An informed source told Sputnik that Russia has begun developing a new anti-submarine aircraft with a wider range of weapons to replace the Soviet Il-38.

"Development work has begun on the creation of a basic anti-submarine, reconnaissance, and patrol aircraft to replace the Soviet Il-38," the source said.
 
It added that the new machine will retain the four-engine layout standard for aircraft of this class; it is planned to be equipped with TV7-117 turboprop engines."
 
The new aircraft will be outfitted with cutting-edge onboard technology, including new sonar buoys, and its arsenal of weapons will be expanded in comparison to the Il-38, according to the source. The new Russian anti-submarine plane will be almost entirely constructed with domestic electronic components.

The Ilyushin Il-38 anti-submarine and maritime patrol aircraft were produced from 1967 to 1972. In total, over 60 warfare aircraft were built.

The basic version of the aircraft is outfitted with radio sonar buoys to detect enemy submarines, as well as anti-submarine weapons like torpedoes and mines.

The Russian military currently operates approximately 25 Il-38s, including modernized Il-38Ns.

Two months ago, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu pointed out that Russia will focus on improving drones and the vulnerabilities of fighter aircraft and bombers to modern air defense systems to boost the Aerospace Forces’ combat potential this year.

"Our immediate plans are to expand the arsenal of modern strike weapons," Shoigu indicated at the Ministry’s conference call.

"We will raise the combat potential of the Aerospace Forces both with regard to the capabilities of fighters and bombers to operate in areas of modern air defense systems and the upgrade of unmanned aerial vehicles," the Russian Minister said.

Russia to continue developing nuclear triad

In a similar context, Shoigu said Russia intends to continue forging ahead with its nuclear triad in 2023.

"We will continue to develop the nuclear triad and maintain its combat readiness because the nuclear shield remains the main guarantee of our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," he further stressed.

Shoigu revealed in late December that the share of advanced equipment provided to the county’s strategic nuclear forces had reached 91.3%, affirming that the nuclear triad is maintained at a level where strategic deterrence is guaranteed.

Elsewhere, the Russian Defense Minister highlighted that the command and communications system of Russia’s Armed Forces will be upgraded in 2023 with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

"We need to improve the control and communications system. To this end, we will actively use the technologies of artificial intelligence," Shoigu said.