While stealth aircraft dominate the skies and strategic calculations of global powers, Russia’s first stealth bomber, the PAK DA, has become a focus of attention, scrutiny, and controversy. Codenamed “Poslannik,” meaning “envoy” or “messenger,” the bomber is a long-range, stealth strategic project intended to replace aging Soviet-era bombers and compete with leading American designs such as the B-2 Spirit.
The PAK DA diverges from traditional high-speed bombers by emphasizing subsonic stealth capabilities. It is designed to carry a formidable arsenal, including conventional, nuclear, and hypersonic weapons. With an impressive internal payload capacity of 30 tons, the PAK DA’s design borrows from the iconic B-2 Spirit’s flying wing concept, minimizing radar cross-section for enhanced stealth.
Despite making progress, including a full-scale mockup, Russia faces mounting challenges. Western sanctions and financial constraints, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, cast doubts on the feasibility of this ambitious endeavor. 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. 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. 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. 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.”
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. Russia’s resilience in the face of adversity and adaptability in reinvigorating its military manufacturing sector under the pressures of war cannot be underestimated. 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.
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