suite sharing commonality with that of the updated Tu-160M 'Blackjack' strategic bomber.