Tu-95MS Bear

The Tu-95MS is a turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile carrier — the only turboprop bomber still in operational service worldwide. Despite its age, it carries Kh-101 and Kh-55 cruise missiles and has been used extensively to launch strikes on Ukraine. Its distinctive four contra-rotating propeller engines make it one of the loudest aircraft ever built.

First flew 1952. The Tu-95MS variant with cruise missile capability entered service 1981. Russia has been upgrading the fleet with Kh-101 stealth cruise missiles. Was heavily targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes in 2024 — several destroyed at Engels and Olenya airbases.