VIDEO: Vladimir Putin Flies the Largest Supersonic Aircraft

Russian President Vladimir Putin has boarded the upgraded Tu-160M strategic missile carrier (NATO designation: Blackjack). The flight will last up to 40 minutes, and the route is not disclosed as it is considered a military secret. This was announced to reporters by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the head of state, according to TASS.

Earlier, Putin arrived at the airstrip of Kazan's Gorbunov Aviation Plant. For the flight, Putin donned a special flight suit. The Russian leader greeted the waiting crew before boarding the aircraft.

Putin stated that he has a good impression of flying in the Tu-160M: "We are receiving new technology, and the equipment is superb. It is truly of a new generation," said the president.

The Tu-160M is an upgraded version of the Tu-160 aircraft. It is designed to strike significant targets in remote areas using both nuclear and conventional weapons. It is the largest supersonic aircraft in military aviation history and the heaviest combat aircraft in the world.