United Engine Corporation (UEC) began bench tests of the NK-32 series 02 engine for the modernized Tu-160M2 strategic bomber, according by the corporation. This reported by TASS.

"Bench testing of new engines NK-32 series 02, intended for the Tu-160M2 strategic bomber-missile carrier, are conducted at the Samara PJSC "Kuznetsov", the UEC said.

They specified that due to the modernization of a number of units, NK-32 series 02 became more economical. "Due to this engine, the Tu-160M2 bomber, whose production is planned to be deployed in Russia, will receive enhanced capabilities, including the range of the flight," the UEC noted.

In 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the resumption of production of Tu-160 aircraft. In October 2016, Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov said that so far 50 such vehicles are planned to be produced. He also reported that the installation batch of six engines for upgraded missile carriers Tu-160M2 will be fully delivered by the first quarter of 2018.

Earlier in the UEC, it was noted that the test bench for new engines underwent a reconstruction and was certified for operation with the NK-32 power units.