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In the realm where stealth aircraft reign supreme, Russia’s inaugural foray into stealth bomber technology with the PAK DA has captured international attention, scrutiny, and controversy.
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Dubbed “Poslannik,” translating to “envoy” or “messenger,” this bomber represents a strategic leap forward for Russia, aiming to replace aging Soviet-era bombers while rivaling prominent American counterparts like the B-2 Spirit.
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Distinguishing itself from conventional high-speed bombers, the PAK DA prioritizes subsonic stealth capabilities.
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It boasts a formidable arsenal, including conventional, nuclear, and hypersonic weapons, housed within its impressive internal payload capacity of 30 tons.
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Drawing inspiration from the iconic B-2 Spirit’s flying wing design, the PAK DA minimizes radar cross-section, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
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Despite making progress, including a full-scale mockup, Russia faces mounting challenges.
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Western sanctions and financial constraints, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, cast doubts on the feasibility of this ambitious endeavor.
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A former U.S. defense contractor aviation expert openly questioned the project’s viability: “Clearly, Russia wants the PAK DA. However, I have no idea how they could afford it.
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Further, I would also add they don’t have the microchips needed to make this work or technology due to sanctions related to the Ukraine war.
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For now, the PAK DA, I would argue, is just a dream.”Even as Russia perseveres, its global rivals are not resting. US officials maintain confidence that these advancements remain superior to foreign designs.
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A Pentagon intelligence official remarked, “The thing with the H-20 is when you actually look at the system design, it’s probably nowhere near as good as US LO [low observable] platforms, particularly more advanced ones that we have coming down.”
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Despite delays and skepticism, Russia’s commitment to the PAK DA remains unshaken. The urgency for its completion is palpable, as any failure to deliver could create a strategic void for U.S. aerospace forces to exploit.
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Russia’s resilience in the face of adversity and adaptability in reinvigorating its military manufacturing sector under the pressures of war cannot be underestimated.
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The same grit that has seen the upgrading of the Tu-160 “White Swan” bombers to fulfill critical roles suggests a similar determination to see the PAK DA through.
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Expected to roll out prototypes in the upcoming years, with the first flight projected for 2025, the PAK DA’s journey is a testament to Russia’s enduring pursuit of global military parity.
Relevant articles:
– PAK DA: Russia’s Stealth Bomber Nightmare Needs to End, The National Interest
– PAK DA: Russia’s Stealth Bomber Nightmare Won’t End, The National Interest
– 20 stealth bomber ‘not really’ a concern for Pentagon, says intel official, breakingdefense.com
– PAK-DA not for us : IAF Official, Indian Defence Forum