Inside the Mystery of Russia’s T-60 Stealth Bomber and Its Claimed 60-Ton Payload

Russia’s rumored T-60 strategic Stealth bomber has recently drawn attention after reports claimed it could carry up to 60 tons of explosives, nearly double the payload of the American B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The claim has sparked speculation about Moscow’s next-generation bomber development and renewed comparisons between U.S. and Russian long-range strike capabilities.

The T-60, often referred to in some circles as the “T-60S,” has been mentioned for years in connection with Russia’s advanced bomber research. While many of its details remain speculative, the project is generally believed to trace back to design work by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the late Soviet era. The aircraft was envisioned as a supersonic, medium-range stealth bomber capable of replacing older models like the Tu-22M. Although the exact status of the T-60 remains unclear, the renewed talk has coincided with Moscow’s ongoing modernization of its air force and the emphasis on new-generation stealth technologies.

Claims that the T-60 can carry a payload of 60,000 kilograms of ordnance are, however, difficult to verify. If true, it would far exceed the known carrying capacity of current operational bombers worldwide. For comparison, the U.S. B-2 Spirit, which has been the cornerstone of America’s stealth bomber fleet since the 1990s, can carry roughly 18 to 27 tons of weapons, depending on the mission profile. Even Russia’s existing Tu-160M2, the world’s heaviest operational bomber, typically carries around 45 tons of missiles and ordnance at most.

Reports suggest that the T-60, if in development, could be designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads, employing long-range cruise missiles such as the Kh-101 or Kh-102 series, which are already used by the Tu-160 and Tu-95 fleets. These missiles, capable of ranges beyond 5,000 kilometers, are central to Russia’s modern strategic doctrine. It is also possible that the aircraft would be compatible with future hypersonic systems now being tested under Russia’s advanced weapons programs.

In terms of technology, analysts believe the T-60’s design might incorporate radar-absorbing materials, internal weapons bays, and a reduced radar cross-section similar to what is seen in Western stealth aircraft. The engines would likely be modified variants of those powering the Tu-160M2, allowing high subsonic or even low supersonic flight while maintaining long endurance.

During a recent event in Alaska, when American B-2 bombers flew overhead as part of a military demonstration, observers noted President Vladimir Putin’s brief smile. Some commentators interpreted it as a subtle message — perhaps a sign of confidence that Russia’s upcoming bomber technology could rival or exceed Western capabilities. While the moment drew media curiosity, officials offered no public explanation, and no direct connection between the flyover and the T-60 rumors has been confirmed.

What is clear is that Russia continues to invest heavily in long-range strike aviation. Alongside the T-60 reports, the country is actively pursuing the PAK-DA program — a subsonic, stealthy flying wing bomber intended to serve as the backbone of Russia’s future strategic air fleet. The PAK-DA is expected to complement the Tu-160M and eventually replace older bombers over the coming decades.

Whether the T-60 exists as an experimental prototype, a technology demonstrator, or merely a concept that evolved into the PAK-DA remains uncertain. But the discussions around its claimed payload and capabilities highlight Moscow’s intent to signal that it is keeping pace with U.S. strategic aviation developments. For now, the 60-ton payload claim should be viewed cautiously, pending official disclosures or confirmed test flights. What is certain, however, is that both Russia and the United States are entering a new phase of long-range bomber competition — one defined by stealth, range, and precision rather than just raw explosive capacity.