CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
CIA HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM
RELEASE2
MEMORANDUM TO HOLDERS OF; "SOVIETFOR LONG RANOE2 TOP SECRET
SUBJECT: Revision of Estimated Soviet Strength In Heavy Bombers
ew assessment of Soviet heavy bombers and tankers In Long Range Aviation, conducted subsequent to the approval ofy the United Stales Intelligence Boardndicates that the'estimate of BEAR turboprop heavy bombers Inas too low. We now believe that there areEARS inunits, rather thans estimated in. We also conclude, with respect to BISON Jet heavy bombers and tankers, that thc rangeircraft in operational unitsetter estimate than the single figureiven in. On this basis, wc now estimate that the USSR haseavy bombers and tankers In operational units as of
II.-ivy Uombtrs and Tankers
DEAR
Approximate Total*
continue to believe that production of BISONS andceased. We estimate that Soviet operational strength in thesewill remain (airly stable for the next year or so and thenthrough normal attrition. Thc table below revises andthe numerical estimates of Soviet heavy bombers andndf:
DO
members of thc USIB agree that Soviet strength inBEARS Is likely to fall within the foregoing ranges. Ashis dissenting footnotes to paragraphsndf NIEthe Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, USAF, believesSoviet heavy bomber and tanker strength will remain at approxl-
ircraft, with the probable introductionollow-on
L lVy.int0units beginning
o the table above, he would addollow-on heavy0 in0 inndnhe majority of thc USIB continues lo believe that BISONS and BEARS will probably comprise the entire Soviet force of heavy bombers and tankers over the next five years.
Original document.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: