On July 2, Russian news source TASS reported that Russia plans to test the KH-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) “aboard the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber.” Quoted in TASS, General Mikhail Operin stated, “‘The tests are needed to see whether it [the bomber] will be capable of accelerating the missile and to get the results.’” The Kinzhal has a range of 1,500 to 2,000 km and is nuclear-capable, but on July 18, TASS reported that an unofficial source suggests the missile’s range would exceed 3,000 km if outfitted on the Tu-22M3.