Coming soon to a 3rd world nuclear power near you?


Item: China takes over Tu-22 production line.

Russia is to sell its production line of Tu-22M3 long-range bombers to China, and the bomber's name will be changed to the Hong-10, reports China News Service. . . .
The Hong-10, whose components will all be produced in China with the exception of the engine, is expected to fly in the second half of next year, and the country will produce 36 aircraft in the first batch to be delivered to the air force.

Story. The sale was actually arranged some two years ago, according to the original Chinese sources. The Tu-22 is a swing-wing long range bomber. Though viewed as old and obsolete by first-line air forces, obsolescence is a relative term, as any B-52 crewman can tell you.

While the move gave China more aircraft and all the spare parts it needs, you have to wonder a) what improvements they'll make, and b) at what point China starts selling the aircraft to countries that "need" a long-range delivery system for nuclear weapons.