Columnist for the American publication 19FortyFive Christian Orr assessed the danger of the Russian
As Orr noted, in NATO codification, this aircraftcalled backfire. It has a variable sweep wing. The upgraded Tu-22M with the NK-25 engine can reach speeds of up to 2,300 km/h and carries 24 tons of bombs and missiles.
The bomber was designed to strike in Europe and Asia, but, according to the observer, is capable of making an intercontinental flight against the United States.
“Given the ever-deteriorating state ofU.S.-Russian relations, the threat that Backfire bombers could pose to American and allied assets should still be taken seriously," Orr said.